(D)evil's Throat: Djavolskoto Garlo

An interesting, sometimes gripping series in which a series of gory murders reference core issues in historical and contemporary Muslim - Christian, Soviet & post-Soviet eras. Two cops from different positions and each with their own family problems must find a way to work together, supported by a local cop team, to unravel the reasons for the killings and reveal the killer. Mia's family issue is a stereotypical teenage daughter stereotypically alienated from her. The daughter is important to the plot, but the whole unforgiving daughter theme could have been significantly edited down. The emotional turmoils of Filip & Mia are rather overdone, thanks to both script and their overacting. And Filip, designed as the moody, sexy hero sometimes verges on the creepy or, at least, a real turnoff. But the supporting cast, particularly the three local cops, are interesting, characterful without falling into caricature, and well performed. The final outcome is obvious in the second-last episode, leaving the final episode to make it all even more predictable.

Up until that point, however, it's a compelling, enjoyable series. And it's worth a watch despite the weaknesses. Revelatory, but not intrusive, history, stunning scenery, glimpses of contemporary life and politics in rural Bulgaria and a beautifully constructed soundtrack that fits perfectly.

As this Bulgarian series opens a body is found in a remote lake near the town of Smolyan; it quickly becomes apparent that this will be an unusual case... the man's eyes had been replaced by those from a sheep! Soon afterwards a second body is found; this one has been differently disfigured. Policeman Filip Chanov leads the case with his team. When it emerges that the two victims had been involved in helping refugees enter the country illegally they are joined by Mia Yazova, an officer in the security services who is concerned that there might be a terrorist element to the case. The pressure is on them; Filip's father, the local prosecutor with political ambitions, wants to use the case to help him become mayor and naturally everybody is worried there may be further murders.

I really enjoyed this series, the first Bulgarian series I've watched. The central mystery is intriguing; as the series progresses various suspects and motives emerge. We also learn more about the various characters as secrets are revealed. The setting is great with some really amazing scenery; if it weren't for the murders one might think this was made by the Smolyan tourist board, I'm sure it will inspire some people who had never heard of the place to pay a visit. The characters are a lot of fun; I particularly liked cops Pope, who is hilariously non-PC, and Donka, who is almost ready to give birth. The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life. Of course no series is perfect; this would have been better without Mia's problems with her daughter who gets involved with a somewhat suspicious young local man. Overall though I'd certainly recommend this to fans of murder mysteries looking for something from somewhere new.

These comments are based on watching the series in Bulgarian with English subtitles.

Overall very intriguing story that keeps you guessing. The acting (particularly by the two leads) is not the greatest, but easily overlooked by the work of a great supporting cast. And while it can get a little too close to "hokey" at times, the investigation draws you in right up to the end.

If this is what Bulgarian TV is like send us more. This police thriller starts with a body in a lake where it couldn't possibly be and goes on from there.

There are all there character types you'd expect in a former Soviet block police state government trying to deal with 21st Century problems, migration, internet, teenagers demanding freedom, and David Lynch type plot twists and oddball characters thrown in to keep you wanting more.

12 full episodes, and a soundtrack I would sell my mother to get a hold of.

Rich storyline, great implementation of the beautiful nature in the mystery, fantastic camera and dynamic episodes. It deserves a good distribution!!!