The Turkish Detective

"The Turkish Detective" (2023) is a gripping series that not only delves into intriguing mysteries but also offers a vivid portrayal of Istanbul. With its well-chosen cast and impressive visuals, the series stands out in its genre.

Without giving too much away, the story revolves around Mehmet (Ethan Kai), a detective transferred from the UK, who navigates the complex and often challenging landscape of crime in Istanbul. The series does an excellent job of intertwining the city's unique cultural aspects with its crime-solving narrative.

The acting in "The Turkish Detective" is commendable, with each character bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The visual storytelling is another high point, capturing the essence of Istanbul beautifully. The soundtrack, carefully selected, enhances the overall mood and tone of the series, complementing the storyline perfectly.

A memorable moment is when the Detective Ikmen (Haluk Bilginer) says, "Welcome to Istanbul," effectively summarizing the intricate workings of Turkey's system and setting the stage for the narrative.

While I overall enjoyed the series, there was a notable concern regarding the language used. In scenes involving Mehmet, almost every character speaks fluent English, which seems unrealistic and detracts from the authenticity of the setting. This aspect could be improved to maintain the series' realistic vibe.

Despite this, the portrayal of Istanbul, with its stunning views and cultural depth, is exceptionally well done. It adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the series.

"The Turkish Detective" is fun for those who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of place and culture. The series requires a bit of patience, so I recommend giving it a chance for a couple of episodes. The journey through Istanbul's mysteries is well worth it.

This series, inspired by the books of Barbara Nadel, is set in Istanbul. Mehmet Suleyman, who was born in Turkey but lived in London, has returned to become a detective in the local police force. He serves under Inspector Cetin Ikmen and alongside Detective Ayse Farsakoglu. It soon becomes apparent that Hehmet had a specific reason to return to Turkey; his ex-girlfriend, an investigative journalist, was seriously injured in a hit and run incident... he is convinced that it was no accident. This private investigation continues in the back ground while the police investigate a variety of other crimes, these are each wrapped up in a two episode long story.

I really enjoyed this series. In many ways the two part mysteries are typical 'Saturday night crime drama' but the Istanbul location gives it a freshness. When I started watching I assumed Mehmet was the titular 'Turkish Detective' but Inspector Ikman is at least as important to the stories. Characters speak a mix of English and Turkish; perhaps not realistic but acceptable as the writer is English and the production American. The use of Some Turkish reminds us where we are... if that was necessary given the numerous scenes featuring the Bosporus and the Hagia Sophia in the background. The characters are interesting, especially Inspector Ikman and the cast do a solid job bringing them to life. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of easy going murder mysteries looking for something a little different; I hope we get further series.

I stumbled on this new show on BBC iPlayer having heard nothing about it whatsoever.

It's well written, has good pacing and the first episode (despite a few issues) has given me enough to continue further into the series.

I'm enjoying the character of (the older) old school Turkish detective Cetin Ikmen. He is very competent and knows his patch and culture well in an almost Gene Hunt kind of amplified way and yet I still like him as a person. In parts he's a bit too good - some of his deductions and hunches are too accurate to be credible in my opinion

Towards the second half of the episode 1 I felt Cetin was almost making Sherlock Holmes level deduction's but in the style of Peter Faulk in Columbo and this extended itself to the way in which he behaved and questioned suspects in their world away from the Police Station.

However these generalisations and narratives may be a diversion away from the truth or a deliberate ploy to stop the viewer from seeing something else or whatever we miss that is hidden in plain sight.

I think it's beautifully filmed and I hope my faith in this show is rewarded as the series goes on.

Absolutely loved this. The culture, the actors, the characters, the music....

Really hope they do more because so often something wonderful and unique comes along and it's dropped. You really engage in the lives of the all of them which is the mark of a truly great series. I love how it is bilingual which adds to the authenticity. I think anyone leaving a negative review wants something too gritty and graphic.

Dynamic is great and I really don't know what else to write but my review won't get published unless I fulfill the word criteria so at the moment I am just prattleing on. I find it so hard to find something to watch and finally this gem!

Surprised at some of the negative reviews, but this should change as this wonderful production progresses I'm sure. I love a crime mystery with twists and turns, especially one with a great sense of place and this has that in spades. But not only do you get a sense of this beautiful, ancient, complex city, but right from the beginning we are beguiled by the subtleties of culture and how the police, led cleverly by Haluk Bilginer's character, Cetin Ikmen have to navigate that for best result. Just enough humour, just enough pathos, and Ikmen's character gives us back our faith in human nature and understanding. Young protagonist Mehmet, used only to 'the British way' in London realises quickly he's going to have to adapt. Ikmen is quick to realise this may take time and so keeps him at distance for interviewing local suspects, but lets him rip at crime scenes - Ikmen recognises his strengths and how to use that. Interesting ongoing sub-plot with Mehmet's ex-girlfriend/reporter who has been devastatingly affected by a suspicious hit and run and Mehmet's need to investigate the reasons. Of course this is all conducted in English with aside, subtitled conversations in local dialect, because this is made to introduce westerners to Istanbul and its people in way that's easier for them, but this was made by a Turkish production company financed by Paramount and so that was their decision for wider distribution I guess. I'd guess the Turkish authorities will be happy that lots of westerners like me will be avidly waiting for the next episode and dreaming of visiting this amazing place, its great for tourism no doubt. Crime/murder mystery fans like me always wait for something a bit different, perhaps an authentic-feeling touch of the exotic and this is it. Congratulations to Ay Yapim on a fantastic quality production, hopefully we'll be seeing more.