Psychopathic child murderer Guy Beranger is released from prison into the care of monks in an abbey. The Local villagers' justifiable fear for their children's' safety is realised when children begin to go missing. This 10 part Belgian thriller with its brooding characters took a little while to hook me in, but as the story unfolded the pace picked up. The seemingly austere Inspector assigned to protecting Beranger has her own demons from her past to deal with. Great setting for such a story (an isolated village in the Ardennes forest) - an area about which I knew nothing. The ending left a possible opening for a second series. Recommended
32 Reviews
Other than the bad policing, a great series well worth watching
kimmgould20 October 2019
I've watched the first 2 series, assume there will be a third since it was left up in the air. Like some other reviewers I found the police behaviour a bit on the crazy side, always going off doing dangerous things with no backup, ignoring obvious clues, no strategy just always responding to the next weird thing. Also, so many killed but still only a few locals doing all the leg work? Other than a random riot squad who showed up out of nowhere and then disappeared again, I would have expected a national response. All a bit annoying.
But other than that I really enjoyed this show, the 1st series more than the 2nd which was much slower. I did fast forward through a bit of the gratuitious anxiety provoking scenes in the 2nd series, predictable outcomes.
The serial killer, not sure of the name of the actor, played such a tremendous part. He was so creepy, yet somehow increasingly likeable. Some of the actions of some of the characters just seemed a bit unbelievable. Emile's mum being the main one. But generally I enjoyed the slow reveal of characters back stories and the character development as both series progressed.
The scenery and music were wonderful. The story generally was good. The acting perfectly fine. Well worth a look, just don't get hung up on the quality, or otherwise, of the policing.
But other than that I really enjoyed this show, the 1st series more than the 2nd which was much slower. I did fast forward through a bit of the gratuitious anxiety provoking scenes in the 2nd series, predictable outcomes.
The serial killer, not sure of the name of the actor, played such a tremendous part. He was so creepy, yet somehow increasingly likeable. Some of the actions of some of the characters just seemed a bit unbelievable. Emile's mum being the main one. But generally I enjoyed the slow reveal of characters back stories and the character development as both series progressed.
The scenery and music were wonderful. The story generally was good. The acting perfectly fine. Well worth a look, just don't get hung up on the quality, or otherwise, of the policing.
Dark and gripping drama
Doctor_Dexter5 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"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.
Nothing short of excellent (season 1 review)
rklemm0512 January 2023
I didn't know Belgian series could be that good. I watched the 2 seasons of "The break" and was quite impressed with the writing.
"Public enemy" didn't disappoint either. I love it when a show doesn't have much budget, so it needs to be creative in terms of story telling and focuses on the plot itself.
The twists and turns totally caught me off guard, and it's not my first rodeo.
I guess the ones who felt it was awful should go watch another tasteless fast-paced US cop show with shootings every other scene, car chases, explosions, naked girls, all these sooo original and unexpected features.
This type of show definitely deserves more recognition.
"Public enemy" didn't disappoint either. I love it when a show doesn't have much budget, so it needs to be creative in terms of story telling and focuses on the plot itself.
The twists and turns totally caught me off guard, and it's not my first rodeo.
I guess the ones who felt it was awful should go watch another tasteless fast-paced US cop show with shootings every other scene, car chases, explosions, naked girls, all these sooo original and unexpected features.
This type of show definitely deserves more recognition.
We Love European Productions
nebohr4 January 2023
MAIN
Both my wife and myself love mysteries. "Public Enemy" has, thus far, proven it's self to be worthy of our love.
All-in-all a well produced series; and we find ourselves dusting off our atrophied French, to some success. The dialog is a bit on the quick side and we find ourselves, infrequently, having to replay a scene because, with closed captioning turned on, we, unfortunately, can't read it fast enough.
As with almost EVERYTHING European: there is so little hustle-and-bustle. And it's still like ninety percent RURAL; an oh-so-welcome change from the concrete jungle (or should I say concrete prison) of the coastal areas of the United States.
Both my wife and myself love mysteries. "Public Enemy" has, thus far, proven it's self to be worthy of our love.
All-in-all a well produced series; and we find ourselves dusting off our atrophied French, to some success. The dialog is a bit on the quick side and we find ourselves, infrequently, having to replay a scene because, with closed captioning turned on, we, unfortunately, can't read it fast enough.
As with almost EVERYTHING European: there is so little hustle-and-bustle. And it's still like ninety percent RURAL; an oh-so-welcome change from the concrete jungle (or should I say concrete prison) of the coastal areas of the United States.
Another good Belgian series, loosely based on real events
BeneCumb24 February 2018
Having recently watched La Trêve and it was to me liking, I was referred to Ennemi public. Well, I had some reservations at first, due to its background topic (based on media coverage, Belgium is apparently the most pedophile-sensitive country in the world), but thankfully, the real events did not have the signs of this horrible sort of crime. The inclusion of monastery scenes was distinct, the performers pleasant and up to their task (particularly Stephanie Blanchoud as Chloe Muller and the men depicting the Stassarts), and the wrongdoer´s person was not revealed too soon... Beatutiful Vallonian nature was a nice supporting actor, extra emphasizing the general mood and "demons" of people living in a distant community.
All in all, a good series, but still a bit less catchy to me than La Trêve where tenseness was higher and you could focus more on the present events rather than compare and assess bad things from the past.
All in all, a good series, but still a bit less catchy to me than La Trêve where tenseness was higher and you could focus more on the present events rather than compare and assess bad things from the past.
Want more...
esparcadia28 January 2023
Very much enjoyed the series. Two seasons is not enough. Thoughtful and well crafted narrative...sub plots integrated well with main thread...with few errors...yes the Belgian police need training but they're shown as human beings with all their weaknesses. Some townsfolk seem stereotypical as if out of some primeval neanderthal era...but reality matters and they can be redeemed at least some can... the social workers and other bureaucrats are shown in a sinister way as they should be...the performances rise to perfection. Yes. We need a 3rd and 4th season. Bravo. Another excellent Belgian series.
dark, ominous thriller series
myriamlenys28 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
(Review based on watching the whole of the first season.)
Like many Belgians I've got ancestors on both sides of the linguistic divide. So I would be remiss in not writing a small review about one of the more notable Walloon thriller series.
"Public Enemy" is based on the real-life Dutroux case. It is also based on the life history of one of Dutroux's accomplices, to wit his wife (later on, ex-wife), who was released from prison a couple of years ago. She was released into the care of a community of nuns, amidst general incomprehension and anger. In the series, a notorious male child killer - a very creepy and effective performance, by the way - is entrusted to the monks of an age-old abbey.
"Public Enemy" has the great good sense to suggest that such a development, while touted as a shining symbol of a progressive, civilized justice system, might be a societal curse rather than a societal blessing. The parents in the nearby village live in constant fear ; weirdos and perverts long to imitate the Master's deeds ; tourists flee in droves ; and plans for a conference and hotel centre need to be axed. Moreover, the released child killer needs to watched, supervised and protected 24/7, at a considerable cost to the taxpayer - and who's to say that the man won't pull off an escape ? Or even a new crime spree, under the very eye of the police ? It's not clear who benefits here, apart from the child killer plus a handful of die-hard ideologues wanting to make a point at the expense of their fellow citizens.
As you may have guessed by now, this is not the coziest or sunniest of series : the subject matter is violent and the tone is dark, menacing, ominous. The plot is clever and well-constructed, though not always completely credible. Sadly, there are times when one hears a screenwriter's brain ticking and clicking.
The final scenes are bone-chillingly creepy.
Being familiar with the areas filmed, I recognized much of the surroundings. (I hasten to add that the real-life inhabitants are both sane and hospitable - don't let the series scare you away from the Ardennes.) Well do I remember the holidays of my youth, with long walks through enchanting woodlands dotted with venerable little chapels... I was also happy to see that the hallowed traditions of boar-hunting, boar-rustling and boar-poaching were still going strong. Ah well - that's why God gave us refrigerators, so that we would have something to keep our illicit boar meat in...
People interested in another fictional take on the Dutroux case and its social aftermath, could take a look at "Stille Waters", an earlier Flemish counterpart. (Wrote a review there too.)
Like many Belgians I've got ancestors on both sides of the linguistic divide. So I would be remiss in not writing a small review about one of the more notable Walloon thriller series.
"Public Enemy" is based on the real-life Dutroux case. It is also based on the life history of one of Dutroux's accomplices, to wit his wife (later on, ex-wife), who was released from prison a couple of years ago. She was released into the care of a community of nuns, amidst general incomprehension and anger. In the series, a notorious male child killer - a very creepy and effective performance, by the way - is entrusted to the monks of an age-old abbey.
"Public Enemy" has the great good sense to suggest that such a development, while touted as a shining symbol of a progressive, civilized justice system, might be a societal curse rather than a societal blessing. The parents in the nearby village live in constant fear ; weirdos and perverts long to imitate the Master's deeds ; tourists flee in droves ; and plans for a conference and hotel centre need to be axed. Moreover, the released child killer needs to watched, supervised and protected 24/7, at a considerable cost to the taxpayer - and who's to say that the man won't pull off an escape ? Or even a new crime spree, under the very eye of the police ? It's not clear who benefits here, apart from the child killer plus a handful of die-hard ideologues wanting to make a point at the expense of their fellow citizens.
As you may have guessed by now, this is not the coziest or sunniest of series : the subject matter is violent and the tone is dark, menacing, ominous. The plot is clever and well-constructed, though not always completely credible. Sadly, there are times when one hears a screenwriter's brain ticking and clicking.
The final scenes are bone-chillingly creepy.
Being familiar with the areas filmed, I recognized much of the surroundings. (I hasten to add that the real-life inhabitants are both sane and hospitable - don't let the series scare you away from the Ardennes.) Well do I remember the holidays of my youth, with long walks through enchanting woodlands dotted with venerable little chapels... I was also happy to see that the hallowed traditions of boar-hunting, boar-rustling and boar-poaching were still going strong. Ah well - that's why God gave us refrigerators, so that we would have something to keep our illicit boar meat in...
People interested in another fictional take on the Dutroux case and its social aftermath, could take a look at "Stille Waters", an earlier Flemish counterpart. (Wrote a review there too.)
Refreshingly believable characters.
tthdOz1815 April 2020
One thing is for sure, I will never step foot in the Ardennes!
msghall22 January 2023
This is a good series, well acted and directed. The camera work is excellent. The writing is mostly OK but veers too often into obvious plot tricks that become tiresome over the two seasons. The writer's habit of using miscommunication becomes repetitive.
But the biggest knock for me are the characters: there is hardly a single character with which to empathize. They are a singularly awful bunch of nasty, solemn, moronic jerks.
The director doesn't help but not allowing a smile or a joke to alleviate the ominous pressure, causing a sort of boredom with the overwhelmingly vile nature of Belgian and France rural folk.
But the biggest knock for me are the characters: there is hardly a single character with which to empathize. They are a singularly awful bunch of nasty, solemn, moronic jerks.
The director doesn't help but not allowing a smile or a joke to alleviate the ominous pressure, causing a sort of boredom with the overwhelmingly vile nature of Belgian and France rural folk.
Hoping for more seasons!
swtsthng-259-85613013 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In all honesty, I wasn't sure when I first started watching the show, if I would stick this one through to the end... but by the end of episode one I was hooked. I like the crime shows/whodunits but my main draw in everything I watch is a romance... This show had the "romance", the characters that you care about, and it keeps you guessing. I'm not one to figure out the killer before it's revealed... sometimes it's blatantly obvious, but in this one, it didn't seem obvious and really I still have lots of questions. I highly recommend the show, and I really, really, really hope that there are more seasons with this cast. Probably would've given it a 10 if there was a conclusion... so I hope in the future I can update my rating.
Good show but a few key things overlooked
theragmuseum9 November 2023
My problem with this show is that they missed it on a few key things. This is a review of season 1. A child killer is running around however parents are just letting kids ride bikes in the woods? I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be happening. The second thing is that all these killings just start happening when the guy is released to the abbey? If there were many killers around, wouldn't they be killing before his release? 3rd, why is this cop not thinking that this guy is responsible for her sisters death? Anyways, just giving some key points without giving away anything. It just doesn't seem they thought this through well enough in production.
Does Belgium really have the world's stupidest cops?
nothingisforbidden14 October 2019
I pretty much totally forgot 90 per cent of Season 1, which tells you something. Season 2 is a slow-motion disaster. Utter poppycock is treated with utmost gravitas. Nothing and no one is remotely believable. Worst--and repeatedly--idiotic police work is used to lurch the plot forward. If you saw an open trap door into a creepy subterranean chamber, and you were all alone miles from nowhere, well, sure, you would go down there without so much as texting someone, wouldn't you? And it just gets worse. Nice theme song, though.
very good,just watched series 1.
ib011f9545i26 May 2020
I bought the dvd of series 1 not knowing if I would like it.
But just watched 10 hours in one go,I loved it.
I found it unpredictable and gripping.
Some critics feel the story is unrealistic but it did not bother me.
People say this is based on real events and it may be but it requires no prior knowledge to enjoy it.
If you like a detective mystery and don't mind subtitles or can speak French seek this one out.
Jaws references.
ruthyjjackson13 February 2020
Has anyone else noticed the scenes from jaws in each episode? I have only watched 2 episodes of the first serires - in the first the lady slaps the the cop - just like cheif Brody and in the second the little girl copies her at dinner - like chief Brodys little son... is it just me or is there a little homage going on?
Enjoyed it, but wouldn't re-watch it
celinka2025 July 2023
I like how the mystery played out, all the clues left behind to keep me guessing, all the plot-twists and reveals. Everything happened at a good pacing that kept me hooked. It was fun to watch the first season.
The acting was really good on all fronts. I love it when films have actors of various age groups, they all manage to play those characters really well and make me believe they are those characters. What makes this movie great were all the child actors who did such a superb job!
I was looking forward to the second season, but gave up part-way through because the magic of the mystery was lost to me. I wish it had done what other European dramas do - each season has a new mystery with a new set of characters.
The acting was really good on all fronts. I love it when films have actors of various age groups, they all manage to play those characters really well and make me believe they are those characters. What makes this movie great were all the child actors who did such a superb job!
I was looking forward to the second season, but gave up part-way through because the magic of the mystery was lost to me. I wish it had done what other European dramas do - each season has a new mystery with a new set of characters.
Have faith .. in change
kosmasp15 June 2023
No pun intended - can a person really change who he or she is deep inside? The show explores quite the depths of psychological drama - and demons or whatever you would call them. That's even crazier considering where one of the main characters ends up in at the beginning of the show - not that all of the church establishments have a good reputation (even less so, if you are cynical).
It looked like there was a big cliffhanger after two seasons - and Netflix seems to consider the final season as a standalone thing. But it is important to the overall story of all the important characters ... and how they deal with stuff. With new issues and crimes coming up. How much can you trust a criminal? How far is a cop supposed to go ... before going over the edge with all ... the psychological ups and downs this showcases ... the relationships of all involved ... even more showcased since we are talking of a small community ... you have to be into that stuff ... but if you are ... well there is a lot to like here ... if you can use that term of course.
It looked like there was a big cliffhanger after two seasons - and Netflix seems to consider the final season as a standalone thing. But it is important to the overall story of all the important characters ... and how they deal with stuff. With new issues and crimes coming up. How much can you trust a criminal? How far is a cop supposed to go ... before going over the edge with all ... the psychological ups and downs this showcases ... the relationships of all involved ... even more showcased since we are talking of a small community ... you have to be into that stuff ... but if you are ... well there is a lot to like here ... if you can use that term of course.
Series review
mmuggi18 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
"I have to connect with IMDB user kosmasp's review of the series.
"Can a person really change who he or she is deep inside? The show explores quite the depths of psychological drama - and demons or whatever you would call them. That's even crazier considering where one of the main characters ends up in at the beginning of the show - not that all of the church establishments have a good reputation (even less so, if you are cynical).
It looked like there was a big cliffhanger after two seasons - and Netflix seems to consider the final season as a standalone thing. But it is important to the overall story of all the important characters ... and how they deal with stuff. With new issues and crimes coming up. How much can you trust a criminal? How far is a cop supposed to go ... before going over the edge with all ... the psychological ups and downs this showcases ... the relationships of all involved ... even more showcased since we are talking of a small community ... you have to be into that stuff ... but if you are ... well there is a lot to like here ... if you can use that term of course."
The series has been through many challenges, but they end up on the other side as a cohesive series, even though the first season was lackluster. The second season spun threads to the third season, which subsequently delivered the series' best episodes in episode 3."
"Can a person really change who he or she is deep inside? The show explores quite the depths of psychological drama - and demons or whatever you would call them. That's even crazier considering where one of the main characters ends up in at the beginning of the show - not that all of the church establishments have a good reputation (even less so, if you are cynical).
It looked like there was a big cliffhanger after two seasons - and Netflix seems to consider the final season as a standalone thing. But it is important to the overall story of all the important characters ... and how they deal with stuff. With new issues and crimes coming up. How much can you trust a criminal? How far is a cop supposed to go ... before going over the edge with all ... the psychological ups and downs this showcases ... the relationships of all involved ... even more showcased since we are talking of a small community ... you have to be into that stuff ... but if you are ... well there is a lot to like here ... if you can use that term of course."
The series has been through many challenges, but they end up on the other side as a cohesive series, even though the first season was lackluster. The second season spun threads to the third season, which subsequently delivered the series' best episodes in episode 3."
Cults & Serial Killers
Pairic24 April 2023
Public Enemy (French: Ennemi Public) is a Belgian French-language crime thriller based loosely on the Marc Dutroux case. A child killer, Béranger (Angelo Bison) is released after 30 years into the care of a Abbey in the Ardennes near Vielsart,. The monks are divided as to whether or not he should be accepted into the order. When children in the area are killed, naturally suspicion falls on. Overseeing the case is Brussels detective Chloe Muller (Stéphanie C), she has her own demons, her sister disappeared more than 20 years ago. The inhabitants of Vielsart, provide their own dramas, with families divided. Indeed families are crucial to this narrative, families of monks, of police officers of cult members. Chloe's missing sister provides a story arc over the three seasons of this series, as does a strange religious cult. .The Abbey and Beranger are also central to the tale. A dark series with disturbing themes, violence and murders. Great performances from Bison. Vielsart, and an ensemble cast. The gloomy Ardennes forests could also be regarded as stars. Created by Antoine Bours, Gilles de Voghel, Matthieu Frances and Christopher Yates. On Netflix. 9/10.
Can't act, can't sing, probably can't dance
jwpicton9 November 2023
I really like this mini series or whatever you want to call it. The berger branger berengerac thingy character is great, very silence of lambsy-esc.
Unfortunately the lead, even after the first 2 seasons, is all over the place with her acting. The hospital ICU scene is terrible, one moment aggressive, the next with the puppy dog face as she awaits the baddy to write something. I get the reason why she would feel emotional and desperate for some info (technically) , but, for me the point is that any (supposedly) developed character should display consistency. Sure, that will undulate, but to bi polar style back and forth is REALLY annoying for the viewer; and it happens in this series all, the, time. Camera moves away, then cuts back to her and hey presto we're presented with a completely different character.
It severely lacks professionalism, and screams amateur. It begs the question, hmm, how did exactly, did she land this part? Hmm.
Look at all (and there are LOADS) of female euro/scandy detective drama leads, and they present strong, well developed and CONSISTENT characters through good ACTING.
Unfortunately we increasingly live in a world of lower standards, where a piece of paper says (supposedly) that you are good at something. Chortle... , yeah Right!
If you want to see brilliant acting, look at leo caprio in my own private idaho.
Unfortunately the lead, even after the first 2 seasons, is all over the place with her acting. The hospital ICU scene is terrible, one moment aggressive, the next with the puppy dog face as she awaits the baddy to write something. I get the reason why she would feel emotional and desperate for some info (technically) , but, for me the point is that any (supposedly) developed character should display consistency. Sure, that will undulate, but to bi polar style back and forth is REALLY annoying for the viewer; and it happens in this series all, the, time. Camera moves away, then cuts back to her and hey presto we're presented with a completely different character.
It severely lacks professionalism, and screams amateur. It begs the question, hmm, how did exactly, did she land this part? Hmm.
Look at all (and there are LOADS) of female euro/scandy detective drama leads, and they present strong, well developed and CONSISTENT characters through good ACTING.
Unfortunately we increasingly live in a world of lower standards, where a piece of paper says (supposedly) that you are good at something. Chortle... , yeah Right!
If you want to see brilliant acting, look at leo caprio in my own private idaho.
Good show even with subtitles
rebeccaragan-5963825 May 2019
Could've been good
demonstrable21 February 2023
I've watched my way through almost all of the Scandinavian, Finnish, English, Polish, German, Welsh, Dutch-Belgian and French language crime dramas Netflix has to offer, and nearly all have been enjoyable or even great. This one, however, is an exception. If I wasn't a glutton for self-punishment (as in, once I've started a show, unless it's the absolute worst thing I've ever seen, I begrudgingly finish it), I would have stopped on EP 2. But, since there were a few redeeming qualities, I made it through season 1, and will try to get through 2.
The story was a bit plodding and slow, but that was bearable. The plot itself is a decent one, and there is some amount of intrigue from the who-dunnit perspective that both help make the slow plot palatable. This is harmed, however, to a great extent, by the sheer and absolute idiocy of the main protagonist. We're it not for the also redeeming factor of a few other somewhat interesting characters, I wouldn't have made it through the suffering that is watching the character of Chloe Muller act and "think", which she actually does very little of. She's a terrible cop, absolutely unfit for duty due to some mental issues that would certainly endanger lives in real life. To make it worse, she's also dumb as rocks-and not only that, but also 100% reactive. It's through sheer dumb luck that any resolution is achieved at all, but it seems as though we're supposed to accept that it's due to her no-rules attitude. This is worsened by the fact that the actress never manages to portray a too-cool-for-rules demeanor to compensate for her character's lack of intelligence, instead only making faces of confusion, or perhaps of constipation or maybe pain. It was so bad that by the end of season 1 I was having difficulty not hating her face too. Overall, basically, only watch it if you've nothing left on your list to watch. As I said, some of the supporting characters help lighten the distaste the main protagonist creates. But there are certainly many better crime dramas available on Netflix both from Belgium and beyond.
Edit: Season 2 is proving to be much better. There is less of Chloe Muller, and when she's there, her errors are more forgivable. The story around some of the other more enjoyable characters has picked up and continued on as well. That said, it's still something I'm watching more just to be done with, rather than something I look forward to seeing each night. If the first season were not made so atrocious by the things previously commented on, I would raise my rating to a 5/10. But since they make you suffer to get to a place you might reward those extra 3 tenths, I'll have to keep it at a 2/10.
The story was a bit plodding and slow, but that was bearable. The plot itself is a decent one, and there is some amount of intrigue from the who-dunnit perspective that both help make the slow plot palatable. This is harmed, however, to a great extent, by the sheer and absolute idiocy of the main protagonist. We're it not for the also redeeming factor of a few other somewhat interesting characters, I wouldn't have made it through the suffering that is watching the character of Chloe Muller act and "think", which she actually does very little of. She's a terrible cop, absolutely unfit for duty due to some mental issues that would certainly endanger lives in real life. To make it worse, she's also dumb as rocks-and not only that, but also 100% reactive. It's through sheer dumb luck that any resolution is achieved at all, but it seems as though we're supposed to accept that it's due to her no-rules attitude. This is worsened by the fact that the actress never manages to portray a too-cool-for-rules demeanor to compensate for her character's lack of intelligence, instead only making faces of confusion, or perhaps of constipation or maybe pain. It was so bad that by the end of season 1 I was having difficulty not hating her face too. Overall, basically, only watch it if you've nothing left on your list to watch. As I said, some of the supporting characters help lighten the distaste the main protagonist creates. But there are certainly many better crime dramas available on Netflix both from Belgium and beyond.
Edit: Season 2 is proving to be much better. There is less of Chloe Muller, and when she's there, her errors are more forgivable. The story around some of the other more enjoyable characters has picked up and continued on as well. That said, it's still something I'm watching more just to be done with, rather than something I look forward to seeing each night. If the first season were not made so atrocious by the things previously commented on, I would raise my rating to a 5/10. But since they make you suffer to get to a place you might reward those extra 3 tenths, I'll have to keep it at a 2/10.
Strong story about resilience, strength and evil
JohnM6311 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A horrifying story about a convicted child murderer and the unavoidability of evil. Also however a story about hope, resilience and strength of victims of abuse.
This series mostly leans on the strength of the story, not so much on scenario, quality of acting, characters, scenery and photography. They're all ok, even if there are some flaws in the scenario and some events that lack credibility.
You may feel disappointed halfway through the series, after the group of women are found and ask yourself where the story is going. Just sit it out, don't give up. The story is strong and you will not be disappointed with this story that is loosely based on actual events.
This series mostly leans on the strength of the story, not so much on scenario, quality of acting, characters, scenery and photography. They're all ok, even if there are some flaws in the scenario and some events that lack credibility.
You may feel disappointed halfway through the series, after the group of women are found and ask yourself where the story is going. Just sit it out, don't give up. The story is strong and you will not be disappointed with this story that is loosely based on actual events.
Painful to watch
kububeach7 March 2020
I really wanted to like this show but there were so many issues. The plot doesn't make sense and so many holes in it. The pace is extremely slow just to make a simple plot more complicated and prolong the series.
The series have potential in character development but at the end they failed to exploit that. The 'action' part of the series is just painful to watch. I was wondering if police squad in Belgium is really that stupid.
I assume there will be third season. I hope it will be better than the first two.
The series have potential in character development but at the end they failed to exploit that. The 'action' part of the series is just painful to watch. I was wondering if police squad in Belgium is really that stupid.
I assume there will be third season. I hope it will be better than the first two.
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