An interesting, sometimes gripping series in which a series of gory murders reference core issues in historical and contemporary Muslim - Christian, Soviet & post-Soviet eras. Two cops from different positions and each with their own family problems must find a way to work together, supported by a local cop team, to unravel the reasons for the killings and reveal the killer. Mia's family issue is a stereotypical teenage daughter stereotypically alienated from her. The daughter is important to the plot, but the whole unforgiving daughter theme could have been significantly edited down. The emotional turmoils of Filip & Mia are rather overdone, thanks to both script and their overacting. And Filip, designed as the moody, sexy hero sometimes verges on the creepy or, at least, a real turnoff. But the supporting cast, particularly the three local cops, are interesting, characterful without falling into caricature, and well performed. The final outcome is obvious in the second-last episode, leaving the final episode to make it all even more predictable.
Up until that point, however, it's a compelling, enjoyable series. And it's worth a watch despite the weaknesses. Revelatory, but not intrusive, history, stunning scenery, glimpses of contemporary life and politics in rural Bulgaria and a beautifully constructed soundtrack that fits perfectly.
