"It's about the journey, not the destination" it's often said. Same goes for this series one could say. The ride is very interesting, once you get into it after a little while.
Virulently sadist child killer Guy Beranger, who has murdered and tortured five young boys in the most sadistic way, is released after twenty years. Effectively that is four years for every young life he deliberately chose to cut short. Little wonder the general public isn't happy with his release at all. It's obviously also a criticism of the lax justice system in many European countries. Don't get me wrong, rehabilitation is very valuable for criminals who are redeemable. Serial killers however should never be released again, since they are incurable psychopaths.
There's a monastery waiting with open arms to house the 'poor' child killer, although not everyone is equally enthusiastic. There's a link here with the infamous Dutroux case in Belgium, where his accomplice was also housed in a monastery after release. Some will say the church believes in forgiveness, others will involuntary be reminded of the way thousands of young boys were abused whilst they were entrusted to the church. Child molesters united. (Call me a cynic if you like).
Understandably, the locals are very much opposed to the idea of a monster living their midst. Beranger himself proves to be as manipulative as he is sadistic and depraved. Everyone reacts differently to his existence in their midst, and that's partly where the power of this series lays. Besides the very gripping crime story, it's also interesting to see how one fateful decision affects a whole community (or two).
The solution to the new murder cases (i.e. the final two episodes) may appear a bit contrived (not that strong, logic wise) but I guess that may partly be due to the fact that a second season has now been announced. It's still a valid ending to a good story, but one can't help but wonder why someone would do these utterly horrible things unless he or she is a bona fide psychopath.
All in all definitely recommended if you like a dark crime story / social drama.
Virulently sadist child killer Guy Beranger, who has murdered and tortured five young boys in the most sadistic way, is released after twenty years. Effectively that is four years for every young life he deliberately chose to cut short. Little wonder the general public isn't happy with his release at all. It's obviously also a criticism of the lax justice system in many European countries. Don't get me wrong, rehabilitation is very valuable for criminals who are redeemable. Serial killers however should never be released again, since they are incurable psychopaths.
There's a monastery waiting with open arms to house the 'poor' child killer, although not everyone is equally enthusiastic. There's a link here with the infamous Dutroux case in Belgium, where his accomplice was also housed in a monastery after release. Some will say the church believes in forgiveness, others will involuntary be reminded of the way thousands of young boys were abused whilst they were entrusted to the church. Child molesters united. (Call me a cynic if you like).
Understandably, the locals are very much opposed to the idea of a monster living their midst. Beranger himself proves to be as manipulative as he is sadistic and depraved. Everyone reacts differently to his existence in their midst, and that's partly where the power of this series lays. Besides the very gripping crime story, it's also interesting to see how one fateful decision affects a whole community (or two).
The solution to the new murder cases (i.e. the final two episodes) may appear a bit contrived (not that strong, logic wise) but I guess that may partly be due to the fact that a second season has now been announced. It's still a valid ending to a good story, but one can't help but wonder why someone would do these utterly horrible things unless he or she is a bona fide psychopath.
All in all definitely recommended if you like a dark crime story / social drama.