River

I hesitated on this one because generally depictions of mentally ill people are pretty bad. While I cannot in anyway say I'm an authority or have lived experience with this kind of mental illness, I do know that, while also solving a fairly interesting and complex case, in which River's partner was murdered-it also manages to paint a humane portrait of a mental ill person. He is ostracized but highly functional and empathetic and kind, while also having to contend with his illness.

The production values are great. The acting is solid. Locations and cinematography and wardrobe are great. Best of all though, as is rarely the case, the script is great. The plot feels fresh, as do the beats. It has a lot of breathing room, as most British drama does. Some of which always feels like it could be truncated, tbh. But it undeniably strikes a chord; far more so than American conventions manage. It's subversive of the genre and of stereotyping the mentally ill.

It's just solid all around, really. That, plus, the audacity of subject matter and unconventional protagonist and emotional portrayal, make it almost perfect, for me. Highly recommend it.

This is by far the best thing that ever happened to Netflix. After watching a very disappointing Marvel series (you can guess the what) I wasn't holding much hope out for this. Oh brother, I was blown away!

Stellan Skarsgård is, as ever, brilliant! I am sure that he could carry any part to its limits and beyond, this simply confirms my confidence. Who would have thought Nicola Walker and Stellan Skarsgård would be so powerful a pairing but they are.

I could go on about how great the directing is and the story line, effects and everything else about the production, but frankly I'm only a viewer and lack the technical knowledge to define in a meaningful way just how 'impressed' I was.

Adeel Akhtar could be a lead and should be, but the complimentary support is outstanding.

In my opinion this is a must watch series.

you know if Netflix presents it, it must be good. wrong. its incredible. the most original detective story I've come across thus far. Stellan Skarsgård knocks it out of the park with his sad eyes alone. his facial expressions speaks volumes. No other actor could have made this character so humanely profound as he does. He struggles with so many issues. I went into this knowing very little and was blown away. I was hooked almost immediately after I found out the first twist within the first 15 min. I love the way his mental decline or status is examined and how its not over the top at all but very real and we accept he's not mad. this is a must watch and very intriguing and is heartbreakingly incredible. It's art disguised as a TV series. IT'S THAT PERFECT! i don't want to spoil anything just WATCH THIS SHOW IMMEDIATELY you'll thank me

I gave this a watch since I am a Stellin fan. To my surprise I found a jewel of a show. John River is a tormented soul who sees murdered individuals from his past. They sometimes guide him and other times they torment him. The show was cleverly crafted to keep watching for more as John unravels clues to his partners murder. Give it a watch....you will be pleasantly surprised.

Beautifully done -- writing, acting, direction, everything. Unlike some other reviewers, my wife and I found the stretching of our perceptions that River's hallucinations required of us only deepened our immersion in the emotional truth of the story. It made River's journey all the more moving.

Special praise must go to the superb ensemble of actors, especially Stellan Skarsgård and Nicola Walker. Such beautifully nuanced performances!

We sincerely hope there will be another case that will allow us to join River on another journey.