Der Pass

Not being much of a crime story fan, it was by sheer accident that I watched the first episode at all.

But it quickly earned my attention. Spectacular camera work, beautiful nature setting, a thrilling story and brilliant characters. Watched the whole series with my wife and we both thought it was excellent.

My personal favorite, as I love Austria and the Austrian accent, of course was Nicholas Ofczareks portrayal of detective Winter. He has most of the greatest moments. Add some great music by Wolfgang Ambros - and there you have a surprisingly perfect package that Sky produced.

Finished watching season two last night. I'd enjoyed season one and was looking forward to another stab. 2am and there were two episodes to go. No contest - I stayed awake and watched till the end.

This is not a "supernatural" thriller as some reviews seem to be claiming. The first season drew on traditions peculiar to the somewhat isolated Alpine communities the murders were happening in. But there were no dark forces at work unless you count the twisted mind of the perp. The second season was a straightforward thriller whose protagonists were on the trail of a perverted serial killer.

Characterisation was strong in both seasons. We actually cared about the cops who were dealing with their own problems as well as trying to apprehend the initiator of sets of grisly crimes.

Nothing was as it seemed and there were twists at the end of both seasons with a hint of a cliffhanger at the end of season two. Should a third season be made I'll definitely be revisiting The Pass.

Excellent production with beautiful cinematography. Have been very wary of Sky-productions in the past, because they simply were not good. This one is a bit of a slow burner in the beginning, but quickly gains steam. Has everything a good thriller needs: mulit-layered protagonists, a little bit of mistery, great score and decent writing. Really nice surprise and a great series for the winter months.

Der Pass would have to be in the running for best catch-a-serial-killer series this year, and maybe this decade. Shot in the Alps, it never shies away from using the topography to great effect, both with locations and cinematography. There's some interesting characters. I would have preferred detectives without shady backstories and secret relationships for a change, but it seems we the public have to live with that trend a while longer. Certainly the back stories here do add a definite dramatic element and consequence to the investigation, so at least it's all part of one package. Loved the lead male detective dressing like an anti-Oscar Wilde! Loved the lead female detective dressed in red, which really added a symbolism. Der Pass never lets up on the suspense and the surprise. The killer is certainly high functioning, and fully engages attention. The soundscape was awesome too, modern and sophisticated, at an appropriate level, and here and there a good German song. Perfect for a binge.

Oh no I thought, "Its the Bridge in the hills".

I was so wrong.

Another great drama from our European friends, and no sex scenes yet it still works!

Shall watch the second series.