Chemistry of Death

I am a huge fan of Simon Beckett and seeing that the books got finally a chance, to be on screen excited me extremely.

Of course, the books will never be topped, the details Simon Beckett put into it is just insanely good and you get a sense of the smell in the air and it seems like you are there with David.

The darkness of David's story is captured well, I do wish tho, that it would have been a bit more. To understand the character better. Through out the series of the books, it gives a better understanding of who he is and how he deals with his demons.

Yes, the accents are missing and it could have been a bit better handled, but through and through I am hoping for a new season.

If you want the whole feeling for the character, you have to start reading the books.

I give it a 7/10 because I was feeling excited through out watching the show even as I have read the books.

The best about this show is undoubtedly the cinematography. Many times, it just takes the breath away. And not just the landscapes, but rather how they use it to depict characters, the scene, the environment they are in, the mood, the atmosphere. That is outstanding, 10/10. The story is arresting, dark from the very start, and just goes on and on to build up the protagonist of the series, a forensic pathologist riddled with guilt about his past. I would say, that's the less convincing - however, vital - element of the character, the theme about it well overused (in my opinion). The score is good, original and well in sync with the cinematography. One of the best English series in recent years. You won't be disappointed if you watch it, for sure.

Started well, but let's be honest, you've seen it a thousand times before. I personally get particularly frustrated by a father constantly chasing the shadow of a passed child, but then that's just me. It's difficult to invest in any one of the characters, especially the lead role. Thankfully it doesn't delve into the Dexter/Da Vinci's Demons style crime scene overview each time he assesses a dead body or that would be it!

It may improve as the series moves on, but I'm of an impatient nature so ep 3 was about my limit. If you like predictable, crime scene investigation then its not terrible, but if you prefer to be kept guessing then leave well alone.

If you're tiring of the Brit Forensic drama Silent Witness then Chemistry of Death should reignite some interest in the genre.

I haven't read the books the series is based upon, nor did I engage with the trailers or blurb - and sometimes no preparation is the best preparation for a whodunnit - and that's possibly the case here.

This is a stylish and moody show that also introduces a back story to give us some context to Treadaway's (Mr Mercedes) lead character. The opening case is suitably creepy to lay a good foundation, and, although I guessed the 'villains', it had done a pretty good job of creating multiple plausible subjects.

It does have the signature Brit vibe and claustrophobic locations and shooting technique which in this case adds to rather than diminishes the intrigue. A strong supporting cast who contribute well to the combination of pace and menace.

Recently the "reboot" of CSI:VEGAS (2021) ran into a tiny spot of trouble. No viewers. To solve the problem, the producers coaxed some of the original stars out of retirement to put in cameos, trying to create a "bridge" between the old show and the new one. And that, in a nutshell, is the key to CHEMISTRY OF DEATH. It is not MORSE. It is not LEWIS. In fact, nothing about the show is done in a way that is intended to appeal to viewers who grew up on the traditional "English" mysteries. The pace is faster. The editing is faster. Voice-overs replace music. Shocking the viewer with jump-cuts and "big reveals" is not only acceptable, but actually encouraged. This is indeed a new generation of mystery show, and its success or failure will most certainly hinge on the charisma of Harry Treadaway. The same actor whose strong performances in MR MERCEDES, and STAR TREK PICARD, mesmerized viewers during his limited screentime. Clearly, the producers here felt that it was time to give Treadaway his own show, stand back, and see what happens. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))