The sniffer

This is an incredible series. Well-plotted, with brilliant acting, it's a joy to watch even with subtitles.

This series is a mixture of genres all rolled into one. It's a detective series with a guy who uses his uncanny sense of smell to solve cases, it's a "Buddy" film with a "Bromance" between the two male leads, it's a comedy with an element of slapstick and a couple one-liners. It's entertaining most of the times but eventually becomes formula driven with the inevitable wind up at the end. It does give a perspective of modern Russia not often seen in other series. It's not particularly "noir" like many of the Scandinavian series but the sets and outdoor shots are more often monochrome. I guess this makes the brilliant green and red cars, driven by the lead actors stand out more. It's a good watch when you want something silly and light, yet entertaining and fast moving.

This is a very uniquely, creatively written series. Having taught forensic science for a number of years, I find the premise of this series fascinating, if a bit unbelievable. Nevertheless, it is totally enjoyable, never predictable. The characters are interesting to say the least and certainly contribute to the fact that this is not your usual whodunit. The actors are extremely talented, especially the lead and his ex-wife. She puts the "b" in that unladylike word. The story lines are terrific.

Despite the blatant workplace sexual harassment and sexy medical examiners showing up to a crime scene to investigate a body in a short mini-skirt and high heals, the show has some depth and entertainment to it. The acting from some is mediocre, and great from others, like the lead character. Due to the subtitles, not a show you can just relax on your couch and watch.

Ukraine buddy cop series, very polished production and likable leads. I love it because first show or movie I've seen where Russians are normal, ethical ( and not) folks. They aren't you stereotype of sneaky corrupt and ruthless. As American I'm forced to look to scandi noir and BBC for quality TV these days. I never in a million years thought I would find my next gem in the Ukraine. How very cool!!