Code 37

The other reviews say it all, I just had to say how I loved this!

The main characters develop wonderfully almost to the point of being a superhero team, one with fags, sexism, fluid sexuality, diets entirely of fast food, and who all spatter the series with very realistic emotional fallout.

The storylines vary on all levels, with the bigger story thread running through that will draw you to binge watch. But it is more the interplay of the characters, the realism and the humour that makes this series stand out.

It's got the feel of a very good version of The Sweeney and some other top cop dramas of the same era, very much updated and fresh but with remnants of the 70s.

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.

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

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.

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.