Skam Sesong 3

You can really see how inclusive the Nordic social environment is. The pressure on Angel comes mostly from within himself, aside from his mother's intense religious beliefs. His father, the girls he’s been with, his love-hate relationship with his black friend, even his Muslim classmate—all of them accept the reality faster than he does.

Before confirming his relationship, Angel goes to take a "gay test," which shows less than a 20% likelihood—basically straight. There are a few quick questions in the scene that are quite interesting, like his spending on haircuts, his preferences in fashion, and his views on certain male celebrities. His initial reactions are all very... traditionally straight.

The first time he comes out is to his gay roommate, nervously adding that he's with Even, but it doesn't mean he's gay... Being gay isn't a bad thing, but he's not "that kind" of gay. People tend to have this stereotype of what being gay should be, and it's unfair to those who don't fit that mold. Just because he likes Even doesn’t mean he’s going to start wearing mascara, tight clothes, or joining pride parades...

Ultimately, he’s just scared of being labeled, whether it’s good or bad.

But Even seems to understand him. At a party when they first meet, Emma says, "I love gays, they're so interesting," and Even very seriously disagrees, saying, "Your logic is wrong. That’s like saying all Muslims are terrorists." Emma says, "Oh, it’s different. Interesting is a positive word," and Even replies, "No, logic is logic. Not all gays are interesting."

Exactly, not all straight men don't dress well.

Not all boys like toy cars.

Not all girls like wearing skirts.

It’s also really interesting to think about: which stereotype is easier to get rid of, gender stereotypes or sexual orientation stereotypes?

I’m grateful for this show’s contribution in challenging the stereotypes people have of LGBT people, those with mental health issues, religious believers, and other minorities. Julie Andem is the cutest screenwriter!

After watching it, I began to think, why do so many people from different countries, with different cultural backgrounds, genders, religious beliefs, levels of education, age groups, and life experiences, all genuinely love this Norwegian teen drama? And why do I, someone who considers themselves to have a mature worldview and outlook on life, also genuinely love this drama? Is it really as simple as saying "it's because the love between Isak and Evan touched everyone"? I think that answer is perhaps too simplistic and shallow. There are thousands of forms of love in the world, and true love is no different. Even Romeo and Juliet don’t appeal to everyone.

So what exactly is it that makes people from all walks of life, from all different backgrounds, feel the same longing for something deep within the human soul?

It is closeness, intimacy!

Being close to each other, feeling that "the world is just us," that kind of seamless intimacy—where one look says it all.

It turns out there are so many actions that can replace the words “I love you”: Nowadays, movies are filled with various forms of intimate contact, or just the direct use of "I love you" to tell the audience that the characters are in love, that they are intimate. But beyond “knowing” that the two people on screen are telling a love story, we often don’t feel it. Worse still, we know they’re acting out a love story, and the acting is terrible. The preciousness of Skam lies in the fact that the two characters never say “I love you” to each other (except at the end of a text message), but we still undeniably feel their love and anxiety. The embrace that isn’t rushed, the gentle touch that isn’t sexual, the look that sees into each other’s soul. The warmth of holding your lover close, feeling each other’s breath and heartbeat, a silent moment that is not awkward—that is the deepest connection between lovers. Love without a deep soul connection is just a matter of material considerations, economic weighing, and physical needs. Like most of today’s so-called love and marriage.

Looking back at my past relationships, so many times we would argue over who says “I love you” first, who loves more, these trivial and time-wasting games of love. None of them were profound. Those relationship formulas—dating, eating, watching movies, breaking up—just like a clock, going full circle back to the starting point of breaking up. Not one of them had closeness, not one. When I was studying in the US, there was a coffee shop near my college called Purple Onion, and I went there almost every day, doing homework, daydreaming, hanging out, drinking coffee. After graduation, I only remember one day at Purple Onion Cafe, the sun shining as always, warm and bright, and on the couch beside me sat a couple. The boy had his arm around the girl, whispering softly to her, staring intently into her eyes, a smile on his lips. That kind of closeness was enviable and comforting. I couldn’t help but keep looking at them, just like looking at a portrait at the New York Museum of Art, so quiet and beautiful. Isak and Evan made the whole world feel the beauty of closeness. This is probably the most beautiful Christmas gift.

Why do they, at 18, understand things that I only figured out later, and live authentically and truly by them, while I, even knowing the truth, can’t live so honestly? At 18, Isak understands that no one knows what will happen tomorrow, so he lives fully in the present, cherishing every minute of it. He doesn’t know what the future holds with Evan, but he is still thrilled to meet him and live each moment with him. I understand the theory, but whenever I meet someone, I still can’t help but think about their personality, their flaws, their abilities, whether their job fits my future. This kind of thinking prevents me from truly experiencing every moment with that person, let alone enjoying it. Isak also makes Evan understand that looking after your lover is not a bad thing. In a culture that places a strong emphasis on individual and independent consciousness, Evan didn’t want to be cared for like Isak’s ex-girlfriend controlled him. But Isak tells him, “Why is looking after you a bad thing?” Isak understands the difference between care and control, respects Evan, doesn’t let him smoke marijuana, but doesn’t force him to attend his parties either. He says, "Just take it one day at a time." But me, when I love someone, I want to know their every move, and if I can’t find them, I start to overthink. I put all my thoughts into the other person, forgetting that they are also an independent individual with their own time and life. In the end, it’s because I haven’t lived my life well that I intrude on someone else’s life in the name of love. I forget to respect the other person, and that ruins the relationship.

And their friends have a clear understanding of religion, like Sana who says, “If anyone uses religion to judge or hate you, that’s not from what they believe, but from their fear.” Jonas, Tyga, and another black friend show a tolerance for coming out that surpasses people many years older than them. Emma says, “I’m angry not because you lied and didn’t come to my party, but because you knew you were gay, and still let me like you.” ....... These 18-year-old boys and girls have a “politically correct” worldview and values about religion, homosexuality, friendship, and love. They have a clear and rational understanding of life. Though I know these lines were written by the scriptwriter, who interviewed over 2,000 Norwegian teens to write the script, I know that these are the real-world views and values of 18-year-old Norwegians. In the Nordic countries, thousands of kilometers away from me, these 18-year-olds live a “meaningful life” that I only began to understand. And even if I understand it now, to live genuinely and freely in this country still feels like a distant dream. I don’t know if I will ever be able to practice a genuine and free life in my lifetime.

After watching, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions and write a long review. First, I want to thank the writer, Julie Andem. As mentioned in a post on Weibo by宅子, "Julie Andem is the most praised and worshipped writer of our time." Thank you for creating SKAM, and thank you for raising the show to such a high intellectual level in season 3. I’m truly grateful.

Honestly, I think this is the best TV show I’ve ever seen. It's the only show I truly want to give a 10/10. No matter if it has some fan interactions on the official website or the episodes are too short, none of those will reduce my rating. Even if I had to lower it by 0.1 points, I wouldn’t, so just let it shine!

The whole show starts with Isak at a party flirting with girls. At that point, you just think he’s a carefree boy. However, after his love-at-first-sight moment in the restaurant, he completely changes. Love really can transform someone. Even if you’re great at flirting, you can still end up being shy and have the guy of your dreams flirting with you. Every time Isak sees Even, he becomes shy and doesn’t dare to look at him. Because he likes him, he starts thinking NAS songs are the best in the world. He becomes more self-centered, often ditching his friends for Even. After finding out that Even has a girlfriend, he forces himself to believe he’s straight, but still gets stuck in that interrupted kiss. He becomes more sensitive, always worried that Even will go back to his ex. His intelligence drops as he starts believing Even’s ex’s words, afraid that their love is just a joke from his illness. There’s no big plot here, just some fragments, but they make you feel deeply. Because Isak is the real reflection of us falling in love. And Even is the guy we dream about. He gets close to you in every way, flirting with you. Every eyebrow raise, every kiss makes you fall deeper.

But this show is not just about love; it’s about two souls saving each other. From the first and second seasons and the beginning of season 3, we can see that Isak is actually deep in the closet, and it’s Even who makes him brave enough to come out. On the other hand, Even always thought he was alone until Isak completely accepted him. Sonja had been with him for four years but couldn’t understand Even’s spiritual world. She thought his reading the Qur’an and his homosexual behavior were just symptoms of his bipolar disorder. But Isak was different. He told Even, “Only you can truly understand me.” That’s why Even would change the movie script for him, hide his illness from him because he didn’t want Isak to leave him, and write lyrics to keep him, eventually wanting to commit suicide because he didn’t want to drag him down.

Without his friends' help, Isak wouldn’t have been able to save Even. Sana helped him change his view on Islam, so he could understand Even reading the Qur’an; his roommates helped him understand the LGBTQ+ community; his best friend helped him reconcile with Even and gave him the courage to face Even’s illness. Most importantly, his mother, because she too suffers from a mental illness, but her love for Isak never changed because of his sexual orientation. So, in episode 9, the strong Isak finally understood Even’s true feelings, and in the hymn, he was able to "save Even back."

This show’s charm isn’t in new stories, but in the details. From the carefully edited episodic scenes to the small actions and expressions of the actors, every hint, even every BGM, is so real and finely done. Even though there’s a reference to Romeo and Juliet, it doesn’t feel forced, and the rewritten ending elevates the whole show. Also, Noora and William’s BE was integrated well into the third season’s story because William’s actor wasn’t available, and it was handled perfectly. The writer is truly a genius, and so are our actors.

When I saw Evak embrace each other today, I felt like I was being saved too. SKAM truly is the best gift of the year.

================================================

Season 3 has finally ended, and though Isak’s words at the end make me a little worried, shouldn’t we all live in the present? Just like he comforted Even, “We never know what will happen tomorrow.” Maybe tomorrow an atomic bomb will fall, maybe they will break up tomorrow. But as long as he can see Even’s smile right now, that’s enough. The future is still long, and there’s no need to rush to conclusions, saying someone is your “man of life.” Even if they break up one day, this relationship has given Isak the courage to love someone else. However, if the writer doesn’t continue the BE tradition from the first two seasons, Evak will never have a bad ending. Facing a boy who secretly liked you for two months before finally gathering the courage to approach you, how can you let go of him? Moreover, Isak has always been a very self-centered person. After falling in love with Even, he truly gave his whole world to him. He didn’t see Even as someone mentally ill like Sonja did; he just wanted to help his lover. This soul mate, who has worked so hard to cherish every moment, will definitely be happy forever. I can’t wait for the fourth season to make us cry again.

I feel compelled to recommend SKAM (Chinese title: 羞耻) to the world—this unique "youth education drama" from Norway. Each season consists of 10 episodes, each about 30 minutes long, and there are three seasons in total. Each season features a different main character.

The uniqueness of this show can be seen in many aspects, such as the casting.

There are no professional actors in this show; most of the cast had never acted before. The actor playing Isak in season 3 is only 17 and still in high school (that's his 17!), while Even's actor, who is equally talented, works as a barista in real life and returned to his job after filming…

However, this doesn’t affect their incredible and powerful performances. The actors were selected from over 1,200 people, and the director tailored the roles based on their characteristics… this is something extremely innovative and unprecedented. It’s precisely because of this that every character feels so rich and real.

Honestly, when I first started watching the show, I felt awkward and bored.

The awkwardness came from the huge cultural difference between Nordic countries and ours—the lifestyle of Nordic teenagers, their openness of mind, and their way of thinking are vastly different from what we’re used to.

The boredom, however, came from the show’s most brilliant feature—the “immersion feeling.” This feeling stays with you throughout, making you feel like you can deeply empathize with the characters. This is the greatest charm of the show. And this feeling of immersion comes from the incredibly strong sense of realism presented by the show.

From the very beginning, you can sense this realism. Unlike typical Korean, American, Chinese, or Japanese dramas, where the camera tells you everything, and you watch as an outsider with a God’s-eye view, SKAM doesn't let you maintain that. The reason you initially find it boring is that you’re not used to it; your only storyline starts with Isak, and this change from being a God-like observer to someone living in Isak’s world is striking.

But later on, if you pay attention, you’ll notice that even though the camera only shows what Isak sees, everything—the smallest details of his actions, every event happening around him, every thought inside him, every gaze and expression—every detail is shown to help you understand the story. Even the focus point of his eyes—there’s one scene where Isak’s girlfriend comes to find him, but as Even walks by from far away, Isak’s girlfriend is right in front of him, yet her image is out of focus, while Even’s figure is crystal clear. This shot clearly tells us how much Isak is drawn to Even.

But the show is so clever that it doesn't directly tell you what will happen next; it makes you part of the experience.

It gives you endless hints and foreshadowing, making you, like Isak, confused and helpless yet intoxicated. When the conflict erupts and the truth comes to light, you feel a bit of a shiver, but there's also a bittersweet realization that everything makes sense.

This intense sense of immersion, realism, and the ability to transcend time, space, and cultural differences make me feel like this is happening right next to me, and I’m sneaking a peek into their lives.

(Spoilers below)

I want to talk about my personal feelings regarding the love story between Even and Isak.

I believe love can sometimes change a person.

Although I didn’t watch the first two seasons, I have a rough idea that our “little angel” Isak, before meeting Even, could be considered a bit of a “bad boy” (the character development is definitely like this, and this point is undeniable). I won’t give specific examples, but you get the idea. However, in this season, we can clearly see a transformation in Isak.

After meeting Even, little angel Isak not only becomes less sharp but starts to soften inside. He begins to learn to compromise and actively seeks help from others. He even starts to take care of people, or rather, he starts learning to take on responsibilities he had never taken before.

At the end, he awkwardly apologizes to Emma and Eva, saying he was wrong and hopes to be forgiven. This is something, based on his character before, that would have been impossible.

But he met Even, someone who truly loves him and makes him brave enough to face his inner self and accept who he is. This is a form of redemption for Isak and his own self-redemption.

Perhaps Isak’s transformation stems from a sense of remorse after accepting his true self. His past actions were perhaps just an exaggerated defense to hide his true self because he feared exposure.

But that doesn’t matter; what matters is that through this relationship, he accepted who he truly is, gained a new perspective on life, and became a better person. And that’s enough.

Now, let’s talk about "Nordic Heartthrob" Even. This is a character I deeply resonate with from every angle.

I really feel for him, understand him, and at the same time, I think he’s really lucky to have met people like Isak and his ex-girlfriend, who care about him and love him (though his ex-girlfriend is really wonderful, very loving, and caring, she could never fully understand Even’s mental world, so emotionally, their relationship couldn’t work).

Even is someone who should be free-spirited and full of artistic energy, and it’s his unique aura that draws Isak to him.

Now, let’s talk about Even’s bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by alternating periods of mania (excessive excitement) and depression.

(I want to emphasize here that bipolar disorder can manifest in different ways depending on the individual, and this discussion is based on some people's cases. I am not an authority and am just sharing my personal views! Please don't generalize this!)

In the manic phase, mania doesn’t mean losing the ability to think (this was clarified by Jonas when he spoke up for his mother). On the contrary, some people’s talents and abilities are greatly amplified during this time, which normal people cannot reach (this is why bipolar disorder is sometimes called “the disease of geniuses”—many famous poets and writers were affected by it and created brilliant works during their manic phases).

During manic episodes, some patients may feel they have boundless energy, be full of enthusiasm, feel invincible, and view the world and the people around them in an overwhelmingly positive light. They relentlessly pursue their dreams and goals, with a stream of thoughts and inspiration pouring out uncontrollably. They want to share their thoughts and joy with others, and it’s hard to stop them.

What I think about Even’s situation should fall into this category.

So when Even speaks the seemingly fantastical things to Isak in the hotel, they are not just the ramblings of a manic episode, but rather his genuine feelings. These are things he deeply yearns for and finds beautiful. He really, really loves Isak.

As for the part where he runs out of the hotel naked, I personally think that some things can’t be fully explained. Maybe it was exaggerated to create conflict, or maybe Even was in an extreme manic state. But from the general reactions of people with bipolar disorder during mania (uncontrolled and wild thoughts), I think he hadn’t reached that extreme yet.

After a period of heightened excitement, the manic phase passes, and individuals often fall into a depressive phase. In depression, the individual’s thoughts become pessimistic, their will weak, and they lose hope in life. It’s the complete opposite of mania, and sometimes people with bipolar disorder may also abuse substances (like Even smoking or using marijuana), which worsens their condition.

Even might have been in a depressive phase when discussing “death” with Isak, or maybe not. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating extremes of mania and depression, and the cycles are hard to predict.

Like a lightbulb constantly switching on and off, eventually, it will explode.

Bipolar disorder is a very tormenting illness, but I want to emphasize that, with the right treatment and guidance, the condition can be controlled.

In this show, I need to correct something. Even’s ex-girlfriend told Isak that only Even could overcome this illness on his own and that no one else could help him.

This theory is completely wrong.

This is a mistake many people make due to ignorance. Bipolar disorder, like other illnesses, is manageable. It’s not as frightening as cancer, but it’s also not something to be neglected, because it won’t heal on its own like a cold.

Neglecting mental illness only deepens the condition and can lead to irreversible consequences.

If you have a mental illness and ignore it, even something as minor as an ulcer could lead to death. Mental illness is not something you can simply overcome on your own. The correct approach is to seek a professional psychologist and receive proper guidance and treatment, which is far more effective than struggling alone.

Even’s deterioration might have been caused by fighting alone. (Sigh…)

Returning to the main point, even if Even was in a normal state at that time (bipolar disorder has phases where the person is neither manic nor depressed), when he thought about the pain of depression or mania, he might have spoken some negative words. After all, this is really painful, and who wouldn’t want it to end, even in an extreme and negative way?

I really feel for Even. When I heard Isak say, “I don’t want to live with someone who has mental illness,” I could almost feel Even’s inner light go out. This was his biggest fear, and it’s why he chose to avoid it. He was so conflicted and sad, which is why he said to Isak at the end, “I knew this was how it would end. I would hurt you, and you would hate me, then leave me.”

But he loved Isak so much, how could he hurt him?

But the truth is, Even couldn’t control himself, and when the illness struck again, he couldn’t guarantee what would happen. He couldn’t promise he wouldn’t hurt Isak. He understood all of this, but he didn’t want to hurt Isak. When he heard Isak’s words about not wanting to live with someone with mental illness, he retreated. I think at that moment, he wanted to give up on the relationship. After all, he couldn’t even guarantee his own stability, how could he love Isak?

But later, he went back to him, because he loved Isak so much. This love was so intense that he couldn’t stop himself. He hoped, with a glimmer of hope, that maybe he could live healthily with Isak. Maybe things could turn around.

So, when he returned to Isak, he tried to hide his illness (e.g., refusing to let his ex-girlfriend talk to Isak because he feared she’d tell him). He hoped that if he kept it hidden, Isak wouldn’t notice, and then he wouldn’t leave him. But, as we all know, that’s impossible. Even probably knew this deep down, but he just hoped to prolong this happiness a little longer before everything was revealed, before they parted ways.

I think during that time, although everything looked sweet and wonderful on the surface, Even was probably struggling inside.

When everything finally came to light, I think Even’s inner turmoil was even worse than Isak’s. The carefree, charismatic, and aggressive image Even had been projecting was just a protective shell. The real Even was the one curled up in bed, wrapped in a blanket, terrified of losing everything.

People often do foolish things for love, like Even hiding the truth from Isak because he feared losing him.

But Even overlooked one thing: Isak loved him far more than he thought.

The most touching thing about this relationship is that the love between both of them is almost equal. It’s so strong.

When Isak knew the truth and was ready to end the relationship, he received Even’s text at 21:21 in the church. In that moment, Isak’s heart became stronger than ever. He knew what he was about to face, but he was willing to take the risk, because he loved Even so much. He wanted to try and go through it all with Even, even though he didn’t know how long this "Every minute with Even and Isak" game would last.

But, in the end, how long can it last? Does it really matter? Like little angel said, “Maybe we won’t be together tomorrow, but I’m still thankful I met him.” Isn’t this the same for Even? We must learn to live in the present. To meet someone who loves you and redeems you, and to share so many ups and downs and beautiful moments—what more could you ask for, even if you can’t stay together in the end?

But I still hope, in some parallel universe, that there’s a healthy and happy Even and Isak. They met at the best age, fell in love at first sight, dressed as God and Caesar at their wedding, with mini hamburgers. Even drives a white Tesla and proposes to his lover on the balcony, and they live happily ever after.

For me, this show is not just a touching love story; it also tells the story of discovering the self, facing the self, self-redemption, and mutual redemption. The exquisite and delicate performances of the two leads, along with the immersive cinematography, allowed me to experience a strong, uncontrollable sense of happiness while being deeply moved. Watching this show gave me an indescribable sense of beauty.

I’ll quote a review from Douban: “Words really fail to describe the love that’s hidden in every glance, every brush of noses, every gentle whisper. I think so many people are obsessed with this show, and I probably share the same experience as them—drowning in their love while feeling my own joy and happiness.”

Seeing other people's story can make you feel such genuine happiness. This is the charm of the show.

Thank you, SKAM, for letting me witness such a beautiful relationship at this time.

When discussing Isak with someone, I found myself reflecting on the performance of the young actor Tarjei, which left a deep impression on me. After some thought, I decided to write a separate long review to express my thoughts.

SKAM is a low-budget production, and the director's use of handheld cinematography and first-person narration was a very clever approach, but also a risky one. The shaky camera helps mask the limitations of the sets and props but also runs the risk of making the audience lose focus, turning the project into a poorly executed piece. So, the director and writer put a lot of effort into this show, spending time understanding these young people. The dialogue was often improvised, and the director was very particular in their approach, knowing how to extract the best from the young, amateur actors to achieve such impressive performances. Given the limited conditions, this show is surprisingly refined, which explains why it became a classic, quickly gaining international popularity and being remade in multiple countries.

The remakes of SKAM have much higher production costs. The storyline, makeup, sets, props, lighting, and camera work are all more professional, and post-production is more polished. Some aspects are better than the original, but they tend to blend into similar works, which made me feel like they lacked that same sense of awe I felt when watching the original.

Specifically, I was amazed by the young actor Tarjei. He’s naturally good-looking, with distinctive features that people often comment on, such as “Cupid’s bow lips” and “eyelash perfection.” His acting talent is exceptional. With handheld cinematography, you have to stay focused on the subject to prevent the shaky camera from losing the audience’s attention. The first-person perspective is also a double-edged sword: if done well, it can be remarkable; if not, it can lead to an incoherent narrative. Under the intense scrutiny of handheld shots with close-ups of his face, Tarjei demonstrated incredible potential with his rich micro-expressions, authentic and natural emotional expressions, and layered, subtle performance that makes the audience feel deeply engaged and convinced. Overall, the cast of SKAM is mostly natural and real, with some youthful awkwardness, making their performances nuanced and layered. Tarjei, however, stands out clearly above the others.

Here are a few aspects where I felt his performance was particularly nuanced:

1. Sense of Rhythm in Performance This is a personal observation as an amateur viewer, and I’m not sure how professional actors would describe it, but I think everyone will understand what I mean. When I first watched the series, I started with Season 3, and from the second episode on the bus, I couldn’t stop focusing on him. His acting rhythm is very comfortable. Take the bus scene, for example: with just a few lines and pauses, the timing was perfect. There was no dragging, no rushing, and the lines flowed smoothly, combined with his rich micro-expressions, making the character feel very vivid.

2. Differentiation of Attitudes and Emotions Towards Different Characters, Maintaining Consistency of the Character’s Traits Isak has distinct attitudes towards Even, his friends, his roommate, and girls. Tarjei handled this very delicately, making the emotional differences clear yet subtle. He doesn’t exaggerate the emotions or force them to go beyond the character’s nature.

For example, his gaze towards Even and Jonas is both gentle, showing intimacy, but it doesn’t make the audience think he’s romantically interested in Jonas. Upon closer inspection, when he looks at Even, the corners of his mouth slightly lift—a very subtle detail that Tarjei handles brilliantly.

Similarly, his gaze towards his three friends—Magne, Chris, and William—was different for each one. I was amazed by how the young actor managed to convey such subtle differences in emotions and tone through his eyes and voice, not relying solely on the dialogue.

Take the coming-out conversation as an example. With Magne, his gaze is caring, and his tone cautious, slowly progressing with layers of tension and fear. With Chris and William, the concern is less intense, lacking the same level of fear, but instead conveying a kind of awkwardness, as if he’s speaking to a pure friend. When it came to William, his tone was more direct, with some initial awkwardness, hinting at distance, but that distance gradually fades as the conversation progresses. His portrayal of the coming-out conversation subtly shifts from indifference to embarrassment.

Moreover, Tarjei manages to consistently capture the core traits of Isak and maintain the character’s coherence throughout the series. For example, Isak is a fan of rap, and Tarjei brilliantly captures the “rap-like speech” in his character. Every time Isak speaks more than three sentences, his delivery has that “rap-like” rhythm. This characteristic is maintained throughout all four seasons, ensuring the character remains consistent.

3. Rich and Subtle Layering in Performance Tarjei’s portrayal of Isak is full of natural, lifelike micro-expressions, rich yet never exaggerated. His performance progresses smoothly, and you can feel the emotional development. What’s particularly remarkable is the subtlety of his emotional shifts. The small changes in emotion allow him a vast space for performance as the story progresses. This is, in my opinion, his greatest talent and what makes him stand out. Other actors in remakes don’t quite match his level in this regard.

The layers in his performance are not just in terms of the storyline, but also in his control of eye contact, tone, and emotional shifts. For the main character’s scenes, the other actors in the remakes show two or three layers at best, but Tarjei shows at least six or seven different emotional layers in Isak’s relationship with Even. In Episode 1 and 2, you see one layer; in Episodes 3 and 4, another layer; and so on, through to Episode 10.

For example, in similar scenes where Isak is uncertain about Even’s feelings and is chatting with his friends, you can still tell the difference between scenes based on the emotional progression of his performance, even without subtitles. Tarjei’s acting is always progressive, never regressing emotionally, which shows his mastery of emotional depth. In Season 4, there’s a behind-the-scenes clip where the director asks Tarjei to deliver the same line with different emotional tones, and Tarjei effortlessly delivers a “five-in-one take” with very subtle emotional shifts, showcasing his control over his craft.

When it comes to the smallest emotional details, it’s clear that Tarjei’s performances are filled with subtle but meaningful shifts. Take, for example, the final scene of Season 3, Episode 7, where Isak opens the door for Even. The camera zooms in three times, showing Isak’s lips pout. The first time, he’s angry; the second time, he wants to kiss but hasn’t cooled down; and the third time, he decides to kiss without any hesitation. The emotional layers are incredibly nuanced.

Similarly, in Season 4’s final episode, the same pouting lips and desire to kiss are conveyed, but with even more layers. I especially liked how, after cooling down, Isak gives Even a playful glare, instantly making the character feel more alive, and then seamlessly transitions into a flirtatious kiss. Many actors might exaggerate such a scene and overemphasize the emotion, but Tarjei’s performance remains subtle and natural.

Emotional Complexity in the Three Crying Scenes Isak only cries three times throughout the series, and those three crying scenes are closely connected. Even without subtitles, you can tell that each crying scene progresses emotionally. Crying with contrasting emotions is difficult, and it’s much harder to act out subtle emotional shifts, but Tarjei captures them beautifully.

In the original SKAM, the plot is relatively simple. Season 3, in particular, doesn’t have extreme highs and lows or intricate conflicts—rather, it focuses on the uncertainties of adolescence, the fear of being part of a minority group, the confusion of first love, and small feelings of frustration. So, Isak’s three tears are more meaningful and subtle than dramatic.

The first tear comes after Even’s strange behavior. Isak, in a panic, rushes to him. Upon hearing that Even is okay, he exhales in relief, but then he receives new, shocking news, causing his emotions to shift rapidly and unexpectedly. This tear is quick and fierce, like a pearl or a diamond, symbolizing sudden and intense emotion.

The second tear is a long shot, where Isak feels sad and lost, but a warm message from his mother brings some comfort. The tear slides slowly down his cheek, perfectly capturing the shift in emotion, releasing all the sadness without lingering.

The third tear happens after a conversation with his father, where Isak chooses to lie instead of revealing the truth. His emotions are suppressed, but when the tear finally falls, it marks the breaking point—his emotions come flooding out in a seamless progression.

Tarjei is undoubtedly an incredibly talented actor, and it’s no surprise that he was the only one nominated for acting awards. In his private moments, he’s a well-planned and idealistic person, passionate about acting. His performance style is delicate and smooth, and I greatly admire this young actor.

However, I do have some concerns. In Asia, this may be fine, but in the West, nuanced roles for young male characters are quite rare. These characters are often forced into difficult, tortured roles instead. Tarjei may face stiff competition in breaking out, and the opportunities in Norway, being a small country with a limited population, are fewer. After all, it took years for SKAM to become a global hit. I’ve also seen his film debut, and although the role was quite different from Isak, his performance remained as subtle and accurate as ever. It shows he’s a good actor, but the characters he plays may not always garner the same recognition in awards. As a viewer, I still hope to see him continue honing his craft on stage and wish him more opportunities to showcase his acting to a global audience.