Sleepers

As this Dutch crime drama opens police officer Martin Oudkerk is heading to a Chinese restaurant where a shooting has taken place. The action then flashes back two days and we quickly learn that Martin isn't only a police officer; he also worked for one of the dead men; a drug dealer named Henk; in fact it was Henk who placed him in the police. Once Henk is out of the way a new group, represented by Dwight, is determined to take over and expects Martin, and friend Willem, to work for him. It is clear that those who oppose him don't last long. Martin is now caught in the middle with the police investigating various crimes on one side and Dwight on the other.

I thought this was a solid crime drama. It opens well, grabbing the viewers' attention, before spending time introducing the key characters and their various relationships. Even though it is clear from the start that Martin is a corrupt cop he is still a fairly sympathetic character. The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life. The story is gripping, even if there aren't too many surprises, at least not so far. Some details are wrapped up by the end of the first season but many aren't... hopefully we'll get the second season soon. Overall a solid drama that fans of Euro-crime drama are likely to enjoy.

These comments are based on watching the first season in Dutch with English subtitles.

Thoroughly enjoyed this and was disappointed to find that Series 2 is not yet available in the UK.

A cracking story that keeps up the momentum right to the last episode delivered by a well-chosen cast who were all very credible. Lots of twists and turns with a not excessive amount of violence. All in all it stands comparison with other top series such as The Bridge and The Killing.

I found it as part of Channel 4's "Walter Presents" offering so don't really understand why the second season ( filmed in 2022) isn't on the same link. Looking forward to seeing the conclusion when it's released !

There is a lot of criticism of Dutch actors. Often justified, but frankly I think it is because of the contrived dialogues they are prescribed. This is a really exciting, well-acted series, and the dialogues are great. Highly recommended.

Weird, though, that the series is explicitly set in in the dutch town Utrecht, all the actors speak with an Amsterdam accent. Doesn't take away from the fact that the scenario is a little over the top, but still convincing. The only serious criticism is on the music. That effects-driven, way-too-present sound is really off-putting.

I did not know the actor Robert de Hoog before this, but he also produced this and played very well in it. Teun Kuilboer was very strong as Willem. Otherwise a good cast, with a convincing role by former Ajax trainer Henk ten Cate.

Sleepers is a masterpiece that illuminates the dark side of the Dutch drug world in an unprecedented way. The story is infused with tension and ruthless reckonings, making it an indispensable gem for fans of hardcore crime. The writer effortlessly captivates the reader, taking them on a chilling journey through the underworld. A brilliant addition to the genre.

Every episode of Sleepers is a gripping plunge into the gritty world of crime, where loyalty is a rare commodity, and betrayal lurks in the shadows. The author's skillful narrative weaves a tapestry of suspense, leaving you on the edge of your seat, craving the next twist in the plot. The characters, with their complexities and vulnerabilities, are expertly crafted, making them feel hauntingly real.

Moreover, Sleepers transcends the conventional boundaries of crime fiction, offering profound insights into the human psyche when confronted with moral ambiguity. The stark portrayal of the drug underworld is not merely a backdrop but a character in itself, with its tentacles reaching into every aspect of the story.

The unapologetic exploration of the harsh realities, coupled with the unrelenting pace, ensures that Sleepers is not just a novel; it's an immersive experience that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. In a genre saturated with mediocrity, Sleepers stands tall as a beacon of excellence, a tour de force that demands attention. A must-read for anyone seeking an adrenaline-fueled journey into the heart of darkness.

I love it more because it's dutch.

I found this randomly on PBS and was intrigued from the first 20 minutes of the pilot. I'm not Dutch and not familiar with the language or the actors. But I liked this show a lot. I think the acting is very good and it is atypical from the French, British, or Scandi crime dramas I am used to seeing on TV.

It's interesting to see a show about a dirty cop who is also someone you want to do well. He has a wife and a teenage son but he's also knee deep with local gangs too. We see him both working in bereavement for crime victims but simultaneously in cahoots with the very people responsible for such crimes. To top it off, his wife works for the police, throwing another wrench into the hole the main character is digging himself into and out of.

The first episode is a little slow and with each episode being about an hour long, it does require a lot of patience. But the show is very detailed and the story is well-written. The plot unfolds slowly and the characters get nastier and more desperate.