BeneCumb Reviews

Reacher (2022– )

Too explanatory, too predictable -- not too bad though

[7/10 · 20 April 2024]

/refers to Seasons 1 and 2/

I have not read Reacher books, but I have seen different stuff on screen with this character. The thrill is always present, although the viewers should not pay too much attention on the logic of scenes or putting A and B together - the creators have definitely avoided sophistication... :)

As for performances, there are some known performers included, but I can´t say I am too impressed by the leading ones. Alan Ritchson seems too arid and one-dimensional and his non-battle scenes are ridiculous at times. But again, he is not too annoying, not hindering to watch the Season to the end, yet the outcome and the activities leading to it can be guessed hands down. Thus, Reacher is not a must-watch -- but there are much worse creations out there...

Four Lives (2022)

Lots of personal pain, lots of official inconsideration

[7/10 · 17 April 2024]

I was not aware of this case, and for the sake of thrill I did not read about it beforehand... Apparently, the Miniseries followed this to the great extent, the background and mood are well depicted, but I would have preferred not knowing-guessing who the wrongdoer was (Stephen Merchant as Stephen Port was convincing, yet evident). The question of "why" got its answer, but "how" (i.e. The bodies reaching a certain posture and place) remained a mystery...

Usually "a true story" or "based on the true events" provide additional value for a feature series, but in Four Lives the feelings of misery and impuissance prevailed too much, so it became a documentary case to me. Over the decades, the Brits have screened many real events and cases - and I have watched more versatile than this one.

New Blood (2016)

Somewhat frisky Horowitz - but pleasant entertainment

[7/10 · 14 April 2024]

Anthony Horowitz is a screenwriter whose series and films I have a tendency to follow - and they are all catchy, even if not too profound... True, they include clichés and scenes for the sake of thrill and pace, but I do not watch them as documentaries or as the depiction of real cases anyway. There was an inside out chemistry between the two main characters (although the actors were unknown to me), pleasantly supported by renowned "older" actors (Mark Addy and Anna Chancellor, above all).

Thus, New Blood is a nice watch, yet "only" 7 points from me as I have enjoyed other works by Horowitz more (Alex Rider, Foyle's War, Magpie Murders), where the amount of ease and frivolousness is less. On the other hand, the target audience of this Series is evidently younger generation than me.

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (2011–2014)

Apparently realistic atmosphere, solid performances - but somewhat arid

[7/10 · 14 April 2024]

In general, I am eager to watch crime/detective series with events happening in the past, seeing how crimes were solved without much help of technology and science, even when blood samples and fingerprints were no investigative issue... Moreover, the viewers obtain a good overview of infrastructure and habits of that time.

As for the series in question, the 1st episode/case (based on true characters and events) is the least interesting vis-a-vis mystery - compared to the subsequent ones, but the inclusion of some fine British actors provides additional value. Paddy Considine as Detective Jack Whicher is convincing everywhere, and in 2nd episode, his dialogues with splendid Olivia Colman are pleasant to follow. The last two are versatile cases where motifs remained to be determined to the very end, and where Mr. Considine could excel all his co-performers.

Nevertheless, something was not just there for me, perhaps 1.5 hours per episode was a bit lengthy, and compared to e.g. Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Paris Police 1900, I found The Suspicions of Mr Whicher somewhat less catchy.

De Kraak (2021)

Versatile heist story with several twists

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

Recent 5 years or so I have seen several Belgian (mostly Flemish, but some Wallonian as well) crime or drama series and they have been to my liking, some of them even in my top list... De Kraak aroused my interest from the 1st episode (although I started to ponder whether the confession of the protagonist revealed too much, but luckily there were twists and flashbacks later). The sequence of events, setbacks and motives seemed plausible (lots of psychology and social engineering included), and all stuff related to computing and banking was smoothly and logically explained, so the "deus ex machina" feeling did not occur. All the performances were at least good, if not more, and Tijmen Govaerts as Jeremy Peeters, the principal character aged 19-20, was convincing and pleasant (although 27 years old during filming); the rest of main characters were also distinct - as planning a heist requires people of different roles and expertise.

True, e.g. Professor T. Or De Dag are better, but De Kraak is a solid series that can be also watched by those not familiar with software and banking terms.

Your Honor (2017)

A strong series where right and wrong are so dramatically mixed

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

In fact, I was referred to Your Honor made in the U. S. but when I read that it was adapted from an Israeli series, I decided to "go back to the roots" and see Kvodo (I do not mind reading subtitles)... And I was pleased from the very beginning: characters, performances, atmosphere, Israeli-Palestinian issues, jews of Russian origin - to name a few. The story just unfolded in a captivating way, flashbacks included, and an evident simple possible cover-up developed into a huge problem set with snowball effect, backed by strong performances, skillful camera work and suitable soundtrack. Some scenes were not visual to the full, with the next scene providing information what really took place (catchier ones were in Season 1, the pace of Season 2 was somewhat slower). And to the very end, I was unable to surmise how the things end, who would die and who would survive - as a lot and often was hanging by the thread...

Well, currently I am not sure that I am going to watch any remake/adaptation as not knowing what happens next / how things develop create additional thrill and watching desire.

The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023– )

Pleasant viewing, but hasty round-up of Season 1

[7/10 · 26 February 2024]

With its final episode, it just seemed that the creators were unsure if other season(s) would follow... Well, but delving into 19th century Turin was rather nice (although I am not familiar with the history that era), the cases seemed realistic and the performances far above mediocrity (Matilda De Angelis as Lidia Poët and Eduardo Scarpetta as Jacopo Barberis were most to my liking). The feminist ideas were out there, but they did not become annoying, no dominant men vs. Women clashes, as Miss Poët felt strong support from several males.

"Only" 7 points from me as I was more eager to see solving the case than personal attitudes and relations; however, it is a trend more evident in the crime series coming from other countries as well. If the characters are very peculiar and contrasting, it may even be a plus (particularly if the cases are not too sophisticated), but not in this Series. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure I will watch Season 2 as well.

Agatha Christie's Hjerson (2021– )

Promising start and catchy characters, but somehow abrupt finalisation

[7/10 · 22 February 2024]

I do not mind when some famous characters of one country are "implanted in" an environment of another one - I would like to focus on the chemistry between them, performances and cases and if one of those mentioned are less interesting than others it does not necessarily involve that the total outcome is mediocre of even bad.

As Åland is very beautiful place, it easily becomes a supporting character, and the creators of Agatha Christies Hjerson have realised that and used its full potential. True, some crimes may seem too harsh (yet simple) as Åland and safety are synonyms, but the inclusion of ferry and Stockholm do not let the scenes become airy-fairy. Sven Hjerson (Johan Rheborg) and Klara Sandberg (Hana Alström) are definitely odd personalities worth watching, plus there are several supporting characters providing memorable moments.

When the first episodes-cases were accomplished in a dashing and daring manner promising several seasons, the particularly the last case seemed as a hasty roundup with several loose ends (funds dried up? Viewing figures dropped? ...?). Thus, the total Season 1 is rather uneven and not at the same level as e.g. Innan vi dör (same production team). But still - recommended to all fond of peculiar, yet intelligent characters and beautiful sceneries.

Non mi lasciare (2022– )

Oversophisticated and uneven locality-based drama

[6/10 · 22 February 2024]

Most of the events take place in Venice - in a pearl of Italy - and the start was quite promising, but then odd relations, flashbacks and scenes began to dominate and the pace of events reduced significantly. True, towards the end of this miniseries main mysteries were explained, but the roundup came hastily in the second half or so of the final episode. Some scenes were anticipated and when it all ended, I did not feel content with what I had watched - in comparison with e.g. Rocco Schiavone, Signora Volpe, Commissario Montalbano - other Italian crime series focusing on a location outside major Italian cities.

The characters-performances in Non mi lasciare were not excelling as well, and I still have 2 main questions about the things that annoyed me (as many twists and turns emanated from them): 1) If a country/city has issues of street kids and running-off kids, why the wrongdoers took so much time and energy for luring their victims via Internet?

2) How-why the files of a closed and abandoned orphanage remained openly available to everyone - in a modern EU society with strict privacy rules?

So, although the Series is over the average, it is not a must watch.

Will Trent (2023– )

Pleasant crime drama with a "special" detective

[8/10 · 10 December 2023]

/refers to Season 1/

The Series includes not many novel elements and approaches, but overall accomplishment is intriguing and the cases are relationships are presented in a smooth and logical manner (I have not read the Will Trent books). When Will Trent's (Special Agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)) cases overlap with the ones of his on-again off-again intimate partner, APD Detective Angie Polaski, it creates additional intriguing moments (I find the cases with Polaski only less interesting and sometimes just filling the plot). Will (pleasantly performed by Ramón Rodríguez, whom I do not remember from other productions) is definitely dyslexic and evidently mildly autistic, providing the crime-solving some interesting nuances and methods.

I am sure I will watch the following seasons as well.

Forever (2014–2015)

Versatile and thrilling series with some excessive moralization

[8/10 · 10 December 2023]

I had heard of this Series before, but as I am not too keen on supernatural elements in solving "worldly" crimes, I had somewhat forgotten about it... But last month I decided to try it out and I can state that I was generally pleased - thanks to pleasant performances and realistic crimes, above all. True, some months ago I had watched the Australian series Harrow, with Ioan Gruffudd in a similar role, which was a kind of constraining factor in the beginning, but I soon got over it :) The intrigues, chemistry between characters, giggling moments, high values were present, decreasing the impact of moments when viewers have to see autopsies... Flashbacks into events happening and persons lived centuries ago were also naturally included in the course of contemporary life.

Although I like productions where one can ponder on an over many aspects, there were moments when "good things in life" were emphasized too plainly - but this is often intrinsic to the U. S. "kind-hearted" movies and series.

The Series had its closure, but I would have not mind to watch another season - and I have read that a vast amount of viewers were unhappy about its cancellation.

Van der Valk (2020–2023)

Not bad for them who have some knowledge of Amsterdam

[7/10 · 9 December 2023]

Occasionally, the Brits are keen on choosing some characters popular in other countries and create remake with the preservation of local environment as much as possible, even if most actors are Brits and the language is English. The most famous is probably Wallander with Kenneth Branagh; Van der Valk follows the similar path, with the Detective being a Dutchman played by a Brit. I share the opinion that Marc Warren is a successful finding as his looks is very Dutch, and as all the scenes were filmed entirely in the Netherlands, I noticed similar places I have been to multiple times (mostly in Amsterdam).

True, not all cases are of similar thrill and some character/performer shifts in Season 3 were not to my liking, but overall impression is still rather pleasant, although the Series does not reach the level of e.g. Wallander. Those not familiar with Amsterdam at all, thus with no joy of recognition, might want to choose another British series from a vast selection...

The Gold (2023–2024)

Smooth and gripping depiction of the events really happened

[8/10 · 9 December 2023]

For me, as for crime series/film, the note "Based on real events" is a sign of additional interest only if I am unaware of the outcome and the role and fate of individual characters - for the sake of suspense. I had something heard of the Brink's-Mat robbery, but as it was so long ago, I had no exact information, and I certainly did not consult Internet about it prior to watching. So, in front of me uncoiled a versatile story about recklessness, good and bad luck, greed - and the attempts of the limbs of the law to solve all this in the era of limited technological aids. The venue and characters seem realistic and the inclusion of talented British character actors (e.g. Bonneville, Cooper, Cullen) provides additional value to the course of events.

As mentioned, the real sequence of events was unfamiliar to me, so I was able to watch The Gold as a real thriller, with the end credits telling about the following fate of the wrongdoers. To those who liked this Series, I would recommend the Swedish series "Clark" - although the approach is somewhat different...

Too Old to Die Young (2019)

Apparently the most static series I have watched till the end

[7/10 · 6 December 2023]

Well, I tend to think if the name of Nicolas Winding Refn was not included, I would probably have not even started watching it... But yeah, following it was not easy, although the story was there, a lot of thrill and many twists and turns included, but the pace was evidently meant for 2x FF... True, it meant some style and bold solutions, but it often had too many pretentious moments plus I started to wonder how all those "justified killings" had no legal consequences. The main characters are like half-zombies, not fitting in the US context so much, and the Latin dimension brings along too much lore. The performances themselves are not bad, but all this tardiness...

The short final episode was also too odd... But e.g. Tarantino and/Rodriguez could create a catchy 2.5-3 hours movie out of this Series. Fingers crossed :)

Young Sheldon (2017–2024)

Definitely not a frivolous spin-off

[8/10 · 6 December 2023]

/Refers to Seasons 1-6 in a sequence/

Although I have rather enjoyed The Big Bang Theory, I tend to exercise caution when spin-offs/prequels come into existence as they are often airy-fairy or just less interesting due to the events-performers you have got used to... But from the 1st episode of Young Sheldon it became evident that it is not the case here. Iain Armitage is a wow! Child actor (how could he remember and convincingly present so scientific stuff!) and all the others are also strongly up to their task - although not too familiar to me (well, later, after some Internet search, I think I can remember "the Old Guard" (e.g. Annie Potts, Craig T. Nelson) from their performances decades ago).

Anyhow, Young Sheldon is not just a coming-of-age story of a child genius, but involves a lot to ponder on and over, e.g. How to raise a distinct child in the family of many children, to what extent his or her peculiarity should be tolerated and/or encouraged, what is the share of obtaining knowledge and friends in a school, what is the role and impact of religion and sports, can old men and young children be pals - to name a few.

And last but not least - many "bold" topics are approached in a pleasant manner seen less and less in the contemporary world - without hiding or attempts to "shoot a messenger". I think that a family series is ridiculous where young generation starts to have sex/drink/smoke and talk about these topics when they are adults...

Glória (2021)

Apparently my first cognisant familiarisation with a Portuguese TV series

[7/10 · 31 October 2023]

Being a follower of mainly British and Scandinavian crimes series, I like to widen my horizons from time to time and have a look what other countries tend to offer in this field... So I was referred to Glória and I was eager to find out about the era depicted of which I had limited knowledge only.

Although I am not particularly keen on chases and action, the pace of the plot was a bit tardy for me. The motives to become a spy for the U. S. S. R. were not approvable by me either - even after nasty and tragic events in colonies, a son of a prominent politician could have comprehended that the Soviets were no unselfish and noble justice fighters... Yet, the struggles of João Vidal were interesting to follow (Miguel Nunes is a good actor as well) and the cause of death of a certain woman provided real crime case aspects to the otherwise spy story.

Still, even if bearing in mind that this Series comes from a country not famous for its series, I can't say it made a good impression on me and that I am very eager to follow what is there in the Portuguese film industry. Thus, 7 points seems just right.

Siopilos dromos (2021)

Somewhat protracted and indistinctive...

[7/10 · 31 October 2023]

...even if bearing in mind that the Series comes from a country not famous for crime dramas. The event triggering the whole cascade of following actions was thrilling and posed several questions, but when constant flashbacks started and the wrongdoer was revealed (in the midst of season), the pace and my interest began to fade even more.

There were also no conspicuous performances to follow (which I tend to do if the plot is not too catchy for me) and I had to take my time to try to remember the cast, the Greek names, both adults and children, who was related to whom, etc. The outcome could have include an unexpected twist as well.

7 points as I liked it less than Eteros Ego; and if it was an e.g. Scandinavian or British production, I would have rated less.

Kansan vihollinen (2022– )

Modern and old topics pleasantly intertwined, yet uneven accomplishment

[7/10 · 30 October 2023]

Cybercurrency is not too novel phenomenon, but recent years have seen the big growth in popularity and designations. On the other hand, suspicious dealings regarding winning procurements and obtaining contracts is an "old stuff". Most of the events take place in the Finland´s second largest city - Tampere, with some trips to Barcelona, making the Series a kind of Finnish-Spanish cooperation project.

As for performances, none of them did really stick out, but as it was said in many episodes - "journalism is a team-work" - this was apparently for the best - at least did not deplete the overall quality...

Yet, Finland is among the least corrupted countries in the world, thus the plot design is somewhat airy-fairy, plus the wrongdoer was revealed too soon and the pace of the final episode (rushing) did not correspond to the earlier ones (typical Finnish "let´s see and considerate :) ). Some plot lines remained vague to the very end.

Seven points "only", as there are catchier Finnish crime series available, starting with e.g. Sorjonen.

Mrs Sidhu Investigates (2023– )

Another BBC-level series with 3 keywords: Food, Hindu, and Slough

[8/10 · 30 October 2023]

Recent decade or so has brought forth plenty of crime series where characters, their family, relationships and hobbies prevail over the intense crime solving activities. Thus, the amount of funny moments is bigger and "ordinary" viewers can more relate to the events than just having an "outside" watch... Mrs. Sidhu Investigates is definitely one of such series, being not lame thanks to a certain quality standard BBC maintains. As Slough is ethnically a very diverse area, with lots of inhabitants of Asian origin, it is not another (often odd) attempt to follow politically correct approach.

True, I have my doubts how the events and scenes correspond to reality when fighting major crimes in the modern world and if people with something to hide really open up to a caterer, but the narration is smooth, the main performers are distinct and pleasant (Meera Syal and Craig Parkinson in particular), and the inclusion of other actors known from similar series in smaller roles provide additional value.

The final scenes of Episode 4 alluded that other episodes might follow.

Deadloch (2023– )

Not too realistic, but distinct - and I did not surmise the wrongdoer

[8/10 · 17 October 2023]

I have never been to Australia and have seen not too many crime series made there, but it is difficult for me to imagine such officials and policemen as depicted in Deadloch, even if bearing in mind a remote place... Having said that, the thrilling events are there, profanity is not annoying (quite the contrary, funny and inherent to the characters and situations), and the leading characters are really something, providing various awkward and giggling moments. Of the 4 main (female) characters, Alicia Gardiner as Cath York was probably least to my liking, too tedious even in the framework of Deadloch.

True, not everything is smooth and feminist and gay aspects emerge too much at times, but I followed this Series as a crime-solving story where the person and motifs of the wrongdoer appeared to be rather logical and realistic.

And if you liked Deadloch, you should watch Capitaine Marleau (France) as well.

The Undertaker (2013– )

Singular and thrilling edutainment from a country not known for crime series

[9/10 · 2 October 2023]

/refers to Seasons 1-6/

Apart from general aspects of policing, this Series provides information how is the process of handling corpses in Switzerland, paving the way for the courses of events and enabling an undertaker to take an interest in crimes and mostly assisting the police, not hindering them. True, the depiction is not always smooth and the cases not too catchy, but Switzerland is a safe country and Aargau is hardly a place of serious crime... I am sure that the frequency of crimes depicted is bigger anyway :)

The real gem of this Series are characters and performances (previously unknown persons to me), particularly in the Luc Conrad´s office (policemen are more conventional). Mike Müller, Reto Stalder, Suly Röthlisberger - all seemingly great character actors. Their interaction creats giggling moments, but their attitude towards the deceased is always respectable.

Otherwise 8 points, but 9 points due to its country of origin. And I am looking forward to further seasons.

Alumim (2021– )

Versatile, yet gloomy depiction of topics not much seen in Israeli cinema

[8/10 · 2 October 2023]

/refers to Season 1/

I have seen dozens of Israeli series, but they tend to deal with tensions between Jews and Arabs and/or power and corruption issues... Here, the topics named are present as well, but slightly in the background, as the main topic is severe growing pains and coming-of-age of poor adolescents / at-risk students. The share of hope in this Series is significantly less than that of despair, and the principle "actions have consequences" is constantly and vehemently visible... One can also ponder on an over the Western approaches to deal with problematic youngsters - are the money spent and methods used really becoming?

The characters seem realistic and performances good (incl. Most "new faces" to me as smaller countries tend to use the same actors in similar productions). The performances by Shani Cohen and Amir Tessler were most to my liking.

Despite Alumim is not an easy watch (also very urban environment, limited show of beautiful Israeli landscape etc.), often rather painful, I am looking forward to see Season 2 - as Season 1 ended in an intruiging manner.

Capitain Marleau (2014– )

Incomprehensively captivating series

[8/10 · 1 October 2023]

/refers to all Seasons/

I was referred to this Series when I was again eager to widen my horizons and watch something beyond Scandinavian and UK series... At first, I missed the pilot, and it turned out to be good - otherwise I would have apparently not continued (Pilot is protracted, one case spread over two 1.5-hour episodes, with Marleau yet not as conspicuous as later).

But Season 1 already started to unravel in a pleasant manner: wonderful Masiero (previously unknown to me) as Capitaine Marleau, and then several famous actors in supporting roles - G. Depardieu, Abril, in later seasons - Arestrup, Suchet, Adjani... Most of the episodes take place in North-Eastern France (almost Belgium :); btw, Masiero herself was born there), thus not in Paris or the Mediterranean region where French series tend to run...

True, most cases are not interesting in classical sense of crime, the pace is rather slow, plus I wonder if a police inspector with such a personality, manners and outfit can be employed in a modern Western police force, but thanks to most performances the Series is not mediocre and I even felt some void when the final episode ended. So, Capitaine Marleau is definitely my highest rated peculiar crime series...

Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996–1998)

Present delving into the past of British solid series

[8/10 · 16 August 2023]

Although the technical quality and parameters of "Hetty Wainthropp Investigates" do not fit the needs of many contemporary viewers, the Series gives a versatile overview of England in the 1990ies, its daily life with major views and issues then. The cases (often emanating from social problems) are not too sophisticated, many of them being trivial, but on the other hand, one can hardly expect a senior citizen and teenager solving serial killings or industrial espionage...

All the leading performances (Patricia Routledge, Derek Benfield, Dominic Monaghan are splendid, with Monaghan having his breakthrough with his role as Geoffrey), and several actors in minor roles are active in crime series of today. Mrs. Routledge is definitely in a class of their own and although her character has features I tend to dislike generally, she did not annoy me, I quite liked her views and activities.

This Series would deserve more attention even nowadays, but for that sake, for larger audiences, it should be technically restored. Bearing in mind better background understanding, you are advised to watch all seasons and episodes in succession.

Manayek (2020– )

Intense and skillful - not sure of the realism though

[8/10 · 26 July 2023]

/Refers to Seasons 1 and 2/

In recent years, I have managed to watch 10+ Israeli crime/drama series and I have found them interesting (yet I have no Jewish roots and visited Eilat briefly once). Manayek in another solid brick in this wall - intense scenes, dynamic characters, realistic performances (and most performers here not "regulars" in Israeli series, I recognised Ishai Golan only).

True, the initial dual confontration of the main characters almost disappeared in Season 2, and what about so many policemen engaged in so severe crimes (Israel has relative high place in Transparency corruption list; well, dealings where politicians involved are plausible)... But still a solid production, looking forward to next season(s).