What a great first episode to begin UK Wallander's fourth season (The White Lioness). It was so nice to see that Kurt had actually shaved and had his hair cut. But seriously, the passion, compassion and sensitivity, not to mention courage, that Wallander showed in assisting the investigation in South Africa was, in whole cloth, awesome. Not only was it a good story in itself, but the episode also gave us a brief glimpse of the negative impact that greed can have, even on former do-gooders who start out with, probably, the best of intentions. And I know it's not a popular theme or idea these days, but the episode also gave us a brief glimpse of how far South Africa has come since the abolition of the racist and brutal system of apartheid, and, more importantly, how far there is yet to go.
Kudos to Kenneth Branagh (did you see his performance in the 1991 TV movie "Conspiracy?" If not, treat yourself and watch it), to the late novelist Henning Mankell, to screen writer James Dormer, and to director Benjamin Caron.
Kudos to Kenneth Branagh (did you see his performance in the 1991 TV movie "Conspiracy?" If not, treat yourself and watch it), to the late novelist Henning Mankell, to screen writer James Dormer, and to director Benjamin Caron.