Negociador

Truth is the only way. Addressing several issues within the line of action of a GATE team of the São Paulo police, this TV series presents the viewer with conflicts, traumas, dramas, of an experienced negotiator, involved in an emotional crisis that has to deal with a traumatic shock of in the recent past and their daily life full of variables, since violence is part of their own routine. Throughout eight intense episodes of its first season, this TV series seeks to reflect on the actions of the characters and mainly on the line that exists between justice and vigilante. This police thriller has a consistent narrative that looks broadly at the dilemmas of some characters when their personal lives collide with their professional lives. In addition to the protagonist and his conflicts, a major gains space who assumes tactical command after spending time training in SWAT and still has a relationship in the past with another person on the team, in addition to clashes with other members of the tactical team. Each episode features a new kidnapping case and an engaging subplot about the investigation into the suspicious death of the protagonist's wife. With that, the series becomes dynamic, even with an breathtaking rhythm spreading surprises mainly in the last scene of the series, which closes the season, leaving margins for a possible next journey.

The scenarios are unbelievable, the characters wouldn't last two minutes in any real intervention squad and the murder investigation was just stupid. One example, that Freitas never looked for supplementary footage outside of the police station was just ludicrous. Menck found it within seconds.

The hostage situations were unbelievable and overwrought. We know from the news that Sao Paulo is a hotbed of crime, but it's yobbish crime, not kidnappers or hostage takers.

Coincidences abounded. What a stroke of luck the "Negotiator" had a doggie with him on one assignment.

As for the murder, Jesus, I'd guessed the assassin in episode four. I had to plough through four more episodes to get it confirmed. And when it was made clear, we were subjected to a massive cliffhanger meaning another season of this tosh is on its way.

Yes, I watched it all but I'd recommend not starting.

The acting and production are very decent, and I'm happy to see it don't have some clichés that usually this kind of brazilian production have. The storyline is catching and the action scenes are great. But, in general, it lacks some polishing.

The dialogs sometimes feels forced, and the filming, composition and editing feels so flat and basic. For instance, they have great aerial shots from São Paulo; however, they don't integrate them in the story. It's like the shots are merely some transition effects between cenes. Also, there are some cases of lazy writing, with some storyline gaps that could be easily corrected (although they doesn't ruin the main story).

As a brazilian, I wouldn't strongly recommend it for foregins, since there are many better shows. But, overall, I'm optimistic to see a brazilian production evolving like that. Reminds me of the 2000's action movies.