Category Archives: Crime

2016, Acorn TV, Addiction, Arson, British Mystery Series, Complicated, Contract Killing, Corruption, Crime, Detective, Divorce, Drugs, Extramarital Affair, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Illegitimate Child, Mother-daughter relations, Murder Investigation, Police Corruption, Police Culture, Suspense

The Level (2016)

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From IMDB:

A police detective finds herself at the centre of the most dangerous case of her life when she is seconded on to the investigation into the murder of a drugs trafficker. What nobody around her knows is that she is the missing witness that the police and the killer are searching for.

From Acorn TV you can stream the six episodes of this one-season British detective series.

Acting is good. Plot gets a bit more complicated with each episode, enough so that you might have to work somewhat to remember each of the many characters. As the plot progressed Kathy and I had to keep changing our choice for the guilty party.  And just who is the bent cop?

We recognize some of the faces:

  • Rob James-Collier, who plays Kevin, was James the butler in “Downton Abbey”.
  • Joe Absolom, who plays Shay Nash,  was Al Large (the son) in “Doc Martin”.

COMPLAINT: Probably because the writers were hoping for another season of “The Level”, the sixth episode has an ending that for me was disappointing. Still there was some satisfaction in that at least something good happened.

Consider watching this not-too-violent, intelligent, well-written one-season detective series.

 

2007, Abduction, Acorn TV, Adultery, Alcoholism, Corruption, Crime, Cynical, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drug Dealers, Dysfunctional Lives, Extramarital Affair, Family Conflict, Father-son relations, Forensics, Irish Detective Series, Mildly Violent, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Pedophilia, Physical child abuse, Police Corruption, Prostitutes, Rape, Revenge, Self-Deception, Sex Scenes, Sexual Tension, Small Town Atmosphere, Suspense, Teenagers

Single-Handed (2007)

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From Acorn TV:

Transferred from Dublin to his hometown on Ireland’s windswept coast, Sergeant Jack Driscoll faces challenges he never expected.

Acorn TV offers Set 1 (with 3 episodes, each an hour and a half) and Set 2 (with 6 episodes, each about 50 minutes). IMDB, on the other hand, breaks down the exact same collection into 4 seasons.

For the most part, we humans seem to have a lot of traits in common the world over. But if you are influenced by this series, you will come away with a vivid impression that the Irish are a somewhat dishonest, clandestine group of people that maintain silence over nasty past events. In other words Jack Driscoll must fight an uphill battle to get to the truth in every case.

Jack Driscoll himself is no saint. Even he must be on guard not to adopt some of the rough tactics of his forebears. Somehow during the episodes he manages to sleep with a lot of women. Considering what pieces of work he has for parents, it is a wonder he turned out to be an honest cop.

For me a sneaky, plotting villain motivates me to keep watching and hoping that the evildoer eventually loses.

When my wife Kathy approves of something we watched, then you know we are on to something worthwhile.

DO NOT MISS!

1997, Acorn TV, Bloody scenes, British, Bullying, Coming-of-age, Crime, Detective, Fascists, Father-daughter relations, Father-son relations, Insurance Fraud, Marital Infidelity, Mother-daughter relations, Murder Investigation, Sexual Harassment, TV Series, Violent

The Broker’s Man (1997)

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From Acorn TV:

There’s never a dull moment in the world of insurance investigation at least not when Jimmy Griffin is involved. An affable ex-cop, his cunning and insight are well-suited to the business of exposing the criminals of insurance fraud.

Kevin Whately is Jimmy Griffen in this series from 1997-1998. You will recognize him when he was 36 years old as Detective Lewis the sidekick to Inspector Morse during 1987-2000.  Ten years later he is Jimmy Griffen in “The Broker’s Man”.  Later when he was 58 years old he had his own series as Inspector Lewis in 2011,2012, and 2015.

Whereas “Grantchester” is civilized, “The Broker’s Man” has a bit more graphic violence. People are beaten, sent to the hospital, and look pretty awful as a result.

Series 1 has 3 episodes. Series 2 has 6 episodes. Each episode runs under one hour. Continuing through all the episodes is a thread in which Jimmy Griffen is trying to get back with his kids and with his wife from whom, at the beginning of the series, he is separated.  In fact his family life is a big part of the series. For example, his daughter entering adulthood has social and school problems.

Nothing special, but watchable.

 

2014, Acorn TV, Action Film, Australian, Bullying, Crime, Detective, Ethical struggles, Gay theme, Plot Twist, Prison, Psychological Drama, Sex Scenes, Sexual Tension, Suspense, Violent

Cut Snake (2014)

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From Wikipedia:

Merv (Alex Russell) is an ex-convict who is trying to make a new life for himself in 1970s Melbourne. He has found honest work and even becomes engaged to Paula (Jessica De Gouw), but the prospect of his new life is challenged when his foreboding and charismatic former cellmate James (Sullivan Stapleton) arrives in town and pressures Merv into going back to his old ways.

According to the Wikipedia article, the title comes from the Australian idiom “mad as a cut snake” which describes either insanity or anger so extreme you don’t want to get near it.

Before seeing this film, I had more or less dismissed Sullivan Stapelton as a limited one-tune film actor who usually plays the role of a sexy tough guy.  In this regard, “Cut Snake” was an unexpected discovery. Because I refuse to give away the suprise part of the plot, I will only say that the film starts out with Stapleton seeming to be once again nothing but a mean tough guy determined to drag his former cellmate back into a life of crime. And that part of the plot was indeed tense enough to hold my attention. For some reason good versus evil just keeps me interested. But then all of a sudden there is another complication in the plot that I never expected. After seeing the film, think back to some of Stapleton’s behavior that initially did not make sense, for example his reactions in the night club.  From this point on Stapleton comes through with some very successful emotional acting. He is indeed a “cut snake”.

Lately so many Australian films really hit home. And don’t forget to subscribe to Acorn TV to see lots of British, Australian, and New Zealand films, although I streamed “Cut Snake” from Amazon Prime.

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, Adultery, Amusing banter, Art History, Bicycles, British Mystery Series, Clever Plot, Complicated, Crime, Detective, Dysfunctional Lives, Ethical struggles, Family Conflict, Forensics, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Oxford University, Religious Theme, Revenge, Suspense

Inspector Lewis (2008)

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As a follow-up to the many seasons of “Inspector Morse” (the Morse actor died), you can stream 7 seasons of “Inspector Lewis” from Amazon Prime. All the episodes are worthwhile, and usually complicated. Each episode lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Although the Robert Lewis actor (Kevin Whately) is adequate, the real joy is the James Hathaway character (Laurence Fox). James Hathaway is a former Anglican seminarian, Oxford graduate, literary savant, moody and conflicted character, and somewhat of a delightful know-it-all. As an essential third actor we have the charming Dr. Laura Hobson (played by Clare Holman), the forensic pathologist who eventually is a love interest for Inspector Lewis.

All episodes take place in Oxford whose academic and idiosyncratic atmosphere permeates the entire series.

Indeed the plots can be intricate, but sometimes by searching the Internet you can find plot explanations.

Not a miss in the bunch!

2014, Bloody scenes, Car Chase, Creepy, Crime, Crude Talk, Cynical, Dark, Detective, FilmReview, Journalist, Murder, Psychological Thriller, Sociopath, Suspense, TV news industry, Unscrupulous drive to power, Violent

Nightcrawler (2014)

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From Netflix:

Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of Los Angeles in search of scandal and crime. But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight.

Jake Gyllenhaal provides a creepy, masterful, unique performance that for all purposes is a solo piece. His character here is like none other that he has created. In the past he was quiet, moody, and reflective. Here his amoral and ambitious character Louis Bloom is a very intelligent, manipulative fast talker. And when I say “fast”, I challenge you to pay close enough attention in order to take in his rapid but amazingly well thought-out spiels. He took my breath away. At the same time he repulsed me because he will stop at nothing to provide sensational and gory news film footage for ever increasing fees. Throughout his ego drive to fame and fortune in the TV news industry he is willing to take advantage of whomever comes his way.

Expect an exciting multiple car chase near the end.

In summary, Jake Gyllenhall unerringly portrays a true sociopath as well as painting an frightening and cynical picture of the TV news industry.

You might be a little sickened.

2012, 2013, 2014, Abduction, Addiction, Alcoholism, American Indian culture, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Car Chase, Cowboy, Crime, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drugs, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Horse story, Love Story, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Race Relations, Revenge, Stalker, TV Series, Western

Longmire (2012)

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From Netflix:

Based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson, this contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who’s rebuilding his life and career following the death of his wife.

First review was for Seasons 1-4. See below for later seasons.

IMDB offers a better summary:

Walt Longmire is the charismatic, dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County. Widowed only a year, Longmire is a man in psychic repair that buries his pain behind a brave face and dry wit. Struggling since his wife’s death and at the urging of his daughter, Cady, Longmire knows that the time has come to turn his life around. With the help of Vic, a female deputy new to the department, he becomes reinvigorated about his job and committed to running for re-election. When Branch, an ambitious, young deputy decides to run against him for sheriff, Longmire feels betrayed but remains steadfast in his dedication to the community. Longmire often turns to close friend and confidant Henry Standing Bear for support as he sets out to rebuild both his personal and professional life, one step at a time.

“Longmire” is available on disc or streamed from Netflix. There are three seasons: Season 1 offers 10 episodes. Season 2 offers 13 episodes, and Season 3 offers 10 episodes. Seasons 3 and 4 can now be streamed from NetFlix.

Seasons 3 and 4 both end with serious cliff-hangers. Stay tuned for season 5.

Once you start down the “Longmire” path you will almost certainly be hooked. Running throughout the series are themes such as the murder of the wife of sheriff Walt (Robert Taylor), his relation with his daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman), his friendly rivalry with his deputy Branch (Bailey Chase), and the antagonism between the white men and the nearby Cheyenne reservation.

Plot lines, scripts, acting, and local color are all excellent. Of course there is violence and a small bit of gore (headless horse, anyone?), but after all this is a “modern” Western. Only Walt is the Luddite who refuses to own a cellphone.

You won’t be sorry, DO NOT MISS!

SEASON 6:

Season 6 has 10 episodes, each running between 60 and 70 minutes.

There are two parts to this season:

Part 2 involves several topics:  tracking down heroin dealers targeting the the Indian reservation which involves Jacob Nighthorse and  Malachi Strand;  Sheriff’s assistant Victoria ‘Vic’ Moretti must face up to her father; Walt’s daughter Cady runs into trouble with the tribe and finds a love interest;  Sheriff’s assistant The Ferg has challenges with a bank robber and romance;  Henry Standing Bear plays a major part.

2009, 2010, 2011, Amazon Prime, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Computer geeks, Conspiracy, Corruption, Could Be Hard To Watch, Creepy, Crime, Detective, Disturbing Image, Forensics, Grim, Made For TV, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Police Corruption, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suicide, Suspense, Violent

Whitechapel (2009)

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From Netflix:

Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

Amazon Prime offers all three seasons via streaming.

Yet another superb British detective TV series, and also as gory as are many other British shows.

Rupert Penry-Jones plays DI Joseph Chandler who suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), especially when he is under stress, which is most of the time in this riveting series. Chandler is from the upper classes and is supposedly being groomed for upper management in the police force.

Philip Davis plays DS Ray Miles, who comes from the working class and acts as a perfect foil to Chandler’s obsessiveness. Initially Miles opposes Chandler. However, as Chandler gains the admiration of the force, both men become friends. In fact, Miles becomes somewhat of an emotional mentor for Chandler.

Steve Pemberton plays Edward Buchan who is fanatically fascinated with the history of crime, especially the history of such serial killers as Jack the Ripper. Many of the multiple episode stories involved copy-cat killers in which case Buchan’s dedication is essential in solving the cases.

There are three seasons: Season one and season two have each 4 episodes. Season three has 6 episodes. Every story is at least two episodes. Season one is devoted entirely to a Jack the Ripper copy-cat.

Kathy and I restricted ourselves to watching only one episode per night. However the stories are so engaging that it is very tempting to become a serial binger (i.e. one who binges on one episode after another non-stop).

As I have said, REALLY GORY!, but if that’s your cup of British tea, you will not regret watching.

2014, Amusing banter, Conspiracy, Corruption, Crime, Flirting, Lawyers, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Netflix Streaming, Plot Twist, Police Corruption, Politicians, Sex Scenes, Soap Opera, TV Series, Witty dialog

Reckless (2014)

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From Netflix:

A gorgeous Northern legal eagle and a charming Southern lawyer clash in and out of the courtroom in this soapy drama set in Charleston, S.C.

Looking for a worthwhile soap opera? Try this 2014 TV series featuring beautiful Anna Wood as Yankee lawyer Jamie Sawyer versus handsome Cam Gigandet as Charleston native lawyer Roy Rader. These two smart people are always opposing lawyers (who help each other). Of course, as is often the case in soap operas, the question is: when will these two finally get together?

An entire year’s series is spent trying to answer that question. Meanwhile each episode features one trial plus a continuation of the efforts by Georgina Haig as fired policewoman Lee Anne Marcus who is suing the police department for defamation of character and unwarranted dismissal. In addition there is a continuing investigation into police gun smuggling.

First the good news: This is an easy to watch romantic soap opera. Now the bad news: For some reason that outraged fans, CBS cancelled the show after only one season. Here is a series that cries for more episodes, especially considering the final plot twist and the fact that Roy and Jamie _ _ _ get together. Here I leave it to you to fill in the _ _ _ blanks with “do” or “do not”.

No spoilers allowed! Have fun!

2005, Abduction, Addiction, Alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Clever Plot, Corruption, Crime, Dark, Depression, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Drug Dealers, Father-daughter relations, Forensics, Gay theme, Interest in dogs, Kidnapping, Lesbian Theme, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Police Corruption, Revenge, School Teacher, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Tragedy, Violent, Well developed plot

Swedish Wallander (2005-2012)

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From Netflix:

Detective Kurt Wallander is an intense, headstrong maverick who’s prone to eating poorly, sleeping irregularly and drinking too much. Wallander relies on instinct and experience and doesn’t shy away from using illegal means to solve crimes.

Kathy and I have just finished stream-bingeing on all the Swedish Wallander episodes of which there are many. Cable TV gets worse each day and we were grateful to have something well-written, well-acted, and gripping to watch in the evening. Thank you, Netflix. “Gripping” is an important keyword (picture Kathy leaving the room during violent encounters).

To be precise about numbers of episodes:

Season 1 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 2 comprises 13 episodes.
Season 3 comprises 6 episodes.

Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander is a dedicated (even better – obsessed) detective whose personal life is one of drinking, loneliness, and coldness to his family. In other words, he is a mess. To his credit, the Swedish actor Krister Henriksson portrays such a man to perfection. However, as in often the case in such types of TV series, as much time is spent exploring his relations with others as in solving murder cases. For example, “Dicta“, which I have strongly recommended is cast in the same mold.

Quite a bit of camera footage is devoted to leisurely scanning the Swedish landscape and waterways. Wallander and his beloved dog Jussi take many walks on the beach outside his house.

During the course of the three seasons, characters come and go, never to be seen again.

Season 3 ends tragically. But I will not say more because that would be a spoiler. If you want to know what I mean, then send me email.

Once again, if you enjoy intense detective procedurals DO NOT MISS either “Dicta” or “Wallander”.

Be aware that there is also the Kenneth Branagh “Wallander” English series from Masterpiece Mystery.