Keizersvrouwen

The previous reviewer must have been watching a different series, there are a couple of similarly named series. If you do have the correct one, you do know that just watching the first 10 minutes of episode one doesn't really qualify you to review the series? It only qualifies you to review the first ten minutes of episode one.

The lead character is profoundly damaged from a nightmarish childhood and a mother whom she might well have in common with Satan himself.

In addition to a towering performance from Smulders, her bratty daughter also deserves praise. ADDICTION WARNING: If you watch the conplete episode one, you WILL need to watch the entire series.

This show is underated and definitely NOT tame. Lots of innuendo. Very accurate depiction of real life in that world. Do not watch this as just a crime drama. It isn't. It's also not quite NC-16 given some of the themes. It's dark. Some scenes will leave your skin crawling.

Why do directors permit their leading actresses to look like they're about to burst into tears? The character is a bold, take-charge woman who runs a string of high-class escorts, yet she's always on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Similarly Laura Sepul in "Banking District" ... who runs a multibillion-euro empire but spends every episode wiping her eyes.

Read the review by clsi-19102 and had to chime in. Plot? Nope. Cast acting? Nope. I gave it a 7 solely due to Karina Smulders. From fully in control of situations in an understated subtle manner to lost emotionally, I thought she was spot on. The series only worked when she was on screen. As I said: ViewPoints !

Unfortunately I just saw the first two episodes.... this is delicious storytelling with superb acting in a high tension realistic and horrific Amsterdam scenery. A blast. Highly recommended!