Category Archives: Netflix Streaming

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Basically Sad, Child custody, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-son relations, Mental Illness, Murder, Netflix Streaming, Nothing special, TV Series, War Veterans

The Guardian (2001)

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From Netflix:

Nick Fallin is a fallen corporate lawyer who’s working off a drug conviction with 1,500 hours of court-mandated community service, splitting his time between helping kids in trouble and patching up relations with his workaholic father.

Simon Baker for me will always be “The Mentalist” which started airing in 2008. Therefore it is striking to see how much younger he looks in this TV series which aired in 2001 when he was 32 years old. In this series playing Nick Fallin he does not emote much, to say the least.

Each episode has two themes. His position in his father’s law firm is an ongoing theme. Additionally in each episode he tackles the problems of some unfortunate child. More precisely, his community service job requires that in the usual case of several people (parents, grandparents, step-parents) fighting to get custody, he has to try and satisfy the child’s wishes. Every such episode has a sad side and most often NOT a happy ending. Usually some imperfect compromise has to be made at the expense of the child’s true happiness.

Nick’s father Burton Fallin is played by Dabney Coleman whom you may recognize as Commodore Louis Kaestner of the TV series “Boardwalk Empire”.

NetFlix offers this TV series via streaming: Season 1 has 22 episodes, Season 2 has 23 episodes and Season 3 has 22 episodes. Kathy and I find that the more episodes we watch, the more involved we get with Nick’s life. If nothing else this series offers non-violent, intelligent entertainment which at times can be compelling.

2010, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Child abuse, Complicated, Dark, Detective, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, FilmReview, Forensics, Grim, Gritty, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Physical child abuse, Psychological Thriller, Revenge, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, TV Series, Violent

Thorne: Sleepyhead (2010)

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From Netflix:

Investigating a series of attacks on young women, detective Tom Thorne is dragged back into the nightmares of his past as he races to find a killer.

SLEEPYHEAD

Lasting more than two hours, this British TV one-episode detective story is as good and as harsh as any of the many other British detective shows. This and the next self-contained Thorne episode “Scaredy Cat” may both be streamed from Netflix or be viewed on DVD. Both stories involve serial killers. You should see them in order because the second story refers back to the first story.

In story one “Sleepyhead” the serial perp does not want to kill the girls. Rather he wants to put them into that conscious but immovable state known as “locked in”. Yes, I did mention that the story is harsh. For most of the story I was sure I knew who the serial perp was but I was completely wrong.

SCAREDY CAT

Because of events in “Sleepy Head” we see Thorne come on scene a bit at odds with the rest of his department. In this serial killer episode there are two killers working together. Episode two is just as rough as episode one.

For those strong stomachs out there this is an acceptable pair of serial killer stories.

Abduction, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Child abduction and murder, Child Molestation, Grim, Manic depression, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Psychological Drama, Quiet, Serial Killer, Suicide, True Story

Appropriate Adult (2011)

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From Netflix:

This dark crime series focuses on the tension between an accused killer and the woman appointed to protect his interests during police questioning. The social worker assigned the job soon learns more than the police do about her ward’s violent past.

You can stream or get the single DVD for this 2-episode British TV series from Netflix.

Emily Watson (as Janet Leach) and Dominic West (as Fred West) team up to give an intimate portrayal of the psychological difficulties involved in being an “appropriate adult” for an accused serial killer. Based on a true story, the plot follows Janet’s involvement in the case and even after she is dropped from the investigation. An important part of the story is Janet’s happy family life with her children and her husband who suffers from serious manic depression. At one point her husband stops taking his lithium and goes on a wild shopping spree. But you come to see him as a loving and caring husband who supports Janet. Janet herself suffers a great deal from the experience.

You never see anything ugly, but the conversations are enough to suggest the horrible treatment of the many, many victims. During the final credits you see photographs of the actual persons associated with the events.

Not cringe-worthy, rather a chance to see some fine acting. And NOT FOR CHILDREN!

2010, 2013, Alcoholism, Arson, Based on a Book, Bloody scenes, Catholic culture, Child abduction and murder, Child Molestation, Complicated, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Detective, Flirting, Grim, Irish Detective Series, Mother-son relations, Murder, Netflix Streaming, Pedophilia, Police Story, Religious Theme, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suspense, TV Series, Unmarried mother, Use of Irish Brogue, Violent

Jack Taylor (2010)

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From Netflix:

As he faces his own struggles with the bottle, boozy but big-hearted ex-cop Jack Taylor earns a reputation for being a tough-as-nails private investigator who’s not afraid to take on ruthless vigilantes or track down merciless killers.

From Netflix I streamed:

Season 1
The Guards
The Pikemen
The Magdalen Martyrs

Season 2
The Dramatist
Priest
Shot Down

  • Season 3
  • Cross
  • Headstone
  • Purgatory

Kathy and I watched “The Guards” together and decided against watching any more episodes. However, on my own I tried one more episode and was hooked. Not all the episodes are equal in value. “The Guards” introduces us to Jack Taylor as a sloppy drunken former Guard (which means a member of the Irish Guarda, that is to say, the police force). Although episodes refer back to earlier episodes you could conceivably watch selected episodes.

All the episodes are violent, grim, and harsh. Ian Glen does a convincing job as Jack Taylor. You may remember Ian Glen as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones” or Sir Richard Carlisle from “Downton Abbey”.

Riveting but definitely not relaxing. Proceed at your own caution.

2013, 2014, Child abuse, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Forensics, Irish Detective Series, Kidnapping, Lesbian Theme, Netflix Streaming, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Violent

The Fall (2013)

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From Netflix for Season One (2013)

When the Belfast police are stalled in their investigation of a spate of murders, Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is drafted to investigate. Under her lead, the team uncovers an intricate web of lives entangled by the killings.

By now (November 2016) Netflix offers all three seasons of this well-done serial-killer TV series. Season one has 5 episodes. Season two has 6 episodes. Season three has 6 episodes.

Gillian Anderson (of the X-Files) plays Stella Gibson as a blonde, slim, beautiful, intelligent, introspective, understated (not quite a sphinx) Detective Superintendent. Jamie Dornan (Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey”) is superb as the serial killer Paul Spector, who is as crafty as he is disturbed. From the very beginning of season one we witness his crimes and his impressive deceptions. He is a dedicated family man whom no one suspects. In season two his crimes continue, but more importantly he feels challenged to engage in personality combat with Stella. In fact, season two emphasizes the psychology of these two characters, both of whom had difficult childhoods.

Of course any serial killer theme is violent, but this series is no more gory than other similar TV series. Good writing, careful plots, fine acting all combine to make this a worthwhile adventure.

From Netflix for Season Two (2014)

When the Belfast police hit nothing but dead ends in their investigation of a series of murders, London-based Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is sent to take over the case in this suspenseful and unsettling crime series. As she navigates her way through bureaucratic and personal entanglements, Gibson soon discovers that her serial killer prey is a far more complicated foe than she ever imagined — and he’s not about to give up easily.

Season Three (2015)

Season Three takes up exactly at the tense ending of Season Two which was obviously planned as a cliff hanger. Season Three starts off with a boring depiction of hospital emergency room procedure. But have patience, because Season Three is primarily a psychological delving into the personalities of Stella Gibson and Paul Spector and also Katie Benedetto (the teenager obsessed with Paul). There can be no possible continuation of this series beyond Season Three.

For its genre, this TV series is a DO NOT MISS.

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.

2011, 2013, Abduction, British, Child abduction and murder, Could Be Hard To Watch, Crude Talk, Dysfunctional Lives, Dystopia, Ethical struggles, Gritty, Netflix Streaming, Pessimistic, Prozac appropriate, Psychological Drama, Psychological Internet Damage, Sadism, Sci-Fi, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Thought provoking, Torture, Unusual, Valium appropriate, Violent, Vulgar

Black Mirror (2011)

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From Netflix:

This sci-fi anthology series in the vein of “The Twilight Zone” reflects on the darker side of technology and human nature.

UPDATE: January 2018. Netflix now offers Season Four with 6 more upsetting episodes. At the suggestion of a neighbor, I have introduced two new categories: “Prozac appropriate” is for depressing stories and “Valium appropriate” is for anxiety producing stories. For “Black Mirror” I would apply both categories. You are warned!

UPDATE: October 2016. Netflix now offers Season Three which is similar to and just as brilliant and disturbing as the first two seasons. Sometimes a known actor appears in an episode. For example in the first episode of Season Three the bother of the main character is played by James Norton of “Happy Valley” fame.

“Black Mirror” is probably the darkest and most disturbing TV series I have ever seen. Both season one (2011) and season two (2013) of this British series offer 3 episodes, all of which can be streamed from Netflix. If not just to be daring or sensational, supposedly the aim of the 6 episodes is to show the mind-numbing effects and other emotional dangers stemming from the internet and especially from our umbilical connection with our smartphones and other technologies. In any case the stories are clever and attention-grabbing.

Let me describe a few episodes in an effort to dissuade you from watching.

Episode 1 “The National Anthem” shows an effort to blackmail the British Prime Minister into saving the life of a kidnapped princess by appearing on TV while having sex with a pig. Of course you never see the sex act itself, but the idea is initially shocking and appalling (undoubtedly the intent). There is a point to the story which makes sense.

Episode 2 “Fifteen Million Merits” is an episode I could not finish because it seemed to show us as numb automatons.

Episode 5 “Black Bear” is just plain sadistic. Here we humans watch on our smartphones or capture film on our smartphones of the mental torture of a convicted killer. But you don’t know what it going on until the very end.

If you have a strong stomach and such entertainment appeals, then you will at least never be bored.

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.

2013, Bloody scenes, Child abuse, Crime thriller, Detective, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Forensics, Journalist, Lesbian Theme, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Medical Theme, Melodrama, MHz Choice, Mother-daughter relations, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Swedish, Swedish crime series, Teenagers, Thriller, TV Series, Unmarried mother, Violent

Dicte (2013)

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From Netflix:

A crime reporter starts a new life by returning to her hometown, where she finds herself at odds with the police when she tries to solve their cases.

UPDATE: From MHz Choice you can now stream 3 seasons of Dicte. The stories and writing continue to be captivating and suspense filled. Currently (January 2020) there is a new episode of season 3 released each Tuesday.

OLD REVIEW ————————————————————-

No doubt about it, streaming is taking over. Just today (Dec 9,2014) the papers echo complaints that Netflix streaming is threatening cable TV. No surprise there seeing how cable offerings continue to worsen.

From Netflix I streamed 10 wonderful episodes of the only season made of the Swedish thriller “Dicte”. If you loved the Swedish “Wallander” you will be ecstatic over “Dicte”. Dicte is the character name of the lead actress who is a newspaper crime reporter dedicated to uncovering the truth often by using methods not legally available to the police.

More than crime solving, the series is equally if not more concerned with the personal lives of Dicte and all the people surrounding her. In this respect you can call it a melodrama. Expect to see married couples break up, exchange partners, and so forth: today’s operative word is “blended”.

As with “Wallander” the sound track is in Swedish with English subtitles.

DO NOT MISS either “Wallander” or “Dicte”!