Code 37

This Belgian crime drama certainly has me glued. Although it deals with some of the most heinous sexual crimes, these are portrayed in a sensitive, and sometimes darkly humorous way, so that they're not too harrowing. Of course, it's fiction, and thus how Hannah Maes et al deal with crimes and have them all wrapped up within the hour - and how the police in real life deal with crimes are two distantly related concepts. Hannah's subplot, throughout S1, is somewhat difficult to follow. Events become more opaque every week, and Hannah seems to fall more and more off the rails as the weeks go by. I haven't started series 2 yet, so I'll have to reserve judgement on whether that becomes clearer. As far as the regular week to week stories go, they're interesting, engaging to watch and sensitively dealt with. Of Hannah Maes' male charges, Bob is to me the most interesting to see his development, from a somewhat ignorant sexist pig to diligent cop. Kevin is the cutest - I really want him to come out as gay (remember I have 2 series still to watch!) and he seems to be the most empathetic towards the victims. I'm afraid Charles, likeable though he is, reminds me of the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz, with his walrus moustache and all!

I am really enjoying this series and have faithfully watched it weekly. Right now I am at episode 19. I have to say that it is always unexpected, with story lines that keep me thinking, and I like that! I enjoy the main characters and the excellent acting. So often you watch a show were within the first few minutes you know who the murderer is ... if you like that, then, simply said, you may not like this series. If you like a good story that has action, a tough female detective like in crime novels, her team that balances the ugly reality of their work with quirky humor and, yes, even some intrigue, then this may be a series you could really enjoy. Looking for something a bit different? Then I think you may be surprised, as I can only describe it as fresh and original. I definitely think of this series as a gem, and very glad I stumbled across it.

If the expanded title has a ring of click-bait about it, then be assured that the show in no way relies on titillation to keep your attention. That's not to say there isn't the odd seedy interlude here and there, but all emphasis is placed on the continuous development of the characters, the humorous banter between colleagues and a well engineered, slow-reveal, long story.

Initially, I found the shorter, episodic cases to be a little patchy, but with the passage of seasons two and three, they have improved immensely.

Of course, one of the most endearing features must be Baetens' sulky, yet enigmatic acting. In Season 3, her character's ongoing backstory is elevated to new heights, making for some truly memorable moments. I found her quite mesmerizing in 'Tabula Rasa', and even more so here.

My rating of the show so far has been - 7.6/10, 7.8/10 and 8.2/10

This is not a series for the delicate....as the conversations between the characters is very graphic and explicit (x-rated). The actress Baetens is absolutely one of the best female detective leads I have ever watched. Along with her team and their personality quirks, this series is fun watching just to watch them rather then for the actual storyline itself, as some episodes make it easy to guess who the bad guy is. But, what a diverse/comical/pathetic/endearing team of detectives they are! It's unfortunate the whole series is based on graphic sex-crimes as these characters would have appealed to a broader audience otherwise.

I watched this in 2019 in the 'Walter Presents' All4 strand. The actors (some recognisable from the excellent 'Professor T') do well with often difficult material; especially the vile suspects! Unsophisticated interview room techniques from the 1970's 'The Sweeney', and absent defence lawyers,mean the cases would fail in UK courts, but the character interplay is entertaining... and, after 'Tabula Rasa', I just love Veerle Baetens, a sexy yet credible boss figure in this drama. The highly negative review claims she screams, but she doesn't.