Crooks

Lets get this out of the way. This is a entertaining series. If you come into this expecting a lightweight by the numbers affair full of the usual cliches, you can't be blamed. It starts with the simple title of the series "Crooks". How can that be really entertaining? It surprises you with the fact that it is entertaining.

Its still a pretty much by the numbers affair but its done very well. I'm not dissappointed in the worn out cliches that are on display. The directors and producers actually took the usual cliches and made it entertaining and suspenseful. I'm disappointed because the series is held back by some very implausible plot decisions. It could have been better. That problem aside, the on location filming and musical scoring kept things moving along very well. The series is worth watching.

The first few episodes had some good moments, but with each subsequent episode the plot became more and more predictable, full of clichés, the characters were mostly flat and boring. I know that all the dialects are there to better represent the characters and the different groups, to show the local distance and also to clarify the social differences, but often it ended in a minute-long mumble in which nothing could be understood. Why do you have to mumble like that?

Unfortunately, the acting performance of some of the actors was anything but credible. I keep asking myself what makes some German actors think that they have mastered their craft!

Sadly, it was a waste of time and it dragged on like chewing gum.

The series captivates with its compelling narrative, keeping viewers glued to their screens. It offers a raw, unapologetic depiction of the underworld, distinct from conventional portrayals by other directors or movies. The creators spare no detail in showcasing the harsh realities and violence of the underground scene. Through a diverse cast of characters and cultural influences from across Europe, the show delivers a fast-paced, action-packed experience that seamlessly weaves together various plot-lines into one cohesive narrative. The slight friction between Germany and Austria is entertaining in terms of language specifics / the way how close and far from each other the two countries are. Worth watching! Thumbs up!

There is no way, German series at least on Netflix tends to be stupid. This series begins well, then it lapses into idiocy in order to follow the usual plot. Two people get an object many criminals want surviving to many perils in several trivial ways. In the most unlikely ways, other 2 people try to escape other criminals which want their vengeance. Just to understand: imagine a city where hundreds of villains search for 2 people and just the two leaders meet them casually for unreliable reasons annoyed because of unsatisfying results in the search. Unbelievable. One of the protagonist always understand the real intentions of his opponents... What absurdity.

Crooks is a complicated though we'll scripted action packed thriller series, as long as one overlooks the many small unrealistic plot events. (It's easy to look beyond them as the suspense captures the viewer!)

The eight episode season (one) - not sure if there will be additional seasons - also utilizes the different settings of Vienna, Berlin and Marseille well. The change in scenery and cuts to alternate locations adds to the show.

The characters are well crafted - even adding some near comic relief with the Algerian gang chief in Marseille. Joseph, the lovable teddy bear, is endearing.

Charly, the main man, is kind of a renaissance man among gangsters. He can fight, pick locks, use a gun and pretty much do anything else required to keep him and his family alive!

Crooks is a good crime, action show which lulls you into binge watching all eight episodes without much thought. Thoroughly enjoyable!