Code 37

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.

This Belgian crime drama certainly has me glued. Although it deals with some of the most heinous sexual crimes, these are portrayed in a sensitive, and sometimes darkly humorous way, so that they're not too harrowing. Of course, it's fiction, and thus how Hannah Maes et al deal with crimes and have them all wrapped up within the hour - and how the police in real life deal with crimes are two distantly related concepts. Hannah's subplot, throughout S1, is somewhat difficult to follow. Events become more opaque every week, and Hannah seems to fall more and more off the rails as the weeks go by. I haven't started series 2 yet, so I'll have to reserve judgement on whether that becomes clearer. As far as the regular week to week stories go, they're interesting, engaging to watch and sensitively dealt with. Of Hannah Maes' male charges, Bob is to me the most interesting to see his development, from a somewhat ignorant sexist pig to diligent cop. Kevin is the cutest - I really want him to come out as gay (remember I have 2 series still to watch!) and he seems to be the most empathetic towards the victims. I'm afraid Charles, likeable though he is, reminds me of the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz, with his walrus moustache and all!

Although being a fan of Scandi Noir, from time to time, I am eager to widen my horizon and find out what is going on in other (European) countries vis-a-vis crime series. As I liked Belgian Salamander-series, I was referred to Code 37 - and became excited from the very beginning.

True, not all episodes are equally interesting and accomplished, sometimes I guessed the wrongdoer's's person and motives too soon, but the general atmosphere, combination of case-by-case and recurrent revenge and mystery and the beautiful panorama of Ghent make all the 3 seasons a whole, to be watched in sequence, not sporadically (at first, I thought that I would stick to Season 1 only, but I was interested to see the final solution which, however, could have been more sophisticated). And the topic of prostitution and related phenomena is depicted in a realistic manner, with far more minuses than pluses - if there is any glamour or wealth involved, then it is fake, concealing lots of serious issues.

But the most pleasant component of this series is the characters and cast, even when/if with some clichés and fathomable approaches. To me,Veerle Baetens and Hannah Maes and Gilles De Schryver as Kevin Desmet were the most interesting; the inclusion of several Wat als? actors in supporting roles was also a pleasant diversity - as their parts here were far from amusing or humorous.

Thus, a good series, making me willing to visit Ghent again - after several decades. Recommended, unless you are a strong supporter or frequent customer of prostitution...

This is an excellent show and Veerle Baetens is excellent in the role (also watch ehr in The Team and Tabula Rasa - different roles, but she's also excellent) I have to wonder if the reviewer who commented on her poor acting has a personal vendetta against her - as they take several personal swipes at the actress herself in the review. The review said she constantly screams, but she rarely screams in the show and is quite calm a lot of the time (I sometimes think too calm!), so again, I wonder if the negative reviewer has even seen the show?

I find the cases interesting and the acting great, the rapport between the team eventually becomes enjoyable too..Bob is intolerable for most of season 1 though, namely the first half. Someone that sexist should not work in sex crimes in real life, but this is just fictional. Sometimes I think they let his behaviour slide too easily, especially for a sex crimes show (such as his degrading jokes and taking a naked photo of his boss and spreading it in poster form telling men to call for sex). But overall, it's a great show with interesting characters and decent storylines. Highly recommend.

Do not listen to the reviews, watch for yourself and decide! It's a very decent police procedural show.

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.