Venecia: Red criminal

Italian drama 'Don't Leave Me' is certainly stylish: how could it not be, with its attractive leads and Venetian setting? It's also solidly plotted and its characters have depth. It's also not without flaws: we have a team of super-talented police with instanteous tech and a ridiculously glamorous office; and a lot of the plot twists are very heavily flagged. The chase scenes are slick but never quite feel natural. And the basic idea, that a super-powerful gang are involved in a highly sophisticated scheme to abuse children, doesn't feel true to the tawdry nature of child abuse in general. It's certainly more than a by-the-book thriller; but it doesn't quite inspire the highest levels of emotional engagement.

Although we were initially concerned that the romance from the past would overshadow this series, it didn't. The cinematography was blissful and while at times the story seemed to move slowly, suddenly there was a plot twist making you sit up and go wow. We thought the last episode was just so moving and we still think about it weeks after.

What an amazing thriller series from Italy. At first I wasn't sure of the pacing and then I was gripped. With gorgeous scenes of Venice as the backdrop this very timely and dark story is one of the best series I've seen in ages. I loved the interplay between the three old friends and how the plot slowly unraveled. Masterful film-making. And what a dramatic ending!

It is not often that this jaded thriller fan is impressed, and less often that he is moved to tears. But this series did both. I was all the more impressed and moved because the real coup de theatre came from a direction I did not anticipate but could not deny. Among the many outstanding contributions (besides the direction and writing) are the lead actors, who are incredibly charismatic, and a marvelous music score that evolves and sneaks up on you over the course of the series. I persevere through many so-so or merely satisfying shows to come upon a gem like this. Bravissimo!

PS: Months after posting this review, I occasionally come across this show in listings, and try to remember what I so loved about it. Then it comes back to me...and I suddenly catch my breath. So heartbreaking, so beautiful.

We start with a compelling investigation of a dead child that had some complexity and intrigue. Elena our lead detective left Venice 20 years before for some murky melodramatic reasons.

I normally watch at least 3 episodes of a series before I decide if I'll keep watching but for this series I had to bail out after the second episode when our female lead investigator turns her badge in for all the cliched reasons you could already guess. I stopped being interested as to why she left Venice in the first place. I think the problem with the series is the main character is completely one dimensional. Yes, she's dedicated to her work finding missing/exploited children but that in itself doesn't make her an interesting character. Her deadpanned delivery just sucks the energy out of the story.