jambalayaval55
Joined Jun 2008
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Reviews18
jambalayaval55's rating
(First of all, many thanks to PBS Passport for making this wonderful show available in the U. S.)
In many ways, this is a typical "cop show," with crime, investigation and the occasional dash of humor amid the (rare) gunplay and plodding detective work. With characters you actually care about and the beautiful French setting, it's an easy show to like.
I like the overarching character development and subplots, as well as the one-episode main storylines. I'm engaged by the ever-broadening cast of recurring supporting characters who bring new opportunities for storylines.
Moreover: how nice to see a show in any genre about women working together to support each other (and the common good) without cat fights. Having two smart female characters - who aren't dismissed based on looks or gender or in this case differing abilities - is a great change from the typical police procedural.
ONE NOTE: In the first episode of season 4, there was a distinct change in look and style of the show, with an almost 1960s homage to Quinn Martin productions and even to "The Thomas Crown Affair." Alas, it only lasted the one time. I was hoping it was a new direction for the show. (All shows, no matter how successful, need a facelift from time to time.) Not sure why they did it or why they only did it once. I'd like to see that format return for season 5 and beyond!
In many ways, this is a typical "cop show," with crime, investigation and the occasional dash of humor amid the (rare) gunplay and plodding detective work. With characters you actually care about and the beautiful French setting, it's an easy show to like.
I like the overarching character development and subplots, as well as the one-episode main storylines. I'm engaged by the ever-broadening cast of recurring supporting characters who bring new opportunities for storylines.
Moreover: how nice to see a show in any genre about women working together to support each other (and the common good) without cat fights. Having two smart female characters - who aren't dismissed based on looks or gender or in this case differing abilities - is a great change from the typical police procedural.
ONE NOTE: In the first episode of season 4, there was a distinct change in look and style of the show, with an almost 1960s homage to Quinn Martin productions and even to "The Thomas Crown Affair." Alas, it only lasted the one time. I was hoping it was a new direction for the show. (All shows, no matter how successful, need a facelift from time to time.) Not sure why they did it or why they only did it once. I'd like to see that format return for season 5 and beyond!
I can't count how many series I've started watching because the cast, writer(s), premise and/or setting are so compelling. . .only to be disappointed and to stop watching after ep. 1.
THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE SHOWS.
Dept. Q is a tense, dark, gritty police procedural. Matthew Goode - in a departure from his typical goody-goody, posh roles - plays a scruffy, grumpy, gruff detective whose personal life is as big a mess as his professional one. He's relegated to the basement of his Scottish precinct - in what used to be a bathroom - to clear cold cases. He's eventually aided by a Syrian immigrant who's from the IT department and a chatty officer suffering from PTSD. Their first case (which spans the entire season) allows viewers to see who they are and how they interact.
Usually, this kind of premise veers toward the comedic but that's not this series. (It DOES have lighter moments, however. It's not ALL drama.) And while I'm not a fan of nonlinear storytelling, it works in this instance.
The supporting cast members aren't just set decoration; they add to the plot effectively. You may not love all the characters, but you see why they're there.
I watched the first season in three days. I'm hooked; I hope there are more seasons.
THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE SHOWS.
Dept. Q is a tense, dark, gritty police procedural. Matthew Goode - in a departure from his typical goody-goody, posh roles - plays a scruffy, grumpy, gruff detective whose personal life is as big a mess as his professional one. He's relegated to the basement of his Scottish precinct - in what used to be a bathroom - to clear cold cases. He's eventually aided by a Syrian immigrant who's from the IT department and a chatty officer suffering from PTSD. Their first case (which spans the entire season) allows viewers to see who they are and how they interact.
Usually, this kind of premise veers toward the comedic but that's not this series. (It DOES have lighter moments, however. It's not ALL drama.) And while I'm not a fan of nonlinear storytelling, it works in this instance.
The supporting cast members aren't just set decoration; they add to the plot effectively. You may not love all the characters, but you see why they're there.
I watched the first season in three days. I'm hooked; I hope there are more seasons.