Ciudad de sombras

I feel the need to advise everyone to watch this smart and yet tragic thriller series from Catalonia.

There are loads of TV series out there, but few succeed in being as smart and yet historic in its depiction of near events as this. As a viewer, you are constantly being left to guess what next move will be, in clever picture inserts showing the development, corruption and disregard of human lifes connected to the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992, and what happens with small children in care where no real adults truly care and take charge, leaving space for abuse and corruption.

The two protagonists (perfect chemistry and acting) constantly have to think at least three or four steps ahead in order to catch the culprits. The series is a gripping ride, and make you constantly feel like you're on the edge. The writers, actors and camera men pull this series off brilliantly, much thanks to the outstanding writing which makes every single TV episode feel like a miniature movie but with a cliff hanger. If you do some research about the period (2010) that the series project, you'll notice that they manage to reflect it well in terms of vehicles, fashion, clothing.

However, it's not only down to the writing, but to the acting and filming as well. The casting crew has done an amazing job. You can feel the chemistry between the two main characters who bless us with amazing performances.

This Barcelona thriller is one of the most intelligent, tense, gripping and brilliantly acted dramas I've seen in a long time. It just gets better with every episode, and If you're reading this and you haven't decided if you'll watch it or not - don't wait, as it'll not wait for you.

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.

A decent troubled detective series out of Spain. The show does a great job of using the stunning architecture of Barcelona to tell a part of the story. The characters had depth and were well acted. Admittedly I watched dubbed and was still able to feel the story and emotions. Great production and worth the watch.

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.

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.