Blazing through this Crime Binge at a rate of a season of day. About to hit 46 shows….
The Woman in the Wall (2023)
Lorna Brady wakes one morning to find a corpse in her house with no idea who the dead woman is. She doubts herself, because she has long suffered from extreme bouts of sleepwalking.
My thoughts: A slow-moving mystery with a terrific protagonist in our sleepwalking Lorna Dane. Gets off to a strong start before eventually winding down to its unsurprising conclusion.
3.5/5
Line of Duty (2012-2021) Season 2
Three police officers are killed in an ambush and a protected witness is seriously injured, the only surviving officer is DI Lindsay Denton (Keeley Hawes), but suspicion soon arises and the team of AC-12 have more investigating work to do.
My thoughts: I was on the fence about this show after its first season, but pressed ahead with season 2 – and my patience was rewarded with a true gem of season. A fantastic twisty/turny edge-of-your-seat ride.
4.5/5
Happy Valley (2014-2023) Season 2
Drama set in Yorkshire about a troubled police sergeant coming face to face with her past.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the first season but found the plotting a little diffuse. Here, in season 2, the plotting is tighter and the characters are just as compelling.
4/5
La Mante (2017)
A serial killer, nicknamed ‘La Mante’ decides to collaborate with the police when a string of murders that copycat her style suddenly appear.
My thoughts: While the performances are top-notch, the plot turns are at times preposterous if not downright silly.
3/5
Peaky Blenders (2013-2022) Season 2
A gangster family epic set in 1900s England, centering on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby.
My thoughts: Last year, I watched the pilot, but it didn’t grab me so I gave up on the show. I decided to give it another go for this Crime Binge and pushed through the first season. Again it didn’t grab me, but I admired the look of the show and pressed ahead with season 2. But after the opening episode, I had to tap out for the last time. Much respect for the production, but this one just isn’t for me.
3/5
I have about 120 shows to get through but if you have any recommendations for fantastic post-2010 (non-period, non-genre) crime shows, I’d love to hear ’em!
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