L'heure d'or

I have been watching a lot of Dutch shows lately and I prefer them over your average Netflix show. So whenever a new Dutch show is released, this girl is happy!

But, with The Golden hour, Dutch television just went up an extra notch. Boy, was it good. In every aspect: acting (you just forget you're watching and you get sucked into the story immediately), storyline and writing, camerawork and cinematography, but also sets and extra's. I don't know if people who helped bring this show to life are reading this... but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed watching it. In spite of the very difficult topic.

It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the episodes and I can't wait for season 2 to be released.

Quick note: I'm your average Jane, so I have minimal knowledge of police and detective work. This review is just based on my personal experience as a viewer.

I'll get over the anomaly that was very difficult to take in at first. I just don't get why Mardik decided to go it alone. Wouldn't his tips and investigations have been enhanced with the resources of the police force behind him? And it would have kept the internal affairs/Dutch CIA off his back.

That apart, the fast-paced plot and its developments left not a moment to wonder about any other inconsistencies. In addition there were some moments of human interest stories, one of which was particularly touching.

A second season is definitely on its way as is obvious from the final few scenes. I'll be watching it.

As Episode 1 of "The Golden Hour" (2022 release from the Netherlands; 6 episodes ranging from 47 to 50 min each) opens, we are in "Amsterdam", where we get to know Mardik, a detective who grew up in Afghanistan but now a longtime resident in the Netherlands and married to a Dutch lady. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to Faysal, a childhood friend of Mardik, who now has become a hardline extremist and terrorist... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: almost from the get-go, this mini-series is tense, and it stays tense. Beware: there are several terrorist attacks that are brought with a shocking level of realism, and this is most definitely not for the feint of heart. That aside, the mini-series reminded me of the Jason Bourne franchise, with its relentless pace and handheld camera work. Bottom line: I quite enjoyed it (I grew up in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, so it was fun to follow along in the original Dutch version).

"Het Gouden Uur" premiered in Fall of 2022 on Dutch TV. I had never heard of it, but Netflix recently recommended it to me based on my viewing habits. Glad I took up Netflix on it. If you are in the mood for a hard-hitting, fact-paced terrorists' action mini-series, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.

Until the last ( and quite frankly ridiculous episode ). There is quite a lot of shoot outs and gory, terrorist based violence. That is where the initial investment in the main protagonists takes speed. Unfortunately, we get sidetracked on a few occasions with random characters that don't give anything to the plot. Add to that, innumerable flashbacks all covering the same scene - I think I couldn't one of the same repeat scenes at least half a dozen times. Back the ending of the series itself ; the episodes 4 and 5 were gut wrenching and extremely well done ( although the rookie/ hero cops were soon forgotten in the plot ). The last episode smacked seriously of a budget that simply ran out and the direction and script became the principal victim.

One of the best Dutch series I have seen. I will also honestly say that I am not a big fan of a lot of meaningless action, that is, without a plot, but here there is an interesting and also strong story. Most of the series is filmed in Ede, not Amsterdam. It's great to have chosen another city, because Holland is muuuch more than the tourist massacre of Amsterdam.

It even seemed a little short to me due to the great variety of action that barely let you move and keep you on the edge of the chair, a lot of tension and very exciting. Time goes by very quickly watching this one.

The actors are all quite good and the the action scenes and editing do not disappoint.

Of course, as in every series, there are always stupid and unrealistic moments, like the racism present, and the torture of a minor and her mother are taken out of context. On the other hand some of the passive decisions of the Dutch police are quite realistic.

Don't miss it if you like action combined with a good story. And.. I'm waiting for the second season. Please don't take too long.