Never before has a murder mystery series so involved me. Intelligently scripted, with well drawn characters, and expert production, it's in a class of its own.
Although the plot is driven by the crime investigations, the heart of the story is in the relationship between the two investigating detectives, Ellie and Gedeon. At the start Ellie is optimistic, energetic, and naive; Gedeon is older, wily, but jaded, and he knows life's darker side all too well. As they work together there's a fascinating interplay between their characters which changes them both. The trauma they experience whilst investigating the murders allows each a unique opportunity to see into each other's characters and flaws, and this leads to some engrossing scenes in which they challenge one another and draw out the truth of what's going on in their lives.
An unusual aspect of the first two seasons is that the identity of the murderer is revealed early in the investigation, and their actions are part of the on-screen drama, which is both fascinating, and chilling. Many times you watch the detectives being stymied and the perpetrators becoming emboldened, and this adds so much to the tension, and draws you into the drama more and more. I don't think I've ever wanted a murderer to be caught so much! Season 3 is more in the horror genre, but it cleverly develops the idea that there are strong parallels between the investigators and the murderers in their past traumas and in the moral dilemmas they're facing.
The cinematography and music are real features of the show and together create such a menacing atmosphere. But for all its superb elements, it's the script and the acting from the two leads that makes this show so good. It never uses contrived plot devices to hold your interest, it doesn't need to because its subtle and sophisticated revelation of the story and characters is what gives it so much impact. It's one of the best psychological dramas I've ever seen.
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