These eight series bring the total number of international crime shows I’ve checked out for this Crime Binge to over 800. This is how I rank the latest entries…
S TIER
As You Stood By – Two women team up to take out an abusive husband in this twisty-turny Hitchcockian thriller.
A TIER
Black Warrant – Terrific characters in this story about an idealistic young man who takes a job at an Indian prison. Loved the way real world events were threaded through the narrative.
Mercy for None – A former gang member seeks revenge for the murder of his brother in this high-octane punch-up. It’s a little confusing at times and the characters could have used a little more depth, but it delivers the action.
B TIER
Squid Game season 3 – The hit series concludes with a third (really back half of season 2) season that sees Seong Gi-Hoon rejoin the games. The challenges are inspired and the characters are colorful, but the series takes a decided step down the moment they role out the terrible Western actors who deliver their lines like they’re refugees from an off-off Broadway production of Long Day’s Journey into Night (Just like season 1!). Their annoying performances are enough to knock this one down to the B tier.
C TIER
Gomorrah: The Origins – Charts young Pietro’s early years as a criminal understudy to the charismatic Angelo A Sirena. Unfortunately, this one is painfully cliche. And even though the original was at times overly melodramatic, it was, at least, unpredictable.
DNF
Daredevil: Born Again season 2 – Another season of mayhem in Hell’s Kitchen. The messaging is strong in this one and leaves no room for subtle ambiguity.
Ms. Incognito – A female bodyguard hides out in a small community. Just too darn goofy.
Smoking – Homeless assassins target yakuza members. Great premise but the execution was wanting.
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