Stadt der Schatten

From the first episode, it grabs you and keeps you waiting for a conclusion, which you know won't come easily. Perhaps the characters might seem a bit clichéd, like the detective who has attitude problems with his superiors due to a recent event in his life, the detective who arrives from another area to help with the investigation and use her studies and experience in psychological cases, the incompetent boss who's always more concerned with public image than the case itself, and even the secretary who's always one step ahead of his superiors' requests. Even so, they all fulfill their purpose and don't fall into the banal; even the seemingly ordinary killer gradually transforms into a master of evil. Unfortunately, by the fifth episode, this magnificent edifice begins to crumble and descend into predictability. Every clue, every move the killer makes, and even every unnecessary and stupid decision we've seen in so many other movies and series are predictable. Even so, by that point, we're eager to see how the story ends.

Ceo's of large companies are getting kidnapped and murdered in barcelona. So detective milo is brought back from suspension to work on the case. (does anyone except suspended cops or detectives about to retire actually work on difficult cases ?) and because this all takes place in barcelona, we tour and learn about the many buildings designed by gaudi. SO much time spent on milo's superiors working against him. Accusing him of leaking info or trying to get his partner sent back to her own office. Are they just idiots, or are the police involved in a cover up ? Or are the writers just trying to make it more dramatic ? Who knows ? Milo and his partner from the other office follow the few clues and try to find they killers before the pope arrives for a visit. It's pretty good! Not a lot new here, but for those not familiar with gaudi's history in barcelona, it was probably even more interesting. Directed by jorge torregrossa. Has won a ton of film fest awards.

A good Spanish noir series. I binged the series in two evenings. RIP Veronica Echegui. A great talent, she will be dearly missed. I was shocked to hear of her passing, she was only 42, so young. I first saw her in The Hunters Prayer and The Cold Light of Day. Next on my list is A Muerte. Hopefully I can see it on Apple TV in Holland.

The two main reasons this series is appealing are the acting and the visuals. There are a number of weak areas, including the pace - it's a bit lopsided and choppy at times, with far too many flashbacks of Barcelona's architecture and layout before and after the Olympics. It's pretty clear that the upheaval and redevelopment of the city itself since the death of Franco has transformed everything from society itself to the how things have changed for the better in some cases to the worse in others. The acting is generally very solid, especially the two main detective characters. The writing could be a bit tighter but is quite believable and the relationships are developed authentically. There was a bit too much graphic violence for my liking, especially the fire close-ups. The last two episodes were irritating as the music became far too prominent and overbearing. It's not the best series of this genre, but has lots of tension, some twists and is worth watching.

City of Shadows is a visually stunning Spanish noir that truly finds its footing after a slightly slow start.

The central mystery - a series of artistic, high-profile murders set against Barcelona's gorgeous Gaudí landmarks - is utterly compelling. Isak Férriz (as Milo Malart) and Verónica Echegui (as Rebeca Garrido) have excellent, evolving chemistry as they chase the vigilantes and fight the corruption within their own ranks.

The series is at its best in the later episodes, which are packed with intrigue and refreshingly minimal filler. While the finale provides a solid, complex, and bittersweet resolution, it stops just short of being truly spectacular.

Overall, a highly engaging and successful thriller. A strong 7/10.