As Crônicas de Frankenstein

First of all, people need to stop saying this is an interpretation of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. It is anything but that. This story takes place about 10 years after that novel was published, which was my first clue that this was going to be something completely different. As a nice early surprise, the novel itself does exists in this tale, which adds further realism to the whole affair. What this tale is though, is two things. First, it's a superb detective mystery. Secondly, it is well-executed, well built-up, gut wrenching horror.

The premise is undeniably very dark, and ingrained in the times, but there are underlying themes that are quite relevant to the world of today--it is a mirror for certain scientific dilemmas of 2015. The protagonist (played by Sean Bean) is a good man but a tortured soul, with high potential for being of unreliable perspective (his character might be experiencing dementia). So that alone will keep you guessing. If you start watching it, watch it to the end. You will see that it is anything but an interpretation of the novel, Frankenstein.

I recently discovered this series and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am also glad that I am not the only one to notice the references to the character Richard Sharpe. I have read every one of Bernard Cromwell's books and you can't ignore the constant references to John Marlott's past life that mirrors Richard Sharpe. The boy whistling "Over the Hill and Far Away." Marlott's reference of him being in the 95'th Rifles, and being at the Battle of Waterloo. The time when Marlott took his shirt off while bathing showing off scaring on his back (In the Shapre books, the main character was once punished by flogging), and in episode five when Marlott retrieved his pistol, it showed his old dark green army uniform, similar to the one Sharpe wore as a member of the 95th.. I wonder if all this was the doing of Sean Bean. if it was, then it compels the viewer to pay especially close attention to the story line. Great hook.

Having watched the first episode last night, i am very impressed.

The show centres on John Marlott, who after an unsuccessful opium case, finds a dead girls body on the shore of the marshes. However this was not just one dead girl, but parts of many! So what ensues after is inspector john Marlott being put on the case to find the culprit.

Set in a bleak and dark London, the setting looks fantastic and eerie. The story seems clever, weaving the traditional Frankenstein story with real life London, nothing looks like it will be too far fetched at the moment, but has the capabilities of being so?

The acting is superb. Albeit the first episode it a little slow, Sean Bean carries it along by us the viewer being invested in his character with a troubled past. Bean has always had a uncanny knack of making the viewer transfixed on him, excellent screen presence. The supporting cast are also notably excellent too, with Richie Campbell as Nightingale (his partner) and Robbie Gee as Billy Oates also captivating.

The first episode finishes leaving the viewer intrigued, not waiting for episode two to see which direction the show will take, the tradition Frankenstein story with bolts in his neck? Or a more contemporary mad scientist detective case? Or maybe a mixture of both?

We will have to wait and see, but i will certainly keep watching.

The first season was amazing,exept botched finale...The dark, gothic detective story in the beginning ,unfortunately transformed in something unrecognizable... Story became very slow, overly religious and plain,not in a good way,macabre. All in all,decent one time watch.

Felt this was let down by the marketing and fairly bland trailers. I only watched since Sean Bean was in it, thank goodness I did! Whilst its pretty slow initially, after 2 episodes when it all starts coming together the show stands out as a very creative one, with what I certainly felt was a completely original story based around the Frankenstein lore. In this respect it was a great surprise, and like others have mentioned, with so many shows coming out now based on established materials this was very refreshing.

Hopefully we see more, since whilst I do appreciate shows that keep it short and direct, instead of like others dragging on longer than they should (you know who you are!), this is one story that certainly has more to tell.

Not to miss.