La paz de Marsella (Serie de TV)

France seems to have worse problems than many other countries with law breaking and the impenetrability of the "Cités" to law enforcement. It's bad everywhere in Europe, of course, but Marseilles seems to have it worst even in France. The city has a reputation for corruption so we can't be surprised that the series shows graft both at the highest levels and lower down in the narc squad we are following here.

The action is fast and furious, bodies pile up and a tripartite war between two rival gangs and the cops plays out. We're getting what's probably a year's worth of killing and mayhem compressed into six episodes but the series doesn't suffer from that as there's always something going on in the action.

I enjoyed this and hope there will be a season two.

Superb show, gripping from start to finish. The pace never lets up from the first scenes. Fine acting from all involved. Suitably menacing villains, compromised cops, and the looming threat of bureaucracy/ internal affairs. 6 episodes - perfect, none of this never ending series nonsense. The fact that is a genre piece means we all know the basic plotlines and so no need for overly boring character exposition. Plenty of space for the viewer to fill in the gaps and round out the characters for ourselves. If only the yanks and the brits could make something half as decent without all the usual fanfare.

Blood Coast throws a punch, leaving you breathless and wanting more. Set against the stunning backdrop of Marseille, this French crime drama dives deep into the city's underbelly, where loyalty is fractured and the line between cops and criminals blurs.

Gripping Narrative: The story, while not groundbreaking, is tightly woven and suspenseful. You'll find yourself invested in the hunt for the elusive criminal, constantly guessing who's playing who and what their true motives are. The six-episode format keeps things brisk, avoiding the drag of unnecessary filler.

Characters with Bite: The characters are complex and morally ambiguous, which is refreshing in a genre sometimes prone to cookie-cutter figures. Captain Benamar, a haunted cop pushing the boundaries, and the ruthless drug lord Saïdi are particularly captivating. While their actions may be questionable, their motivations are compelling.

Visually Striking: Marseille shines as a character itself. The cinematography captures the city's beauty and grit with equal flair, showcasing its sun-drenched streets and hidden alleyways. The action sequences are visceral and well-choreographed, adding to the immersive experience.

Not for the Faint of Heart: Be warned, Blood Coast doesn't shy away from violence and brutality. It's a raw portrayal of the criminal underworld, complete with graphic scenes and coarse language. If you have a weak stomach, steer clear.

Overall: If you're looking for a fast-paced, character-driven crime drama with a unique European flavor, Blood Coast delivers. Be prepared for some violence, but if you can handle it, you'll be rewarded with a thrilling ride through the dark heart of Marseille.

The music score contribution adds it's own character to the series.

I don't usually watch crime/gangster television shows that are told primarily from the point of view of law enforcement. The reason is there is the usual Hollywood cliches involved in the writing. Blood coast didn't fail to do exactly that.

That problem aside, the series got off to a good start by building up what should have been a epic showdown between the villians in the series. There was a huge build up of events that left you anticipating the climax, then the writers went in other directions. This leaves me to believe they might be setting it up for another season but it derailed what they had already done. Worth watching but not on repeat.

I am a big fan of Olivier Marchal. Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed his many movies and TV series - they rank among the best in a genre in which the French excell: crime drama. Unfortunately, Blood Coast does not live up to expectations. The plot is unimaginative, a rehash of a story told so many times before. The actors are for the most part wooden and underwhelming. The characters are universally unlikeable and make the dumbest decisions. Swearing, while expected and welcome in such a show, is just overboard and detrimental to storytelling - every conversation turns into in-your-face, profanity-laced slang mumbo jumbo. The "music" is particularly grating - very little sucks as much as French rap. And the ending feels like a slowly deflating balloon. Total miss.

One more thing. Throughout, I kept thinking that these idiots are so fortunate to live in the south of France, a real paradise, and yet they choose to live like gangstas in run down ghettos. Fools.