Unit 42

This reminded me of shows from the 70s, 80s or 90s. Each episode is an individual case which is solved in the end and then you start again in the next episode. Despite good performances and decent dialogue it's all a little to neat and formulaic. Saying that, it is watchable and requires no commitment from the viewer so you can watch a single episode and walk away without feeling that you're missing something.

I don't get the ratings...it's such a great show! This show kept me glued to the screen. Different stories from the ones usually told on this type of show. Billie's kinda annoying in the beginning but it gets better. Great characters, great storyline. Highly recommend.

This Belgian series is set in Brussels and each episode involves investigations into various crimes where computers are involved in some way. Our main protagonists are Inspector Sam Leroy, a widower with three children, who has recently transferred to the unit and Billie Vebber, a young former hacker who now works as a police officer. Most cases involve murders where Billie's skills are required, sometimes involving bending of the rules.

I really enjoyed this series; unlike most series these days the main plot in each episode is resolved within that episode. It still makes sense to watch every episode in the correct order as there is some character development which takes place over the course of the series. Some events may disturb some viewers; most obviously a case where child abusers are targeted and we learn some details, obviously not too many, about what happened to one child. The cast, both regulars and guests, do a solid job bringing their characters to life. While some of the computer elements are not too believable they are certainly better than many programmes and films which deal with the subject. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of crime dramas. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for Netflix to get the second season.

These comments are based on watching the series in French with English subtitles.

The ratings here are too low, I'm guessing because a lot of people don't like subtitles and want dubbing. But this is a fine series, well written, produced, and acted-and serious viewers want to hear the language and the actors' voices. My reservation is that in crime procedurals the victims are so often women, and they never seem to have a security system, dog, or at least mace. It's just maddening. And why are pictures of naked women on the walls where they eat. I get that they're special ops in a basement, but come on. But, despite rather stupid production gaffes, this is a good show with a lot of strengths and surprising moments of tenderness.

Recommended.

I enjoyed this Belgian crime series right from the first epidsode. It is very well made, and includes good actors and a compelling plot line. Unlike others, I see nothing American about this show. Whilst the IT scenes are a bit far-fetched they never detract from the drama. Given what is on TV at the moment, this series is compelling viewing.