Farzi (2023) 1 season

An artist who gets pulled into the murky high stakes of a con job and a fiery task force officer on the mission to rid the country of his menaces in a fast-paced, edgy one-of-a-kind thriller.

My thoughts: I’ve been really impressed with the quality of most of the Indian crime shows I’ve watched to date and this one is among my top three favorites.  Well-plotted, character-driven, at times darkly humorous and touching.  Loved it.

4.5/5

Spooks/MI-5 (2002 – 2011) Season 1

The missions of MI-5, the UK’s domestic intelligence organization.

My thoughts: I remember watching the first five seasons of this show back when I was working on Stargate and loving its no-character-is-safe storytelling.  But this one has not held up well in a recent rewatch.  It’s a little clunky at times and its villains a tad too over-the-top.

3/5

Umbre (2014 – 2019) Season 2

Umbre follows Relu, an enforcer for a small-time mob boss, as he struggles to keep his family in the dark about his job. The secrets Relu keeps become increasingly oppressive and the lies begin to surface.

My thoughts: Really enjoyed the first season and the second does NOT disappoint.  Best Romanian Show Ever.

4.5/5

Quarry (2016) 1 season

Quarry, a disillusioned Vietnam War vet, returns home to Memphis in 1972 only to find rejection and scrutiny at every step. A mysterious man known only as The Broker gives him an offer he can’t refuse – to work for him as a hitman.

My thoughts: Really thought this would be right up my alley but, alas, it ultimately has the feel of a Skinamax production with its gratuitous, sometimes unintentionally funny, sex and violence.

3/5

Au Service de la France/A Very Secret Service (2015 – 2018) Season 1

Quarry, a disillusioned Vietnam War vet, returns home to Memphis in 1972 only to find rejection and scrutiny at every step. A mysterious man known only as The Broker gives him an offer he can’t refuse – to work for him as a hitman.

My thoughts: Not a bad show by any means, but a little glib and silly for my tastes.

3/5