Netflix’s latest Polish crime thriller, Go Ahead, Brother (original title: Idz przodem, bracie), dives into the turbulent story of Oskar, a former police officer whose life unravels after a tragic incident.
What seems like a complex web of criminal activity and personal conflict follows a relatively simple plot where a man, pushed to the edge by family debts and past traumas, chooses a dangerous path to survival. This series delivers tension, action, and an exploration of loyalty, morality, and redemption.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Go Ahead, Brother. Reader discretion is advised.
Oskar's past as an elite police officer
The first episode sets the stage for Oskar’s descent. Oskar, once a committed police officer, becomes overwhelmed during a raid, leading to a friend’s death. With his career shattered, he leaves the force, takes a mall security job, and becomes entangled in crime.
As he tries to handle his late father’s debts, he sees an opportunity to make quick money, a decision that puts him and his loved ones in jeopardy. Oskar is introduced as a skilled officer dedicated to his job. However, the trauma of losing his friend on duty sparks panic attacks, making it impossible for him to continue. Once a source of pride, his career now feels like a painful memory.
During a raid, Oskar suffers an intense panic attack, clouding his focus and costing his friend’s life. This traumatic event leaves him reeling, and his boss questions his reliability. He returns home, only to find his father’s financial situation spiraling, which adds to his guilt and frustration.
Oskar’s father, who has accumulated considerable debt, hints at ending his life rather than dealing with it. After an intense argument, Oskar finds his father has done exactly that. The sudden death forces Oskar and Marta to confront their financial burdens head-on.
With debt looming, Oskar is desperate to keep the family home, believing it’s their last connection to their father. When traditional ways of earning money seem hopeless, he rents the house as a brothel to generate an income. This drastic choice is a sign of his increasing moral decline.
After quitting the police force, Oskar starts a job as a mall security guard. There, he discovers a web of cash-based, under-the-table transactions. This becomes a gateway into a world of crime, sparking his interest in using illegal means to pay off debts.
Oskar’s inner conflict
While at work, Oskar notices Jewa, a woman working at a shop in the mall. She becomes both a love interest and an inspiration for his risky schemes, pushing him deeper into the criminal network. His attraction to her adds personal stakes, blending romance with his otherwise dark journey.
As he delves into his plans, Oskar realizes he’s stepping into a larger crime syndicate. His involvement escalates from small theft to more organized criminal activities, all driven by his desperation to save his family from ruin. Each step brings more danger, pulling him into a world where each choice could be his last.
The transformation from a principled cop to a rogue player in the criminal underworld doesn’t come easily. Oskar is torn between his duty and his need to protect his family. As he justifies his actions, the line between right and wrong blurs, making it difficult for him to remember his former self.
Go Ahead, Brother takes the concept of a good man pushed to his limits and explores how circumstances can alter one’s values and choices. While the story might seem intricate, it ultimately revolves around simple themes of loyalty, family, and moral erosion.
Fans of psychological crime dramas will find Oskar’s journey compelling, and the season promises more twists as he struggles between right and wrong.
Read more: Go Ahead, Brother cast guide: Characters in the 2024 Netflix Western series explored
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