The Turkish Detective

This series, inspired by the books of Barbara Nadel, is set in Istanbul. Mehmet Suleyman, who was born in Turkey but lived in London, has returned to become a detective in the local police force. He serves under Inspector Cetin Ikmen and alongside Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. It soon becomes apparent that Hehmet had a specific reason to return to Turkey; his ex-girlfriend, an investigative journalist, was seriously injured in a hit and run incident... he is convinced that it was no accident. This private investigation continues in the back ground while the police investigate a variety of other crimes, these are each wrapped up in a two episode long story.

I really enjoyed this series. In many ways the two part mysteries are typical 'Saturday night crime drama' but the Istanbul location gives it a freshness. When I started watching I assumed Mehmet was the titular 'Turkish Detective' but Inspector Ikman is at least as important to the stories. Characters speak a mix of English and Turkish; perhaps not realistic but acceptable as the writer is English and the production American. The use of Some Turkish reminds us where we are... if that was necessary given the numerous scenes featuring the Bosporus and the Hagia Sophia in the background. The characters are interesting, especially Inspector Ikman and the cast do a solid job bringing them to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of easy going murder mysteries looking for something a little different; I hope we get further series.

The Turkish Detective is a crime drama thriller series based on the novels by Barbara Nadel. It follows Inspector Cetin Ikmen and his team as they solve various cases in the modern world of Turkey. The series showcases the rich culture, history, and diversity of Istanbul, as well as the challenges and conflicts that arise from different perspectives and backgrounds. The cast is led by Haluk Bilginer, who delivers a captivating performance as the charismatic and unconventional Ikmen. The series also features Ethan Kai, Yasemin Kay Allen, Erol Afsin, and Selma Ergeç in supporting roles. The Turkish Detective is a gripping and engaging show that will keep you hooked until the end.

The opening music just sets the mood beautiful. You're drawn in by the opening scenes, as the plot moves from serious to humour back to serious.

There's a plot within the main plot, which keeps you wanting more. And there's details that draw you in and cause you to emphasise with some of the key characters. The pace is good, without rushing. Each scene leads you you onto the next one, without the sudden jumps some producers seem to love.

It is a multi-language production. I understand why it's not entirely shot in Turkish, as they need to appeal to an international audience. However the accusation that the lead actor, Haluk Bilginer, is not Turkish is bizare (he is Turkish) and the accusation must be due to some local politics I'm unaware of. This award winning actor spans a range of emotions across the series, and is a delight to watch.

Shout out to the music, which no one has yet mentioned. It helps tie in the mood and the scene.

Really hoping for a second series.

I stumbled on this new show on BBC iPlayer having heard nothing about it whatsoever.

It's well written, has good pacing and the first episode (despite a few issues) has given me enough to continue further into the series.

I'm enjoying the character of (the older) old school Turkish detective Cetin Ikmen. He is very competent and knows his patch and culture well in an almost Gene Hunt kind of amplified way and yet I still like him as a person. In parts he's a bit too good - some of his deductions and hunches are too accurate to be credible in my opinion

Towards the second half of the episode 1 I felt Cetin was almost making Sherlock Holmes level deduction's but in the style of Peter Faulk in Columbo and this extended itself to the way in which he behaved and questioned suspects in their world away from the Police Station.

However these generalisations and narratives may be a diversion away from the truth or a deliberate ploy to stop the viewer from seeing something else or whatever we miss that is hidden in plain sight.

I think it's beautifully filmed and I hope my faith in this show is rewarded as the series goes on.

"The Turkish Detective" (2023) is a gripping series that not only delves into intriguing mysteries but also offers a vivid portrayal of Istanbul. With its well-chosen cast and impressive visuals, the series stands out in its genre.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around Mehmet (Ethan Kai), a detective transferred from the UK, who navigates the complex and often challenging landscape of crime in Istanbul. The series does an excellent job of intertwining the city's unique cultural aspects with its crime-solving narrative.

The acting in "The Turkish Detective" is commendable, with each character bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The visual storytelling is another high point, capturing the essence of Istanbul beautifully. The soundtrack, carefully selected, enhances the overall mood and tone of the series, complementing the storyline perfectly.

A memorable moment is when the Detective Ikmen (Haluk Bilginer) says, "Welcome to Istanbul," effectively summarizing the intricate workings of Turkey's system and setting the stage for the narrative.

While I overall enjoyed the series, there was a notable concern regarding the language used. In scenes involving Mehmet, almost every character speaks fluent English, which seems unrealistic and detracts from the authenticity of the setting. This aspect could be improved to maintain the series' realistic vibe.

Despite this, the portrayal of Istanbul, with its stunning views and cultural depth, is exceptionally well done. It adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the series.

"The Turkish Detective" is fun for those who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of place and culture. The series requires a bit of patience, so I recommend giving it a chance for a couple of episodes. The journey through Istanbul's mysteries is well worth it.