Aranyelet/Golden Life (2015 – 2018 ) Season

A corrupt businessman and family man attempts to navigate his way through increasing domestic, legal, and financial problems.

My thoughts: The Hungarian thriller does a terrific job of exploring themes similar to those touched on by shows like Breaking Bad as an average family is drawn into a world of crime and chaos.  Season 2 builds beautifully on all of the narrative elements established in the first season.

4.5/5

C.B. Strike (2017 – )

War veteran turned private detective Cormoran Strike solves brutal murders with the help of his trusted partner Robin Ellacott.

My thoughts: A pretty good mystery series.  I like the way our two leads play off each other, but the endings feel rushed and dramatically unsatisfying.

3.5/5

Blood Coast / Pax Massilia (2023 – )

A group of police officers with particular methods who track down a dangerous criminal in order to prevent Marseille from plunging into a bloodbath.

My thoughts : When I saw that Olivier Marchal, the creator of the fantastic series Braquo was involved, I put this one at the top of my watch-list.  What a disappointment.  Incoherent story and uninteresting characters in a paint-by-numbers thriller.

2.5/5

Escale Fatale/Taken Down (2018)

Showcases the violent death of a young Nigerian migrant. The investigation brings us into a twilight world of the new Ireland, where slum landlords and criminals prey on the vulnerable.

My thoughts: From the creators of one of my favorite crime shows, Love/Hate comes a haunting and depressing mystery with pacing issues and an ultimately unsatisfying ending.

3/5

Detective Forst/Forst (2024 – )

Tatra Mountains will become an arena of brutal murder. The investigation is carried out by a cynical but effective policeman, Wiktor Forst.

My thoughts: At time convoluted, at other times cliche.  The ending is nonsensical.

2.5/5