Dogs of Berlin

I really liked it. It's very gritty and the characters are fairly complex. That said, the viewer really needs to know a bit about the politics and issues currently facing German society. Netflix did a good job on including a lot of these issues. A previous review on here mentioned the ban of Nazi symbols. Yes, it's true, but the symbol that the Nazi club uses is actually not an "N" (for "Nazi") but rather an "M" which stands for the borough of Marzahn, where the club is based out of. The series also does a good job in characterizing impoverished east Germans & their attitudes against wealthier west Germans. There's really a lot going on that might appear random for someone not accustomed with current events in Germany. The biker gangs, the criminal clans, the police corruption, etc. were all portrayed very accurately I thought. I hope there's a second season. I don't usually write reviews, but this is a pretty cool show.

I gave it 9 stars, although it probably deserves more like 8, but I felt that I had to do my part to upgrade the rating a little.

Some parts of the story are absolutely ridiculous and farfetched, the computer generated scenes of the football matches were some of the worst I've seen in recent memory, however I was entertained the entire series and I definitely want to see the second season.

The two leads were both terrific and elevated the show beyond trashy camp. It feels a little bit like watching the over the top and absurd Boondock Saints at times crossed with a really good English serial... however the portrayal of the central characters somehow lend credibility to the proceedings even when the plot veers way off the rails.

As an American it's hard to tell where this series stands in comparison to other German television shows, and it's difficult to judge what aspects of Berlin life and culture even remotely resembled reality. I did find it fascinating, however and it made me want to try other German series.

The production values and the acting are quite high. Not just for a german production but in general. Some things may feel a bit added on (like a sexual orientation of a main character) and a bit overcrowded. But overall the show walks the thin line and makes it through.

Actually even when some crazy stuff happens, which may seem out of touch with "reality", it still stays true to the overall vibe of the show. It also explores gray areas and not everything is good or bad. Just because one character does something bad, does not mean they are evil overall.

It's really a shame this seems to not be getting a second or more seasons. But as it is, it is a testament that there can be really good german tv shows.

The only criticism is that the series takes too long time to introduce the characters. Yes, they have depth and complexity but more time could've spent on entertainment meaning action.

Other than that happy that I was able to binge watch it, good story, lots of twist and turns and excitement until the end. Worth to spend a rainy Sunday with it.

This series deserves better than a 7.5. It down & dirty in the Gang/Underworld of Berlin. Probably not for every one, but the acting is superb. It has been my experience that many foreign shows don't get the credit they deserve.