Wataha

Currently one of the best TV shows out there, great story that could come directly from border control. No over the top American show, but one that makes you want more. Very authentic, great storyline, fast but with enough detail, great sceneries, best actors.

So lucky I ran into this TV show, seriously hoping for more to come.

This production has proven enlightening, depicting the problems of border control between Poland and the Ukraine, along with many historical underlying differences between both nations, present prejudices, etc. It is a delight, as well as absolutely frightening. And best of all, it is very fast-paced, so no boring moments!

As always with shows like this, the first season was great - interesting characters, coherent plot, good tension and organic stories. I enjoyed it very much, it was truly atmospheric.

And like always in shows that only planned to have the one season, in the very first episode of season 2 it all went downhill - the characters from the first season were retconned, the plot became incomprehensible and convoluted into losing all sense, the characters became generic nothings that I couldn't care less what happens to them, it's as if in the quest for escalation, they lost sight of the down to earth approach that made the first season good.

And as always in these instances, there was no need for graphic sexual violence to depict how bad the bad guys are, season one accomplished that perfectly.

I'm not going near the 3rd season, it's going to be more of the same nonsense.

It seems that my previous familiarisation with a Polish series was in previous century; that is why - when referred to Wataha - I was curious how the cinematography of a big European country had evolved and varied.

In general, I should say I am contented: performances are decent and realistic (although I found no performer to be fixed in my memory for the future), the plot has several twists, and one can get a good overview of life and people in a distant Polish border area. Besides, as for mood, background, camera-work and some characters, there are obvious references to similar Nordic crime series; well, it is not bad as such - as Nordic series deserve even more attention - but the result is a bit homespun, and the ending was not a good match to the prior thrilling events. The pace was a bit slow as well, but the breaks were often a prolongation of the obvious, rather than meaty accentuation of atmosphere or thrill. But, still, Wataha is a versatile creation for those fond of the mix of crime and conspiracy.

PS Season 2 is catchier, but still somewhat over-sophisticated, and the pace is uneven and includes too many side/supporting characters. Plus I surmised the real wrongdoer towards the end... The issue, however, in light of recent events, is still topical, and the depiction of beautiful nature is a pleasant supplement.

Likes Polish series / movies But sometimes they get a little weird and embarrassing.

Wataha is good but sometimes it gets a little tiring A lot of time is spent filming when they smoke cigarettes, which means a lot in the context of the series.

Then a lot is filmed as one of the main roles Wiktor Rebrow is out walking in the woods and terrain.

He also does not seem to be that smart, but goes more on emotion and sudden whims.

Be smarter in the first season, feel strange development of that character in the series.