February 13, 2024: The Crime Binge continues!

Ozark (2017 – 2022) Season 4

A financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss.

My thoughts: The final season is a little more scattered, a little less narratively cohesive than the previous ones, but it’s still solid and compelling story-telling, making Ozark one of the top shows I watched for this Crime Binge.

4/5

Slow Horses (2022 – ) Season 3

Following a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents — and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb — as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

My thoughts: With the exception of season one’s opening stage-weight action sequence, this series has been tightly scripted, engrossing, character-driven show.

4.5/5

Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017 – 2020) Season 2

While Cinaglia schemes, Samurai seeks to gain a new ally — and silence an old one; Aureliano turns ruthless to regain control of Ostia’s underworld.

My thoughts: While it isn’t always effective in hitting its more emotionally resonant moments, the twists and turns did keep me engaged enough.

3.5/5

Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017 – 2020) Season 3

In 2008, a fight over land in a seaside town near Rome spirals into a deadly battle between organized crime, corrupt politicians and the Vatican.

My thoughts: A disappointing end to a good-but-not-great series.

3/5

Vigil (2021 – ) Season 2

When a prototype Air Force combat drone is compromised and kills several soldiers during a joint demonstration in Scotland, Silva’s team are tasked with finding the perpetrator.

My thoughts: The series loses more than its original claustrophobic setting in season 2 as the action shifts from a submarine to Scotland and the Middle East, failing to recapture the first season’s taught, compelling story-telling.  All in all, not bad – but it pales in comparison.

3.5/5