ishtapaz

I think they made a mistake on the first case ( episodes 1 and 2 ). But what do you do when you have the beautiful Nora von Waldstätten on board as guest - show some skin. I still think it was a good episode. The next cases get much better. They already have season 2 up on Amazon PBS Masterpiece channel. Most of the stories center around north eastern and eastern France, on the border towns. I think they were filming in Belgium. Lot of Catholic references involved, more the occult and middle age myths. Erika Sainte is pretty good and so is Olivier Marchal. And no romantic trysts or eye candy like in the other French shows (Murder IN..) , it remains pretty dark and grey and gritty. I need to watch the John Reno version.

A bit of reading on the French police system helps to understand these shows. And a little bit of history study as well. I am glad that there is not so much Gendarmerie bashing that I see on other shows.

Yep the 2 detectives are not likable right away, maybe never. That's why I like it.

I cannot believe how I was captivated, rewinding seconds I've missed 1 hr before the murder was committed. Normally I would have fast forwarded or Googled the synopsis. There was no useless actor. I mean if Clive Owen and Ryan Phillippe are reduced to valets, you know this is composed of heavy hitters.

The plot and hidden motives are so complicated. You need to watch this 2-3 times. Do not discount anyone and you may be lucky guessing whodunit before the detective arrived.

Also after watching it so many times, I still am confused where everything is. And I think being aware of the floor plan can help you guess early.

This is Downton Abbey meets Midsomer Murders. I have abandoned Agatha Christie type plots a while ago but I think i am making a comeback.

I actually do not like Glee. It's just impossible for any high school to achieve that sound. But this one is indeed believable and it involved everyone, the band not just the divas. Of course I am in love with Minnie Driver. What a unique face but man she can sing. I knew she sang and played guitar. She definitely carried the movie but the supporting cast specially the teenage actors.

The drama is definitely thick but again not over the top and again believable.

The music selection is also refreshing. I know this review is not so cerebral but sometime it does not have to be. In terms of filmography. I love the Fuji Velvia look of the 70's.