Manayek

/Refers to Seasons 1 and 2/

In recent years, I have managed to watch 10+ Israeli crime/drama series and I have found them interesting (yet I have no Jewish roots and visited Eilat briefly once). Manayek in another solid brick in this wall - intense scenes, dynamic characters, realistic performances (and most performers here not "regulars" in Israeli series, I recognised Ishai Golan only).

True, the initial dual confontration of the main characters almost disappeared in Season 2, and what about so many policemen engaged in so severe crimes (Israel has relative high place in Transparency corruption list; well, dealings where politicians involved are plausible)... But still a solid production, looking forward to next season(s).

This is the first Israeli TV series I have watched, although I have familiarity with Israeli culture. If you liked the British TV series Line of Duty, then this is worth a look.

There are 2 seasons to date, with a credible storyline that carries through both. It's essentially about police Internal Affairs officers investigating high level corruption at various levels in the Israeli police force.

The acting is generally good, the script is mostly well written and the direction is generally competent, although not exemplary. There is plenty of attention on the main characters' personal stories as well as the complex web of police investigations.

It's rather rough around the edges with no pretentiousness and little refinement, compared with the more nuanced approach in Line of Duty. The stories are very loosely based on real events in the history of Israeli police, and it's quite revelatory how the main IAD characters cope with the myriad of hurdles and obstructions thrown their way with sad resignation and frustration, almost an acceptance of how things just are. For those who don't live there, it's also quite an interesting reflection of Israeli cultural approach to life in general.

Season 2 of this fantastic show did not disappoint! And they very clearly set up a Season 3 , so hopefully that will happen soon. Excellent character development and acting and a story that keeps twisting just when you think it's all done. The actress who plays Tal is just outstanding. This season in particular she really blew me away and had me in tears. Very real stuff. I just want the episodes to keep coming but look forward to the next season being just as good as they have set it up to be. My only complaint is that the subtitles could be alot better. I don't know much Hebrew but can still tell some of the phrases are translated poorly. But otherwise, an awesome awesome crime/cop show!!

This is probably the best israeli TV series ever, better than Fauda or Hatufim, on the level of The Wire. The actors are exceptional but what puts it apart is the quality of the writing and the fantastic plot that will depress you more each episode. The series is relentless and makes no concessions. The story is based on real events, mostly the "Brother Farinian" scandal of 2005 and the more recent Ruth David affair. A must watch. Can't wait for season 2.

This was another ForeignTV Series which I loved. I'm a Kiwi living in Australia but will never watch anything Australian as I much prefer the Storyline's, Acting etc from Countries/Actors such as France, Sweden, Norway, Danish, Icelandic, German, England, Israel, USA, New Zealand (yes I'm biased but the locations are out of this World) etc. I love the "Noir genre" of TV Series and Movies. There was one thing in this Series (also seen in another Foreign Series) which puzzled me which was, the need for a Dog. It really didn't serve any real purpose except the few times it was outside on the grass being walked and the couple of scenes when people came home from work but totally ignored it which I felt sad about. Having a Dog, let alone such a huge Dog was superlative to the Storyline as it could have simply been replaced with the Owner just outside walking alone.