Metsolat

The series depicts the life of a fictional small-scale farming family living in Hoikka, a municipality in the Kainuu region, from midsummer 1987 to Christmas 1996.

The central plotline follows Erkki's efforts to develop and operate a ski resort, Urjan Rinteet, amidst opposition from Kari.

Among the grandchildren, Liisa's story stands out as she establishes an organic farm near Leppävaara with her idealistic partner Osmo Lampinen.

Episodes often begin at Leppävaara, transitioning to events at Urjan Rinteet, the Hoikka health center, or locations tied to the children's lives.

Additional roles feature Stig's father, Helena's first husband, and various community figures such as Eino Vanhanen and his uncle Arvo, the bank manager, and Liisa's former flame Turo.

The epilogue-like final episode reflects on post-recession life and includes a flashback to a Christmas during World War II.

Politically aligned with the Centre Party, Volanen was enthusiastic about the idea and encouraged Mesterton to write the series himself.

Another Centre Party-aligned executive, Tapio Siikala, ensured that the expensive, long-term production received funding.

Mesterton and his team interviewed locals, observed life on farms, and learned about practical details such as milk transportation and bus services.

The team spent long periods together discussing the characters and plot arcs, after which they wrote independently and shared drafts via floppy disks.

[8] Director-screenwriter Carl Mesterton and producer-production manager Raimo Mikkola were key figures in the production process.

[9] The Soini farm in Mouhijärvi, discovered by Mikkola through local contacts, became the Kaukovaaran farmstead, where all its interior and exterior scenes were shot.