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.

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!

Balthazar is tall, athletic, really fit- I mean a real 6 pack- slim and compact muscles. Ruggedly Handsome, in that Alpha Male way; not cookie cutter. Reminds me of young Jean-Paul Belmondo , which is the best. Not a baby boy. Yes, I am very taken with him. The woman Chief Inspector, good at her job, works well with B., is married, some sexual tension.

Balthazar is a Paris Coroner and is out in the field with Police Detectives investing crimes, confronting criminals. The French have their own way of doing things- but I doubt this is realistic. when there is a crime investigation a Judge Magistrate is assigned to run the case; including evaluating evidence. It is rather efficient because the case is set up for prosecution, and all Court Orders originate from the supervising Judge. He doesn't take it to court- and is neutral like a Judge. Occasionally, more in S#2 the Captain is speaking to M. Prosecuteur, informing or getting permission, like warrant to search Magistrates from what I see in other French Police, like Spirals, are much more hands on.

The other thing is, that Balthazar's wife was murdered, 12 years earlier- not a spoiler, and the killer is never found. He talks to the dead (he knows, it's a conscious dialogue) . Is obsessed with his wife, and finding her killer- O.K. but they spend too much screen time on this; the 2 of them chatting, yes, it's him talking to himself, so it says what he is thinking, but still. He knows it's he who is creating her. it get's tiresome. We know, we get it. This is a drama after all. BTW- B. is very lively and has many girlfriends. season 2- I think they went off the rails the last 4 episode (10 in all); He is speaking more to dead victims, yes he knows it's his imagination, at first. I won't say, but I don't like it. A cliff hanger-

There is a season 3- Sometimes they do stupid things, which ruins the reality. small- it's action in a scene. B. grabs a crowbar to open a car trunk (a victim might be in it) the front driver's side door is open; this car is one that the lift up back is not separate from the back seat Hello, there is an open trunk switch. I don't like their choice of music most of the time, and often it's too loud. not always.