Berlin Station

I wanted to watch this because I am a huge fan of Olen Steinhauer. I have read all of his excellent books. For the first half of season 1 we weren't sure about the series, but once one gets familiar with the characters & their roles, it takes off. I suppose it's a bit confusing because the world of spy craft is by definition clandestine. Richard Jenkins is masterful in his role. We are really looking forward to season2.

I've enjoyed every season of Berlin Station including the most recent season 3. This espionage show far outshines Homeland in that it really shows a team approach to intelligence. The writing is excellent, even if just a little expository in places. The themes keep up with what is currently happening in the world and the actors are all stellar. I especially love Leland Orser's acting. I'm a little surprised to see such a low rating over at Rotten Tomatoes. Makes me wonder who the heck is reviewing stuff over there.

It's not Jason Bourne, it's not James Bond and perhaps that's why a lot of people seem to think it is dull. The real world of espionage is probably more dull than any of us will ever know. I have seen it being accused of being pro CIA, I don't think so personally, of course the characters in the show are going to think they are the proverbial "good guys" everyone thinks they are the good guys.But we are already starting to see that they aren't always the good guys.Some were already bashing it after just one episode.I think it's one of the better things I've seen just lately. Well worth a watch if you are actually looking for something half decent.

After 9 episodes, I'm anxious for the final episode and hoping this isn't a single season series. The writing is excellent and leaves me thinking about the questions that linger between episodes. I love the fact that the writers are totally faking me out time and again. Nothing predictable here.

The cast has been giving an all-out performance. The character Hector is a very convincing "dark" character. Very believable and probably the best performance of the entire cast.

The first episode lays the ground work leaving some questions not being answered until the last episode. Character development is top notch.

While this may be seen as a somewhat anti-American in the way that it vilifies the CIA, it's a great story line.

Very impressive production.

Have you seen recent Homeland episodes? How about Blacklist? They have been renewed even though the female protagonist of the former has run her course and episodes are now predictable, and The Blacklist's female protagonist quickly gets on your nerves with her daddy issues and sappy Tom Keen/baby scenes. Just read the reviews. But Berlin Station has Richard Armitage, Michele Forbes, Rhys Ifans, Leland Order, Richard Jenkins, and Ashley Judd. All, save, Judd are excellent, especially Rhys Ifans who plays a convincing tortured bad boy. Sure, the language is at times crude, but that's the way it is for some characters. And there are a few sex scenes, but hardly any and always in context. It's the viewers responsibility to read the content before watching rather than whining about 'offensive' words or scenes. Are the sets and locations perfect? No, but they don't have a GOT budget, yet they still do a convincing job nonetheless. This is intelligent character-based CIA action that takes place outside the US. Great group of actors, good writing and like Homeland, has a socio-political undercurrent. Riveting watching...