Seeing this Czech crime series set in the early 20th-century is both mildly interesting and refreshingly different compared to most shows of this genre. The acting is fairly solid but not worthy of any awards. The details of the period, the scenery and dialogue are quite authentic and give a good insight into this part of Eastern Europe at that time. There are some characters that are very believable yet others that miss the boat. I do find the housekeeper to be both well portrayed and amusing as she goes about her many duties for the commissar. Being originally from Vienna, I can appreciate the buildings and cuisine as being very similar and can 'feel' and recognize the inner city life they portray. The various crimes are sometimes a bit too obvious and others more unpredictable. Overall a kind of mix of occasionally excellent stories and other times very unbelievable ones. The main complaint I have is this overwhelming focus on smoking. It is either a very important detail in many scenarios, almost everyone indulges in this (and other 'vices'), or it takes up so much camera time that you lose interest in what's being said or done. It's at least worth watching but not worth a high rating.
Review of Zlociny Velké Prahy
