The Chemistry of Death

The best about this show is undoubtedly the cinematography. Many times, it just takes the breath away. And not just the landscapes, but rather how they use it to depict characters, the scene, the environment they are in, the mood, the atmosphere. That is outstanding, 10/10. The story is arresting, dark from the very start, and just goes on and on to build up the protagonist of the series, a forensic pathologist riddled with guilt about his past. I would say, that's the less convincing - however, vital - element of the character, the theme about it well overused (in my opinion). The score is good, original and well in sync with the cinematography. One of the best English series in recent years. You won't be disappointed if you watch it, for sure.

I really wanted to like this because I generally like mysteries, and I'm a fan of Amy Manson. But I don't like shows that focus on the brutalisation of women, and still managed to weather through three episodes, and wow... tedious. Unrealistic script, awful directing and cinematography, and it positively plods along half the time. Far too many closeups of the Doc's tortured face. He's in constant pain and it's simply overwrought, with his constantly invasive thoughts on his family. Nearly everything about the show is clichéd, including his narration of "the chemistry of death". I should've known because the title was not a good choice. Still, I'll give it one thing in addition to the actors doing their best: the scenery is stunning, particularly when we get to the islands.

If you're tiring of the Brit Forensic drama Silent Witness then Chemistry of Death should reignite some interest in the genre.

I haven't read the books the series is based upon, nor did I engage with the trailers or blurb - and sometimes no preparation is the best preparation for a whodunnit - and that's possibly the case here.

This is a stylish and moody show that also introduces a back story to give us some context to Treadaway's (Mr Mercedes) lead character. The opening case is suitably creepy to lay a good foundation, and, although I guessed the 'villains', it had done a pretty good job of creating multiple plausible subjects.

It does have the signature Brit vibe and claustrophobic locations and shooting technique which in this case adds to rather than diminishes the intrigue. A strong supporting cast who contribute well to the combination of pace and menace.

Having read the books, I was excited to see this had been dramatised.

I was however shocked to reach the equivalent end of the first book by the beginning of episode 3. Everything just felt very rushed, with lots of important events and scenes missed. There was barely any building of characters or their back stories, with some characters completely missing who were important to the story in the books.

I'm not sure whether reading the books made it less enjoyable being aware of these ommisions, but it certainly felt underwhelming and decidedly rushed throughout.

I understand literary and poetic licence, but whilst it wasn't a bad production and the casting and acting was good, this didn't hit the spot if you've enjoyed the books.

Pretty much end of the good news! Sorry.

Hope this guys books aren't this bad. I'm thinking someone grabbed a great story and made a HUGE mess of it.

So much promise with so little fulfilment. The plot has holes in it big enough to drive a truck through. Suggest you don't waste your time. There's so much tv out there it's not worth the effort to watch something this bad.

PS David Heyman is the only saving grace.

Ok first review from me. Now I've got to figure out why there is a character minimum on a review! I'm damn certain I've seen shorter ones than this. Still not enough, guess I'll keep typing unti...