The Asset
Created by: Samanou Acheche Sahlstrøm, Kasper Barfoed
Country of origin: Denmark
Original language: Danish
Original release date: October 27, 2025. The Asset is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix, in the original Danish language with subtitles and dubbed options.
Stars: Clara Dessau (Tea Lind), Maria Cordsen (Ashley), Afshin Firouzi (Miran), Nicolas Bro (Folke), Soheil Bavi, Arian Kashef, Lara Ly Melic Skovgaard
Premise: Tea Lind is a troubled police cadet who is recruited Denmark’s intelligence service, PET (Denmark), to go undercover in the criminal underworld. Tea poses as a jeweler to befriend Ashley, the girlfriend of crime-boss Miran (played by Afshin Firouzi), with the goal of infiltrating his organization. But the deeper Tea becomes involved, the more the lines between her mission and her identity blur.
Season 1 – Episode 1
Episode title: Building the Legend
Episode plot: When a police informant following a drug smuggler is murdered, an inexperienced cadet is enlisted to go undercover and get the details of the next drop.
* * *
The Asset – S01E01 – Building the Legend | Full transcript
[indistinct chatter]
[PA chimes]
[woman on recording] Before takeoff, please take a moment to review the safety protocols…
[recording continues indistinctly]
[passenger laughs]
[luggage doors clack]
Can you raise your table, please?
[woman on recording] In the unlikely event of a water landing, you will find a life vest located under your seat.
[PA chimes]
[sighs]
[exhales]
[man] Are you okay?
Uh, yeah.
[ominous music plays]
[groans]
[man] Hey, man, are you all right?
[groans]
[gagging] [man] Excuse me! This guy needs help!
[ominous music continues]
[coughing and gagging]
Sir? Are you okay?
Are you feeling sick?
I have coke in my stomach.
I have coke in my stomach.
You have to help me.
[dark music playing]
You’re gonna be okay.
Just breathe. Please! Help!
We need oxygen!
Hurry up!
Sir, look at me!
Sir? Sir! Can you hear me?
[dark music intensifies]
[quiet, intriguing music plays]
What a fuckin’ mess.
Yeah.
Any news from the stewardess?
[man 1] Nothing we didn’t already know.
[man 2] What the hell was he doing with cocaine in his stomach?
[man 1] I just got off the phone with forensics.
They’re not sure what it was, but it’s not cocaine.
Someone cut holes in the bags.
So his cover was blown?
Seems like it.
We need a new asset.
As soon as possible.
I just lost one of my best agents.
They murdered him.
So maybe this isn’t the right time for a new operative.
Don’t you wanna see justice done?
Yeah, of course I do.
I want that man arrested. Now.
Do whatever it takes.
And get your shit together.
[somber music playing]
[intriguing music building]
[intriguing music continues]
THE ASSET
[water pattering]
[loud bang] [cop 1] Police!
[cop 2] Open up! Let us in!
[officers clamoring and yelling]
[cop] Down on the floor!
[loud bang]
[cop 1] Down! Hands behind your head!
[yelling continues]
[cop 2] Get down!
Hey! Get down! Now! On the floor!
[cop 3] We have him! We have him!
[cop 1] Get down! Quiet!
[cop 4] On the floor! Fucking idiot!
[man] Fuck you, man!
[cop 2] Don’t fuck with me! Do as I say.
Wait! Wait! Wait! Nielson! Wait! Wait!
[alarm blaring]
[man] Nielsen! Dead!
Exercise is over!
Get your asses here immediately!
[hushed chatter]
Right.
You’ve been here long enough to know that we expect more from you.
That’s enough for today. We’re done.
Clean up.
[man] You brought this on yourselves.
Come on, let’s go, get a move on it!
You’re all cleaning this mess up together, got it?
Come on!
[man] Folke.
To what do I owe the honor?
Are these your new students?
Yes. Third semester.
Some naturals among them?
It’s difficult to say.
Why?
I need an agent and fast.
Why not use someone from your own unit?
I need someone with a special set of skills.
All right.
What kind of guy you looking for?
She needs to be young.
She?
These three, they’re the best I have.
Sanne. She’s 29.
Very disciplined.
Physically strong and determined.
She’s good at martial arts.
Then there’s Sonja. She’s 31.
Very reliable.
In great physical condition.
And finally, there’s Lind.
She’s a bit different.
Bit different?
She’s younger, not as physically strong as the two others.
But mentally, she’s sharp. Very sharp.
She had a rough childhood, but made it through on her own.
Can I hold onto her file?
Go ahead.
[“Down by the Water” by PJ Harvey playing]
♪ I lost my heart under the bridge ♪
♪ To that little girl ♪
[song continues on earphones]
[dryers rumbling quietly]
♪ And now I moan ♪
♪ And now I holler ♪
[door opens]
[indistinct chatter]
[soft snoring]
[man] Hi.
Excuse me?
I just said hi.
Hi.
Whatcha doing?
Reading.
Whatcha reading?
A book.
Awesome.
I’m Emil.
Awesome.
[laughs]
I was wondering, would you like to go grab a beer while we’re waiting?
No, not really. I’ll pass.
Why not?
I just saw you wash your girlfriend’s bra on the wrong cycle.
I think you’ve done enough damage today.
[machines whirring]
[“Down by the Water” continues playing]
♪ Oh, help me, Jesus ♪
♪ Go through the storm ♪
[door closes]
♪ I had to lose her ♪
♪ To do her harm ♪
[music stops]
Hi.
Hi!
Hi, Tea.
Hi.
[woman] Good to see you again.
Thanks. You too.
Anyone willing to go first?
I can go.
Mmhmm.
Hi, my name is Tea, and I’ve been clean for six years now.
I’m grateful to be a part of the Police Academy.
And… I love running.
I keep to myself.
And am doing just fine on my own.
Mm… Lately, I’m bored.
I have this longing… to party, and drink, and… dance, and all that.
PRIOR ADDRESSES PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT
[foreboding music playing]
[“Tør Dem Af” by Figi playing]
[girl] Dad? I need a blue one.
[man] Of course, sweetie.
Dad, no, not that one.
[man] Sorry, sweetie.
You two ready yet?
[both] Yeah.
[reporter talking indistinctly on TV] Whatcha doing?
[girl] Making bracelets.
[woman] Aw, can I see?
…carrying cocaine in his stomach is now being investigated as homicide.
Several sources…
[woman] Wow.
Is this for me?
Yeah.
Thanks, sweetie. [kisses] Now go put your shoes on, okay?
Yep.
[reporter continues indistinctly]
[utensil scrapes]
Hey.
Hey.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I’m fine.
I have to stop by my brother’s place.
Okay.
[girl] Mom, I’m hungry.
[man] Okay, you little rascal.
Should we get sushi or pizza?
[girl] Sushi.
[door opens]
[girl] Mom? What’s Dad doing?
I don’t know, sweetie.
He won’t be too long.
[uneasy music creeps in]
[mechanical clanking and whirring]
[metallic creaking]
[door dings]
[muffled hip-hop playing]
[man 1] Go across the lake.
[man 2] I’m jumping.
[man 3] What the fuck kind of game is this, Omar?
[hip-hop music continues]
What’s up?
[music stops]
You two, get out.
What?
Get the fuck outta here!
Fine, okay, calm down, man.
Fucking psycho.
Come on. Let’s go.
[quiet, tense music plays]
[door closes]
Was that us?
What?
Bambi, I’m not in the mood for your bullshit.
The guy, in the plane, was that us?
You said he was a rat.
Miran, what else should I have fuckin’ done with him?
Use your fucking head, damn it, be discreet!
It’s all over the news right now.
[man] We made it look like an accident.
Huh? Are you kidding me?
Did I ask for your fucking opinion?!
Miran!
[Miran] What?!
[footsteps falling]
[groans]
[Miran] Shut the fuck up! Okay?
Because of your shit, now I have to put everything on pause because the police are gonna be up my fucking ass.
You get it?
Whose idea was it?
Look at me when I talk to you.
Whose idea was it? Was it yours?
You’re lucky you’re my little brother.
I don’t ever want to see you here again.
Turn that shit off, man.
This place is a mess, you should be ashamed.
[exhales]
Tea Lind.
From the Police Academy.
Ah.
She has the perfect background.
She has the right attitude.
She’ll be a good fit.
As an asset?
She’s tough and she’s got brains.
Pretty hard to find someone with both.
Are you sure she’s the right fit?
[Folke] If we wanna move fast, she’s the best option we got.
Her rough past might actually work in our favor.
[man] In what way?
An alcoholic mother, a few sketchy acquaintances when she was young.
She has a clean record…
[timer beeps]
…but she was in a relationship with a dealer when she was a teenager.
A guy who gave her drugs and gifts with one hand, and beat her up with the other.
She decided to turn her life around and become a police officer to fight what nearly destroyed her.
[man] You’re telling me that none of our experienced agents would be a better fit than some young woman who has no real training?
[Folke] None of our experienced agents has the right profile. She does.
She’s young, emotionless, and she’ll be working in a setting she’s familiar with.
What more do you want?
When can I meet her?
[trainer] Okay, change!
[sneakers squeaking]
Jensen, can you come here?
[man] Lind?
Please have a seat.
[door closes]
[man clears throat]
What’s up?
Uh, so I’ve been contacted, uh, by legal.
And they’ve decided to dismiss you from the program.
What do you mean?
Administration decided to review your security clearances, and they found some, um, issues, some things have been brought to light.
What sort of things?
Sorry, I can’t give you any details.
I’ve never lied to you.
[clears throat] Yeah, um, well…
Listen…
You know where I come from.
Yeah. I know, Tea, and I’m sorry about all of this.
I’ll do everything I can to help you move on from here.
What the hell do you mean?
What the fuck are you talking about?
[“Down by the Water” resumes playing] [door slams]
[music stops]
[breathing heavily]
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Yeah, that’s me.
Is she okay?
[distant siren wailing]
Yes, of course.
I’ll drop by as soon as I can.
Uh, thanks for calling.
Thanks.
[exhales]
[muffled TV chatter]
Hello?
Hi, Mom.
Hi.
Whatcha doin’ here?
Your neighbor said you fell and hurt yourself.
Always meddling in everything.
Let me take a look, Mom.
I’ll be all right.
Well, I’m here, so let me take a look.
[woman clears throat]
Does it hurt?
[woman] I’m fine.
You look upset.
I’m not.
I know that face.
What happened?
Nothing happened, Mom.
[woman] I’m not an idiot. What’s wrong?
Just tell me. What happened?
Hello?
I got kicked out of the Academy.
For what? What’d you do now?
Nothing at all.
They don’t think I’m suited for it.
That’s what I told you.
Mmhmm.
You could wait tables.
Don’t start, Mom.
You think you’re too good for that?
You think you’re so much better than everyone.
But you’re not.
See you.
Hey, before you go, can you pass me the remote?
[batteries clatter]
Here you go.
[moody music playing]
[woman] Tea Lind?
Yeah.
Here you go.
Read these, fill them out, and sign them.
[footsteps approaching]
Why are they kicking you out?
You better ask them.
Where are you from?
Why do you care?
Why won’t you answer?
Who the hell are you?
Someone you shouldn’t be talking to like that.
Aalborg.
Where else?
I’ve moved around a lot.
Hm. How come?
My mother’s job.
Why are you lying?
You moved around a lot because you were being evicted.
[unsettling music playing]
You’ve been going through my files?
You might have been able to fool social workers and teachers so you could keep on living with your mom.
But you know it’s not quite as easy to try and fool the police.
Do you know Cafe Rosengarden?
No.
Come meet me there in half an hour.
[suspenseful music playing]
[car engine starts]
[tires screech]
[indistinct chatter]
[clears throat] You’re late.
I came as fast as I could.
Mm… If you say so.
You came in and there were two women at the bar. Describe them.
Mid-twenties.
Both with long hair.
One was wearing a floral shirt, the other one had a brown top.
What else can you tell me?
They care what others think about them.
Doesn’t everybody?
Not in the same way.
They like to show off.
If you went shopping and got bags from three different places, you’d gather everything into one bag to make things easier, right?
Yeah, most people would too.
They kept all three bags just to show off that they have money and have been out shopping.
Good. Now go up to them.
Find out their names and… get me their phone numbers.
You have until I’ve finished my lunch.
[Tea] Can I have the menu?
[woman] Of course.
Yeah.
They’re a lot like the ones you bought last year.
Yeah, I don’t know. I was…
Hey, may I ask what you’re having?
We’re having a Salade Niçoise.
Mm… Looks good.
I’ll have the same, please.
[woman] Great.
[Tea] Thank you.
[woman 1] They look nice.
[woman 2 laughs] Sorry, may I ask you a question?
[woman 2] Yeah, sure.
One of my friends, uh, well, she’s, uh, having her grand opening tonight.
[women] Okay.
And, um…
I promised her I’d try to invite a few people ’cause she really wants it to be a big gathering.
Would you be interested? Do you like art?
What kind of art is it?
To be honest, I have no idea. How embarrassing.
But if you want, you can give me your names and your phone numbers, I’ll put you on the list and send you a text with the information?
Sure. Yeah, sounds exciting.
Yeah?
Yeah.
Okay.
If you’re still interested in working for the police, show up at this address on Friday at 11:00 a.m.
[intriguing music playing]
And don’t be late.
[car door shuts]
[engine starts]
This pasta’s gonna be amazing.
Good, ’cause I’m hungry.
Almost done.
[Omar] Smells good.
[Bambi] Want Red Bull or soda?
[Omar] Soda.
Soda?
Yeah.
Here you go.
[knocking at door]
Can you get the door?
Okay.
[door opens]
Ooh!
[Omar] Hey.
[man] Hi.
Who is it?
[Omar] It’s Niko.
[door closes]
Hey.
I just came over to say hi.
Fine. Want some food?
Hm?
[distant siren blares]
What are you having?
Made some pasta. Home recipe.
[Niko] Why not?
[Omar] Let me get you a plate.
[grunting]
[struggling]
What the hell are you doing?!
[menacing music playing]
Niko, what the fuck are you doing?!
Open up!
Niko!
[blow landing]
Niko!
Stop it, man!
[muffled punches continue]
[Niko panting]
You better start listening to your brother.
He told you he didn’t wanna see that guy again.
[door closes]
[Bambi breathing heavily]
Fuck.
[somber music playing]
[door opens]
Hi.
Hi.
[Folke] Jensen, this is Tea.
Tea, this is Jensen.
He’s in charge of everything.
Sit down.
Did you hear about that man who died on the plane?
Yes.
But only from what I’ve heard on the news.
He was one of ours.
He had managed to infiltrate the criminal organization we’ve been monitoring for a while now with our Special Crimes unit.
[papers shuffling]
Miran Shahrani.
[intriguing music playing] On the outside, he looks like a nice, well-organized businessman, but he’s not.
He’s responsible for most of the cocaine smuggled into Scandinavia.
He runs many businesses all around the city, big and small ones.
Industrial kitchen here, a logistics company there…
These sorts of things.
Mostly phony invoices and a lot of smokescreens for his shadier activities.
Everything is calculated, which makes it hard to bring down.
We almost did several times, but we always fell short.
Thanks to our last asset, we now know that he’s waiting for the next big delivery.
We think we might know how, when, and where it will take place, but we also have a feeling Miran knows better than to use his usual channels.
We’re looking for a new asset who’ll gain access to him and gather new information.
But for now, we don’t wanna get anyone directly involved with his organization.
So we’ve had to think of an alternative.
Ashley.
Miran’s girlfriend.
We’re not sure how much she knows or if she’s involved, but she lives well over her means, probably off his money.
So she must know something.
The only people who have the slightest access to Miran’s world are part of his inner circle.
His brother, Ashley, and some of her friends.
That’s where you come in.
You want me to become friends with her?
Not just any friend.
She has plenty of those.
You need to become the friend she’s always wanted.
The woman she’s dreamt of becoming someday.
Someone she can look up to.
[Tea] Why would she even consider looking up to me?
‘Cause we’re giving you the perfect narrative.
Narrative?
[Folke] Your fake identity.
Ashley studied to become a goldsmith, but had to drop out when she got pregnant.
She’d probably love to have a friend who works as one.
[Tea] So I’m gonna be a goldsmith?
[Folke] A jeweler.
It’s not as technical and it’s easier to study up on.
PET is temporarily taking over a jeweler’s shop and making it your own.
An upscale and fashionable store you can only visit by appointment.
[Tea] Born in Aalborg.
“An alcoholic mother, a violent stepdad.” That’s my life.
Background and childhood, those sorts of things, yes.
The more info you use from your life, the better.
The most important thing is that you know your story.
What do I get if I help?
Maybe we can get someone to review your security clearance.
Right. What does that mean?
If all goes well, there’s no saying that you can’t get a job here with us… among PET.
[ominous music playing]
[man] Yeah, sure, go ahead and put it there for now.
[paper whirring]
Can’t get any money outta the country yet.
You asked everyone?
Yeah, I asked everyone.
But they’re all scared after what happened on the plane.
So what now?
Go home.
[Niko] Are you sure?
Yes, just go.
All right.
Miran, I’ve also been talking to–
Niko, let me fucking think for a sec!
I talked to Erik.
He’s putting pressure on us.
He wants his product.
Well, Niko, Erik needs to calm down.
That’s what I told him.
I’m not sure he will for much longer.
[tense music playing]
[indistinct schoolyard chatter]
[Tea] If I wanna become good friends with her, I need to impress her.
Not sure some jewelry store will be enough.
She’s not that type.
What type is she, then?
From my experience, not many mothers wear expensive jewelry right next to their daughter’s homemade bracelet.
She does so she can feel like a good mother.
You see how she’s telling her daughter how to pose, and how to smile?
She’s taking the picture over and over to get the perfect shot to post.
To boost her self-esteem.
That’s our way in, then.
Master your narrative, and when you’re ready, we’ll test it out.
[pensive electronic music playing]
JEWELRY, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS DUBAI BEHIND THE FACADE
[pensive music continues]
WHAT’S YOUR FIRST NAME?
WELCOME, SARA!
I won’t be coming back for a while… because I’ll be very busy with school and I…
I won’t have any time to come here.
WHEN IS GOOD FOR YOU?
8:00 PM IS PERFECT LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!
[indistinct chatter]
Your glass of water.
Thank you.
[man] Sara?
Jacob?
Yes.
Nice to meet you.
You too.
Hi.
Hi.
I worked in Dubai for six years.
Wow.
Mm.
Dubai.
Yeah.
As an influencer or something?
[laughs] No, not at all.
Actually, I work as a jeweler.
Interesting! So does that mean that you design your own pieces?
Um… No, I don’t really design.
I prefer when other people do that.
Oh.
I’m more into trading.
Like buying a gem for cheap, placing it in a nice adornment, and selling it for more.
Better margins.
Better margins.
[Tea] Yup.
[man] Tea?
Hi.
Sorry?
[man] I knew it was you.
[Tea] Do we know each other?
Ahmed. We met the other day, at church, remember?
No, I’m sorry, I’m Sara.
I think you might have got me mixed up with someone else.
Sorry. Um…
[Ahmed] You’re kidding, right?
You said…
Are you with the police too?
What? No. I’m a high school teacher.
Are you from the police or what?
[laughs] No.
All right, maybe you should leave us alone now.
[Ahmed] Maybe you should stay out of it.
Sorry.
Let’s get another drink?
May we have the menu?
[Jacob] Yeah.
Can I help you?
No, everything’s just fine.
Great.
[dance music surges, then fades]
How did it go?
Went fine.
You feel like you’re ready to move forward?
I think you’re ready.
Buy whatever you need.
Just keep all the receipts and don’t screw me over.
Understood?
Yeah.
[door opens]
You’ve met Yasin.
He’s our handler.
Hi.
Hi.
Yasin will be your main point of contact, along with me.
He’ll also be in charge of monitoring surveillance wherever you go, whenever it’s possible.
The two of you will get along well.
Can you show her the apartment?
Yeah.
[door closes]
He wanted me to be harsh on you.
You did well.
So did you.
It was pretty convincing.
And annoying.
[door closes]
[Yasin] There’s food in the fridge and clothes in the closet.
If you need anything else, just go ahead and buy it.
Or else just let me know.
[keys clatter]
What do you think?
I never really lived like this before.
No?
[melancholy music playing]
The guy who died on the plane…
Is Miran responsible?
Miran doesn’t kill anyone.
Others do it for him.
Rest well, get ready for tomorrow.
I will.
[door closes]
[ambient music playing]
[phone rings]
[Miran] Hello?
Relax, calm down.
Bambi, take it easy.
Don’t do anything until I get there.
I’m coming.
Bye.
[puts phone down]
Honey?
[Ashley] Yeah?
I’m going out.
Now?
Is everything okay?
All good.
Okay.
[car accelerating]
[threatening music playing]
[Bambi muffled] Don’t move!
[louder] Did you hear me?!
Bambi…
Let Niko go.
I asked him to do it.
[chair clattering] [panting] You fucked up, okay?
You and Omar fucked up.
Fuck you, man!
You fucked it all up.
We just did what you asked.
Fuck you.
[sobbing] I’m done with your shit.
Bambi.
Calm down.
It’s okay.
Hey.
[Bambi sobbing]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[uneasy music playing]
[Yasin over radio] She’s in the salon now.
[woman] Hello.
Hi!
[woman] How may I help you?
I have an appointment.
[woman] Your name, please?
Sara Linnemann.
[friend 1] I know! They have so many Prada outlets there!
[women laughing]
[friend 2] Okay then.
[Ashley] Well, I think if we go to Italy, Miran is gonna wanna come with us.
[friend 1] Honey, I was thinking maybe we could go just us girls.
[Ashley] You tell Miran then.
[friend 1] We have to…
[Ashley] Italy’s his favorite country.
It’ll be fun.
[Ashley] So where should we stay?
On a yacht or in a villa?
[conversation continues indistinctly]
[woman] Hi, Sofia.
[Sofia] Hi.
[woman] Getting your nails done today?
Mmmm.
[woman] No?
[conversation continues]
[woman] Hello. Can I help you?
[customer] Hi.
I booked an appointment.
[woman] Okay.
Hi.
Hi.
Do you like my jewelry?
Which one’s your favorite?
This one.
Go ahead, try it on.
[conversation continues indistinctly]
Need some help?
Yes, please.
Looks good on you.
[conversation continues]
You can borrow it if you’re careful with it.
Okay, thanks.
[woman] All done? Ready to pay?
Yeah.
[woman] Let me find you in the system.
[Ashley] What’s this?
[Sofia] A bracelet.
[Ashley] Where did you get it?
[Sofia] From that lady over there.
[Ashley] Sweetie, you know you can’t just take other people’s things like that.
[Sofia] But she said I could borrow it.
[Ashley] Come with me.
Excuse me.
[laughs] So, I think my daughter accidentally took this.
I’m really sorry.
No, don’t worry about it.
I told her she could.
You really just let her play with it?
Yeah. She promised she’d be careful.
Right?
Yeah. That’s what I told you, Mom.
Yeah, well, you can borrow mine, I have the same one at home.
You have a really sweet daughter.
Thanks.
Come, sweetie.
Let’s go.
There are only five like these in Denmark.
Excuse me?
Uh, my bracelet.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Doesn’t mean anything.
Sure.
You think I lied?
That I don’t have one like it?
I didn’t say that.
Then what are you saying?
I’m just wondering where you got yours from.
[laughs quietly] It was a gift.
Tell your husband to get your gifts from me next time.
Here you go.
[woman] Thank you. That’ll be $95.99.
Thank you.
Thanks.
[door closes]
[tires screech]
[Tea on recording]
There are only five like these in Denmark.
[Ashley] Excuse me?
[Tea] Do I always have to wear this?
No.
Only until we have her hooked.
It can be dangerous in the long run.
[Ashley on recording] You think I lied?
That I don’t have one like it?
[Tea] I didn’t say that.
[Ashley] Then what are you saying?
[Folke] It’s pretty obvious that you’re not used to making new friends.
What? Should I have just kissed up to her?
No, but no need to upset her either.
I just didn’t want to come across too nice.
I noticed.
Right, because I guess you’d know her type better than I do.
She’s not the kind of woman you suck up to.
It’s obvious she’s been treated much worse than that.
[Folke] Hope you’re right for your own sake.
Maybe it didn’t go that bad after all.
She just visited Linnemann’s Instagram account.
And booked an appointment for tomorrow.
[enticing synth music playing]
[music continues]
[music fades out]
