La Mantis

Gripping series, but the last episode is frustrating to watch because of so many unrealistic scenes. I enjoyed all episodes except for the last.

Netflix recommended this because I liked Le Chalet, and they do have elements in common. Slow burner with good characterisation and a few twists. A slightly offbeat police drama, which stretches credulity more than slightly. Nethertheless, recommended, especially for Francophiles.

I watch a lot of tv. When this Netflix original series popped up it looked right up my ally. I was not disappointed! Do not let the French speech with subtitles put you off. This is a well written, well acted, tense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and thirsty for more. Every episode Is beautifully crafted with fantastic character work. I raced through the six part series and immediately watched the whole thing again so that my husband could enjoy it too. If you are a fan of Wire In The Blood, Luther, Waking The Dead etc. this is a must see. Le Mante spurred me into writing my first review on IMDB ever!

Carole Bouquet, a glam star from past decades, plays a Mom doing a life term for a series of brutal killings. Her son, Damien, is a senior investigator with Paris police, who are investigating a series of copycat killings. He has a drop- dead pretty wife, who would like to start a new family, but Damien is haunted by the mess in his family background (try a serial killer Mom & an abusive dad who 'disappeared' sometime before her spree began).

Problem is: they stare a lot. Damien has an explosive temper and often throws hissy fits when his wife asks for clarification or compassion.

Anyway, we have a couple of major plot twists and a few scenes you might want to fast-forward, and a thrilling climax. Not as good as the Korean entries on Netflix, surprisingly, but a good way to burn a weekend with this 6-parter.i

I enjoyed watching this series and was really impressed with the quality of the acting, especially with Carole Bouquet, Fred Teston and Manon Azem. While the plot has some unrealistic elements, the relationship between the mother and son was portrayed with emotion and was compelling to watch. I have seen many thrillers (The Fall, The Killing, The Disappearance), but have not seen this particular mother/son dynamic before. I ended up binge-watching this series, something that I don't normally do. For this reason, I am rating it as a 9. I hope that there will be a second season.