Van der Valk (2020 TV series)

Van der Valk is a British television crime drama series that premiered in 2020, adapted from the eponymous series of crime thriller novels by Nicolas Freeling. Produced for the ITV network, it is a loose remake of the original Van der Valk series that ran from 1972 to 1992 on ITV. The reboot was created and written by Chris Murray, with Marc Warren starring as police detective Van der Valk. Continuity with the original series is not preserved in the remake, which introduces revised and new characters as well as new storylines.[1][2]

Van der Valk
Title card
Genre
Created byChris Murray
Inspired byVan der Valk novels
by Nicolas Freeling
Written by
  • Chris Murray
  • Maria Ward
Starring
ComposerMatthijs Kieboom
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series3
No. of episodes9 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Michele Buck
  • Chris Murray
  • Marc Warren
  • Louise Pedersen
  • Rebecca Eaton
  • David Swetman
Producers
  • Keith Thompson
  • Sabine Brian
  • Ronald Versteeg
Production locationNetherlands
Cinematography
  • Tibor Dingelstad
  • Willem Helwig
  • Coen Stroeve
Editor
Running time90 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkITV
Release26 April 2020 (2020-04-26) –
present
Related
Van der Valk

Van der Valk premiered in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2020, the second series on 7 August 2022, and the third series on 18 June 2023.

Overview

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The series is set in present-day Amsterdam, where police Commissioner Piet van der Valk investigates challenging cases with his partner Lucienne Hassell and colleagues in the National Police Force's major crimes division.

Cast and characters

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Main

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Recurring

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  • Loes Haverkort as Lena Linderman (series 2–4)
  • Peter van Heeringen as Homeless Frank (series 1–3)
  • Mike Libanon as Cliff Palache

Episodes

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SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1326 April 2020 (2020-04-26)10 May 2020 (2020-05-10)
237 August 2022 (2022-08-07)21 August 2022 (2022-08-21)
3318 June 2023 (2023-06-18)2 July 2023 (2023-07-02)
43TBATBA

Series 1 (2020)

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No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
11"Love in Amsterdam"Colin TeagueChris Murray26 April 2020 (2020-04-26)7.13[3]
With elections looming, Van der Valk and his team delve into the worlds of art and politics as they investigate the seemingly unlinked murders of two innocents.
22"Only in Amsterdam"Max PorcelijnChris Murray3 May 2020 (2020-05-03)6.01[4]
An investigation into the murder of a young woman with an interest in medieval erotica becomes entangled with a nunnery, mystical academics, and a controversial drug clinic.
33"Death in Amsterdam"Jean van de VeldeChris Murray10 May 2020 (2020-05-10)5.5[5]
The fashion industry, video bloggers and a graffiti artist come under investigation after a macabre murder. Van der Valk has flashbacks and a sexual liaison.

Series 2 (2022)

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No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
41"Plague on Amsterdam"Jean van de VeldeChris Murray7 August 2022 (2022-08-07)4.31[7]
Van der Valk is called in to investigate the grisly and theatrical murder of solicitor Susie de Windt. A cryptic note discovered within her jacket alludes to further murders and a link to philosopher Baruch de Spinoza is also uncovered. Job deduces that further notes on newer victims are different quotes by Spinoza, which also alludes to events Amsterdam went through in history with three Xs, including a flood and a fire. Van der Valk and his team also take down de Windt's husband, who is revealed to have blackmailed city hall to keep quiet about the eviction of people with a different life style. As the investigation narrows in a former run-by person, Tonie Alderlink, Job and Van der Valk deduce that is in fact the killer, and has compared himself and looked up to Spinoza. As Alderlink livestreams himself at a pier in The Hague, Van der Valk tries to talk him down, but the chief of police ultimately orders snipers to take Alderlink out. The bomb he was wearing is also revealed to have been fake, going against his last philosophy of God being killed.[6]
52"Blood in Amsterdam"André van DurenChris Murray14 August 2022 (2022-08-14)3.85[9]
When Ahmed Baykan, an employee of the renowned Cuypers Diamonds, is killed and his body delivered in pieces to the wealthy siblings and heirs to the company, Van der Valk and his team navigate a string of complicated family and staff affairs and consider a possible tale of revenge against the family. Among their findings are that following their mother's death, a new diamond was made in her honour, and a disgruntled employee, Jacob Prins, threatened to sue the company over the direction it was heading. Baykan is also revealed to be the brother of gangster Yusuf Baykan, who personally goes after Prins and later pressures Cornelis Cuyper into giving him 500,000 euros. Baykan was also headed to a date with Angelina Cuyper the day he died, and it is revealed that he was confronted by fellow employer Vito Vinke, who had wanted the same job as him. The family doctor is later found dead in a safe where the mother's diamond was stored, and Prins is later stabbed while leaving a ferry. Van der Valk and his team consider the crimes to have been an inside job, and partial DNA leaves an open gap to all three siblings until some remaining traces from a ring points them to the family psychotherapist Florian Barby. They catch him in his escape, and it is revealed that the mother, Geraldine Cuyper, is alive and had faked her death, in addition to having killed Baykan, while Barby helped in cleaning up.[8]
63"Payback in Amsterdam"Joram LürsenChris Murray & Maria Ward21 August 2022 (2022-08-21)3.91[11]
When Fleur Mas, a promising cellist from a prestigious orchestra, dies following an acid attack, Van der Valk and his team delve into the city's vibrant but eclectic classical music scene in the search for her killer. They discover a disturbing sex trafficking ring headed by Stefan Bodecker, which Mas was a part of, and cross paths with Lucienne's ex-girlfriend, Femke de Haan, who was in a relationship with Mas prior to her death. Every turn they take leads to a victim being killed, including Van der Valk's journalist friend, Arjan Hersei, at the hands of Bodecker's enforcer Ivo De Witt. When an Interpol search in the Mediterranean fails to find Bodecker, Van der Valk and the police find suspicious leads that point to him being back in the Netherlands. As De Witt targets de Haan, she manages to disable him with pepper spray before seeking refuge in a windmill before Lucienne and Van der Valk rescue her. Club owner Anouk Prinsens is Bodecker's daughter and was possibly abused by him as a child. Despite denying the accusations against him, Bodecker reveals that he planned to have incriminating footage of high ranking officials engaging with girls leaked to the press. Van der Valk goes back and solves a clue Arjan left with a book, leading to a locker under the Central Station containing the evidence he gathered. As the police execute a mass arrest of all officials involved, including their boss Jan Ludlow, another victim of Bodecker, Hester Gill, assassinates him as he is brought from the police station.[10]

Series 3 (2023)

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No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
71"Freedom in Amsterdam"Michiel van JaarsveldChris Murray18 June 2023 (2023-06-18)3.80[12]
The team are plunged into an investigation following the dramatic shooting of an idealistic Freerunning champion, which draws them into the murky world of drug smuggling.
82"Redemption in Amsterdam"Simone van DusseldorpMaria Ward25 June 2023 (2023-06-25)3.72[13]
The present-day murder of a museum employee involved in the restitution of ancient artefacts links back to a case Van der Valk worked on at the beginning of his career, alongside boss Julia Dahlman’s ex-husband, when a troubled teenage girl seemingly burnt her younger siblings to death.
93"Magic in Amsterdam"Arne ToonenChris Murray2 July 2023 (2023-07-02)3.75[14]
The team are taken to the edge of reality following the death of a participant in a magical ritual invoking a demon. Is there a supernatural cause for the murder, or is there a much more earthbound explanation?

Series 4 (2024)

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No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
101"Safe in Amsterdam[15]"Michiel van JaarsveldChris MurrayTBATBD
Van Der Valk and the team are pushed to the limit as they try to bring down the matriarchal head of a criminal empire who may or may not be guilty of the crimes she's accused of committing.
112"Hope in Amsterdam[16]"Eché JangaMaria WardTBATBD
Van Der Valk and the team are confronted with a unique emotional puzzle when the prime suspect in their latest murder investigation turns out to be a famous singer and missing person presumed to have been dead for years.
123"Secrets in Amsterdam[17]"Paula van der OestChris MurrayTBATBD
Van Der Valk investigates a series of murders that draw them into a cryptic puzzle which could not only unlock a potentially life-saving medical breakthrough but also have a major impact on the health of one of them.

Production

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Development

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Van der Valk is produced by Company Pictures, NL Film, ARD Degeto, and PBS, with All3Media as international distributor.[18]

In this remake, Piet is widowed[19][20] and his sidekick Lucienne Hassell is lesbian.[21] A key riff from the original 1972 series' distinctive theme music, "Eye Level", is echoed in the new theme music.[22]

In May 2020, Warren confirmed that the show would return for a second series, although production might be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[23] Nevertheless, with actors, crew, and logistics established, filming on season 2 began with safety measures in place on 3 June 2021.[24][25]

A third series was commissioned on 11 April 2022.[26][27] Filming on Series 3 was completed in August 2022.[28] With the departure of Elliot Barnes-Worrell and Luke Allen-Gale from the series, two new characters are introduced in Series 3: Sergeant Citra Li, played by Django Chan-Reeves, and Sergeant Eddie Suleman, played by Azan Ahmed.[29][30]

In July 2023, it was reported that the series was preparing to commence production of a fourth series.[31] In Series 4, Kim Riedle joined the main cast as police Sergeant Kalie Tenkers, Valk's ex-girlfriend.[32][33]

Locations

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Season 1 was filmed entirely in Amsterdam.[34] Locations include the American Hotel, the Rijksmuseum, Achtergracht, NDSM, the Tommy Hilfiger HQ on Danzigerkade in Houthaven, REM Eiland, Nieuwe Teertuinen, Kadijken, Scharrebiersluis bridge, Plantage, and the Prinseneilandsgracht.[citation needed]

Season 2 was filmed in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. Locations include Scheveningen Pier, the Muziekgebouw, A'DAM Tower, and Café Scheltema.[35][36]

Release

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Broadcast

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The show premiered in the United Kingdom on ITV on 26 April 2020,[37][38] with series 1 consisting of three 90-minute episodes.[37]

In the Netherlands, Van der Valk debuted on NPO 1 on 1 January 2020.[39][40] In Germany, the series premiered on Das Erste on 1 June 2020.[41][42] In the United States, it debuted on PBS on 13 September 2020.[43] In Australia, it premiered on ABC TV on 4 April 2020,[44] and in New Zealand on Vibe on 25 May 2020.[45][46] In Belgium, it debuted on VRT 1 on 4 September 2020.[47][48][49]

In the UK, Van der Valk series 1 averaged 7.1 million viewers.[50]

The second series premiered in the UK on 7 August 2022,[51] and in the U.S. on 25 September 2022.[52][53]

In 2022, distribution of Van der Valk became available in Italy on Discovery, France on France Télévisions, Norway on NRK, Sweden on TV4, Croatia on HRT, and Spain on Cosmopolitan. The series was also acquired by NHK in Japan, ViuTVsix in Hong Kong, DirecTV in Latin America and BBC Global Channels in Africa.[54]

In June 2023, ITV announced that the third series would premiere on 18 June 2023.[55][56] The series premiered first in Denmark on TV 2 Charlie on 3 January 2023,[57] then debuted on ABC in Australia on 24 March 2023,[58][59] and on PBS in the US on 3 September 2023.[60][61]

Series 4 premiered in Denmark on TV 2 Charlie on 22 July 2024.[62] It aired in Australia on ABC on 30 August 2024,[63] and on PBS in the US on 15 September 2024.[64][65][66]

Home media

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Season 1 was released on DVD in Region 2 by Dazzler Media on 11 May 2020,[67] and in Region 4 by ABC on 20 May 2020.[68] It was released in Region 1 by PBS on 13 October 2020.[69]

The Season 2 DVD was released first in Region 4 on 13 April 2022,[citation needed] followed by Region 2 on 22 August 2022,[70] and Region 1 on 11 October 2022.[71]

References

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  1. ^ Rampton, James (24 April 2020). "Walk the Valk". Drama Quarterly. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  2. ^ Hughes, Mike (13 September 2020). "'Van der Valk,' the 2020 Version, Arrives on PBS". TV Worth Watching. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 20 Apr 2020 - 26 Apr 2020". Barb Audiences. April 2020.
  4. ^ "Top programmes report: week 18, April 27 - May 03". Thinkbox. 11 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Top programmes report: week 19, May 04–10". Thinkbox. 18 May 2020. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Van der Valk: Series 2 Episode 1 Plague on Amsterdam". ABC iview. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  7. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 01 Aug 2022 - 07 Aug 2022". Barb Audiences. August 2022.
  8. ^ "Van der Valk: Series 2 Episode 2 Blood in Amsterdam". ABC iview. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 08 Aug 2022 - 14 Aug 2022". Barb Audiences. August 2022.
  10. ^ "Van der Valk: Series 2 Episode 3 Payback in Amsterdam". ABC iview. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 15 Aug 2022 - 21 Aug 2022". Barb Audiences. August 2022.
  12. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 12 Jun 2023 - 18 Jun 2023". Barb Audiences. June 2023.
  13. ^ "Top programmes report: week 25, June 19–25". Thinkbox. 3 July 2023. Archived from the original on 4 July 2023.
  14. ^ "Weekly top 50 shows: Period 26 Jun 2023 - 02 Jul 2023". Barb Audiences. July 2023.
  15. ^ "Van der Valk (Sæson 4: 1. Sikker i Amsterdam)" [Season 4: 1. Safe in Amsterdam]. TV 2 Play (in Danish). July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Van der Valk (Sæson 4: 2. Håb i Amsterdam)" [Season 4: 2. Hope in Amsterdam]. TV 2 Play (in Danish). July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  17. ^ "Van der Valk (Sæson 4: 3. Hemmeligheder i Amsterdam)" [Season 4: 3. Secrets in Amsterdam]. TV 2 Play (in Danish). July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  18. ^ Clarke, Stewart (12 October 2019). "PBS to Bring Rebooted European Detective Series 'Van der Valk' to U.S. (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  19. ^ Bundel, Ani (10 September 2020). "Who Is Van Der Valk? Meet Masterpiece's Newest Detective". Telly Visions. WETA-TV.
  20. ^ Bundel, Ani (28 August 2023). "Everything to Remember Ahead of 'Van der Valk' Season 3". Telly Visions. WETA-TV.
  21. ^ Midgley, Carol (27 April 2020). "Van der Valk review — sexy, inscrutable, on Tinder: a detective rebooted". The Times. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  22. ^ Virtue, Graeme (28 April 2020). "Variations on a theme tune: musical reboots, from Van Der Valk to Doctor Who". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  23. ^ Manning, Charlotte (10 May 2020). "Van Der Valk season 2 confirmed but Marc Warren drops devastating bombshell". Daily Express. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  24. ^ "Van der Valk Season 2 in Production in Amsterdam". PBS. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  25. ^ Palmer, Katie (14 August 2022). "Van Der Valk star opens up on filming challenge 'I questioned whether it was doable'". Daily Express. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  26. ^ "All3Media International confirms Van der Valk return as season three commissioned". All3Media. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  27. ^ "All3Media signs commissioning deal for the third season of "Van der Valk"". Señal News. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  28. ^ Molina-Whyte, Lidia (23 August 2022). "Van der Valk has already filmed season 3 and will return next year". Radio Times.
  29. ^ Bundel, Ani (23 November 2022). "'Van Der Valk' Season 3 Changes Up The Cast". Telly Visions. WETA-TV. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  30. ^ Hutson, Stefanie (25 March 2023). "Van der Valk, Season 3: What We Know Right Now". I Heart British TV. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  31. ^ "Van der Valk Set To Return For Fourth Series on ITV". TV Zone UK. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  32. ^ Bundel, Ani (5 September 2024). "The 'Van der Valk' Trailer Shakes Up the Team for Season 4". Telly Visions. WETA-TV. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  33. ^ "Van der Valk season 4 cast: Meet the characters". Radio Times. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  34. ^ Selby, Jenn (10 May 2020). "Van Der Valk filming locations? Where the ITV cop drama series was filmed". i. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  35. ^ Rowlands, Eve (14 August 2022). "Van Der Valk full cast and locations as second series continues". WalesOnline. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  36. ^ Webb, Claire (30 July 2022). "Where was Van der Valk filmed? How filming locations for the ITV series reveal a different side of Amsterdam". i. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  37. ^ a b Elliott, Dave (15 April 2020). "ITV Sets April UK Premiere Date For Marc Warren Fronted 'Van Der Valk' Series". GeekTown. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
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  39. ^ Daniëlle (20 November 2019). "Vanaf 1 januari 2020 op NPO1: de nieuwe serie Detective van der Valk" [From January 1, 2020 on NPO1: the new series Detective van der Valk]. Scriptgirl.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  40. ^ "Detective Van der Valk aflevering 1 zaterdag te zien op NPO 1" [Detective Van der Valk episode 1 on Saturday on NPO 1]. Gids.tv (in Dutch). 19 June 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  41. ^ Krannich, Bernd (15 April 2020). ""Kommissar van der Valk": Das Erste lässt an Pfingsten in Amsterdam ermitteln" ["Commissioner van der Valk": Das Erste investigates at Pentecost in Amsterdam]. TV Wunschliste (in German). Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  42. ^ ""Kommissar Van der Valk" ab Pfingstmontag, 1. Juni 2020, im Ersten" ["Commissioner Van der Valk" starting on Monday, June 1, 2020, on German public broadcaster Erste]. Presseportal (in German). 27 May 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  43. ^ "Sunday, Sept. 13: New PBS 'Masterpiece' Mystery 'Van Der Valk'". Channel Guide. 13 September 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  44. ^ Knox, David (23 March 2020). "Airdate: Van Der Valk". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  45. ^ Wakefield, Philip (13 April 2020). "Sky's Vibe to Revive Van Der Valk". ScreenScribe.tv. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  46. ^ "70s detective drama Van Der Valk gets a modern makeover". Stuff. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  47. ^ De Bruyne, Jacob (4 September 2020). "Eén kiest nieuwe misdaadreeks 'Van Der Valk' voor vrijdagavond" [One chooses new crime series 'Van Der Valk' for Friday night]. Het Laatste Nieuws (in Dutch). Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  48. ^ "Eén pakt uit met detectivereeks 'Van der Valk'". Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 9 August 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2023. One unpacks with detective series 'Van der Valk'
  49. ^ "Van Der Valk". VRT. 2020. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  50. ^ "Lockdown viewing summary: Top 15 unique broadcasts weeks 12-27". Barb Audiences. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
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  56. ^ Jade, Kayleigh (8 June 2023). "Van Der Valk 2023 start date confirmed as new series comes to ITV". TellyMix. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
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  58. ^ Knox, David (1 March 2023). "Returning: Van Der Valk". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  59. ^ "Van Der Valk Season 3 Premiere (ABC TV Friday 24 March 2023)". Memorable TV. 18 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  60. ^ Bundel, Ani (21 June 2023). "PBS Pairs 'Unforgotten' & 'Van der Valk,' Announces 'Annika' Season 2". Telly Visions. WETA-TV. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  61. ^ Jew, Linda (21 June 2023). "Masterpiece Mystery! Sets Debut Dates for New Seasons of Annika, Unforgotten & Van der Valk". The British TV Place. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  62. ^ "Van der Valk (Sæson 4: 1. Sikker i Amsterdam: 22.juli 2024)" [Season 4: 1. Safe in Amsterdam: 22 July 2024]. TV 2 Play (in Danish). July 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  63. ^ Knox, David (28 August 2024). "Returning: Van Der Valk". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  64. ^ Bundel, Ani (10 July 2024). "'Van der Valk' Season 4 Does Exist, Debuts in September". Telly Visions. WETA. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  65. ^ "Van der Valk: Season 4 Trailer". Masterpiece. PBS. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  66. ^ Bunce, C.J. (27 July 2024). "Van Der Valk–Stylish mystery series returns for fourth season". borg. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  67. ^ "Van Der Valk | DVD | Free shipping over £20". HMV. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  68. ^ "Van Der Valk". Sanity. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  69. ^ "Masterpiece: Van Der Valk". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
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  71. ^ "Masterpiece Mystery!: Van Der Valk Season 2 DVD". Unobstructed View. Retrieved 13 November 2022.

Further reading

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