Metod

I agree w/ most of what was said in the "hmmm . . ." review; however, I found the series compelling thruout..

I thought that the acting was excellent. The story provided a lot of info on how mental illness is viewed in Russia. Considering how it was politicized in the USSR, this was useful.

When I moved to Richmond, VA, someone told me that it was destroyed in the Civil War and never rebuilt. This wasn't true, but the remark came to mind as I saw the interiors and exteriors in this series. It felt like Russia was destroyed in WW II and never rebuilt.

Although I cannot imagine the cruel ways a serial murder dreams op and enacts his horrible deeds, the series portrays human beings doing the work they chose to do and completing it,no matter how hard the task. It reveals the need for acceptance and love and that one cannot live in isolation forever(Meglin), nor keep secrets from your daughter as Esenya's father tried to do! The love that slowly grows between the two main characters is admirable as it seems unlikely to happen given the circumstances. You find yourself hoping for a miracle for their sake. Loved the acting and the tone of the setting was as sad as the murders being investigated.

The growing feelings between the two main characters is so very realistic. The acting is superb. Respect, love, understanding and caring for one another brings the familiarity home. I would love to be friends with these characters.

I am almost finished with the season and have found it very entertaining. Some things I enjoy about it: 1. The quotes that open each episode. I have found myself writing them down because they are thought-provokers. 2. The glimpse into Russian life, though I have no way of knowing how realistic this is. I love seeing all the homes and apartments they go into--they seem ancient, falling apart and beautiful at the same time. 3. The utter lack of sentimentality, which is a major fault of so many American shows. The crimes are brutal, the scenes very bright and bloody and unrelenting in how vulnerable the humans are in them. 4. The way each episode ends with a scene that hints toward the next one, though the stories are not connected. I like that this show is episodic.

Things not so good: 1. The pencil and hairdo thing with Esenya--that got old fast. Too precious. Get a hairclip, chick. 2. The superiority of the two main characters. They are fun to watch, but it's embarrassing how everyone else is totally inept at their jobs.

I don't know how this season ends, but I'm already wishing there had been more of them.

A slow starter but stick with it. By episode 6 you will be hooked! I promise...no really! Fascinating glimpse into life in Russia. Well acted and compelling dark, dark drama