Balthazar

Our whole family of mystery buffs voted the French production Balthazar to have the finest quality writing, production values, acting, and each mystery construction, to be the finest on American TV even though we need to use subtitles. We are glued to the episodes for the full hour (approx) it is on. Clever, intelligent, no police woman needing to prove herself, no plots that anybody can figure out in their sleep, and a Holmes-Like doctor who doesn't play stupid or obvious. The surprise twists within each episode are smooth and so superior to the U.S.detective / forensic adventure shows on our networks, we can't wait for more episodes to appear on the Acorn Service.

Sub titles have never bothered me so there was nothing stopping me from pursuing this series to its' current, and hopefully, temporary conclusion. The main character is witty, intelligent, charming and at times can be a bit jarring but his relationships with others are unique, complex, intriguing and charming. His evolution from being a victim from his wife's murder to his supposed liberation is a challenging if not a painful one. The supporting cast is also quite special. Captain Bach, the police detective who tries her best to be professional and serious is no match for Balthazars charm and wit. His forensic assistants are entertaining with their love/hate relationship and the popping in and out of his dead wife is an endearing and sometimes pleasant appearance. I hope that a fourth and even a fifth season are added.

It would be nice if writers could actually present forensics as intelligent without having to rely on the usual hooks such as a not legal romance with a detective tainting his independent evidentiary role. Usual added hooks of bizarre behavior, and/or personal issues.

The open chest prosthetic with the spewing of a list of medical terms like an auctioneer - all very fake. Joins Bäckström, Brokenwood, The Night, Professor T, The Alienist, Shakespeare & Hathaway all with poor, improbable forensics. More believable forensics to be found in Wisting, Bloodlands, Halifax: Retribution, Spiral season 7, and Traces.

I gave season 1 a 2 rating; season 2 a 1 rating, and this season a 3 rating because the ending (although very improbable) has hopefully brought it all to a close.

Doctor Balthazar is quite a self-absorbed man, but not without charm. His companion Capitain Bach is sexy and lovely and smart woman. Often they have problem working together. And the best thing about this series is that they dont fall in love with each other. Not yet. It can be a bit sentimental even in the medical examiners room among the dead corpses, but the writers and the directing never let it be too long. The backstory with Balthazars dead wife and him talking to her is flawless, and that actress is rally good.

Engaging French who-done-it with intelligent plot twists & dialog. Setting & cinematography add to the watch ability not far down the list below the main characters. Subtitles couldn't scare me away!