I saw this Mexico/US version when it first came out. Recently, the UK/French "The Tunnel" was on PBS, which prompted me to watch the Danish/Swedish original. Then I watched the first season of this one again, and I have to say that it holds up well in the comparison. There are points about the original that stand out, but there are characters and subplots here that could be considered improvements upon the original. While Sonya provides fewer LOL moments than Saga (even with subtitles), self-centered reporter Daniel is much better drawn here, and his Hispanic female sidekick is a far more compelling character than the Swedish male version. The addition of the subplot centered on Charlotte can be a distraction, but is redeemed by Lyle Lovett's lawyer. In general, the Mexican underworld additions are a plus. However, as good as Thomas Wright's Linder character is, I think I prefer the even more laconic Swedish Lindberg (certainly his crazed sister, Mette, leaves a strong impression). So, in the end, see the original and this one; "The Tunnel" can be omitted, as it added nothing.

okay, where to start. I haven't watched the original European series but I believe it received rave reviews. The story here is not that original. USA v Mexican drug cartels add in a serial killer. If you enjoyed the films Traffic, Escobar and Sicario this may be right up your alley. It starts with a murder on the border of USA and Mexico on the bridge between Texas-Chihuahua border. From there the series takes us on a roller coaster road of drug trafficking, drug cartels, murders, lots of murders, human trafficking and kidnapping and corruption. What I liked the most about this series is the in depth character details. The lead detective on the US side is annoying and frustrating, but she is meant to be and it works as she is teamed with a totally opposite raspy detective from the Mexican side. Together they form a formidable yet shaky team with each having their own agendas and different ways of operating. Its a likable series and keeps you switched on even though it does drop of here and there but in the end you wont be disappointed.

First of all it's not possible for me to compare this series to its original Danish version because I didn't see it. Most of the time the original versions are better but honestly for this one I don't really care because this show is good enough for me to be well entertained. And I am sure that the Danish/Swedish conflict could not be compared to the American/Mexican conflict. And that's just the point that makes this series highly enjoyable. The whole connection that two different detectives from different countries have is a delight to watch. Diane Kruger (as detective Sonya Cross) puts down a good performance playing her character with Asperger Syndrome. Demian Bichir (as detective Marco Ruiz) is perfect in his role, trying to keep his integrity as much as possible in an environment where corruption rules. The plot has enough twists to keep you intrigued. A good show for those who like crimes and mysteries.

n the new world order of television it is extremely common for various domestic TV markets to have a re-make of a program original to another country/market. That said, why not a re-make of re-make, or a third-generation re-envisioning of an original already re-made once (is there a fourth generation re-make already?).I didn't see the original Swedish/Danish production entitled "The Bridge", but I did see the French/British re-make called "The Tunnel". The Tunnel was quite good and very slow to reveal the real plot. It was hugely inhabited by the pairing of two quite different detectives from two closely situated countries known to have plenty of their own culture differences. Sounds like a perfect template for yet another, this time American, re-make with the U.S. and Mexico as the geographical "ground-zero". Yes?Yes, most definitely. Could two countries be closer physically, yet in denial of their common problem, i.e., the fact they are practically joined together by a less than well-secured border? And so, the idea of two murder victims of which only half of each, a bisected upper torso with the lower torso of a different victim, being purposely placed on each countries divisional line works well using El Paso's and Juarez's Bridge of the Americas. Perfect, unless someone blows it. And, of course, there are many ways in which that can happen.Four episodes in and it appears the writers/producers didn't blow it. In fact, even seeing the joint French/British excellent production does little to water down a very good story with most elements pretty much lifted yet transformed.Diane Kruger plays Sonya Cross, a El Paso detective who is so dis-enfranchised from common human emotions as to seem as if she dropped in from another planet. Clemence Posey's portrayal for the "The Tunnel" is certainly hard to follow and it appears Kruger has used it wisely to create her own version in which comparison is not a problem. In fact, she does the role total justice as if she really is disaffected to some unnatural degree (i.e. in real life).. The Mexican detective Marco Ruiz, played by Demian Bichir, has a bit more latitude in that The Tunnel's counterpart Karl Roebuck, played by Stephen Dillane, is more of the common man beset by everyday problems and weaknesses. Bichir's Ruiz character retains much good and, again, transforms the role as befitting the geographical and cultural differences. The always dependable character actor Ted Levine grounds these two as the officer in charge overall.So, The Bridge is off to a fantastic start in yet it's third incarnation. This time the newspaper reporter, who plays a vital role, is fleshed out even more to good effect. The theme of illegal immigration and it's assorted crimes underpin things for a shadowy murderer seeking to make a big statement. This should be good indeed, we shall see.