Metod

I agree w/ most of what was said in the "hmmm . . ." review; however, I found the series compelling thruout..

I thought that the acting was excellent. The story provided a lot of info on how mental illness is viewed in Russia. Considering how it was politicized in the USSR, this was useful.

When I moved to Richmond, VA, someone told me that it was destroyed in the Civil War and never rebuilt. This wasn't true, but the remark came to mind as I saw the interiors and exteriors in this series. It felt like Russia was destroyed in WW II and never rebuilt.

This was a tough one to finish. Don't get me wrong, I just started my second time through, so it's obviously worth the value of my subjective time. Nevertheless, each episode brought a moment when I asked myself "why am I watching." However, each episode, and the ending, was well worth every moment; this, the rating.

I absolutely loved it. The characterisations were very compelling and the storyline fascinating. The overall feel of the series was professional and interesting. Thought the acting was very good, and I loved the dynamic relationships and realistic feel of it all (although much of the story was decidedly unrealistic!). It's one I won't soon forget, or the many tears which accompanied it.

I am almost finished with the season and have found it very entertaining. Some things I enjoy about it: 1. The quotes that open each episode. I have found myself writing them down because they are thought-provokers. 2. The glimpse into Russian life, though I have no way of knowing how realistic this is. I love seeing all the homes and apartments they go into--they seem ancient, falling apart and beautiful at the same time. 3. The utter lack of sentimentality, which is a major fault of so many American shows. The crimes are brutal, the scenes very bright and bloody and unrelenting in how vulnerable the humans are in them. 4. The way each episode ends with a scene that hints toward the next one, though the stories are not connected. I like that this show is episodic.

Things not so good: 1. The pencil and hairdo thing with Esenya--that got old fast. Too precious. Get a hairclip, chick. 2. The superiority of the two main characters. They are fun to watch, but it's embarrassing how everyone else is totally inept at their jobs.

I don't know how this season ends, but I'm already wishing there had been more of them.

Overall a refreshingly different type of cops and robbers set in the Russian capital. Beautifully filmed and acted. This has a pleasant and dark underlying feel. All the usual cop cliches, cops are the same the world over! Should keep you going until the end, is this the new scany noir?