Category Archives: Murder Investigation

2014, Adultery, Bloody scenes, Complicated, Conspiracy, Crude Talk, Detective, Divorce, Drama, Drugs, Erotic Thriller, Explicit sex, Grisly, Marital Infidelity, Mostly About Sex, Murder, Murder Investigation, Nudity, Prostitutes, Psychological Thriller, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, Violent

The Loft (2014)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Five married co-owners of an upscale loft enjoy their investment as a discreet hideaway for their adulterous pursuits. But when a murdered woman is discovered in the apartment, each suspects the others of committing the grisly killing.

At least titillating, with the addition of a clever plot, a set of new actors present an involving who-done-it with at least one good plot twist.

As far as actors are concerned, I personally recognized only Rhona Mitra whom I first saw in the TV series “Boston Legal” in 2004 playing Tara Wilson.

None of the five friends are especially honorable (they have, after all, pledged themselves to an adulterous pact in their lofty hideout). Nor, possibly, is there honor among thieves. But when the film ended, I found myself wondering how many of the five men got their just desserts.

But I had a lot of fun watching.

2014, Abduction, Car Chase, Clever Plot, Complicated, Corruption, Crime thriller, Detective, Father-son relations, Forensics, French, French Detective Series, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller, TV Series, Violent

Witnesses (2014)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

A young female detective is put in charge of a case and must delve into her partner’s mysterious past in order to solve it.

Despite the similarity of one detective procedural to every other, some stand out from the crowd as at least a bit better. “Witnesses” is one such series. Accompanying the French dialog you may choose excellent English subtitles. Only one season was made and it consists of 6 episodes. Wikipedia offers very little information.

Many French towns were used for the filming but the story centers on Pas-de-Calais on the northern coast of France. If nothing else, the scenery is worth the viewing. Most interesting is the fact that the town is on two levels: Lower level is on the sea and butts up against the sheer rock cliffs that match the “white cliffs of dover.” Upper level is at the top of those cliffs. To get from lower to upper levels and back, there is a closed-in ski lift that ascends through the rock wall. This lift was built in 1901. Note also the new housing complex of very expensive and spacious homes which figure into the plot.

Personal relations among the characters, especially between Paul Maisonneuve and Sandra Winckler, are essential to the story. Basically the tale is their effort to catch an extremely clever serial killer who has escaped from prison.

Compared with an American detective procedural, this series is less violent. However, there are murders and gun fights.

Because I could stream this from NetFlix, I quickly became addicted.

2010, 2012, Acceptable Trash, Australian, Black humor, Born Again Christians, Comedy, Corruption, Crude Talk, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, Explicit sexual discussion, Farce, Father-son relations, Financial malfeasance, Flirting, Frenetic, Gambling, Lawyers, Lot's of Fun, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Murder Trial, Netflix Streaming, Outrageous Behavior, Police Corruption, Prostitutes, Revenge, Senior citizens, Sex Scenes, Somewhat ridiculous plot, Suspense, Teenagers, Transvestite theme, Violent, Vulgar, Witty dialog

Rake (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

While Cleaver Greene is a brilliant and driven attorney, he’s also an ex-druggie, a current gambling addict and loathed by many of his colleagues.

Four years after I first reviewed this nutty series it is now 2020 and there are 5 seasons of this outrageous and sometimes really funny series.  Just remember: it is really vulgar.

Each season has 8 episodes lasting about an hour. Probably the best service I an provide is to copy a description of each season.

Season 1 –

Richard Roxburgh is Cleaver Greene, a brilliant barrister battling self-destructive tendencies in this hit Australian comedy-drama. As a lawyer, Cleaver prefers to defend those who are utterly hopeless and probably guilty; his clients include murderers, bigamists, and even cannibals. Despite his roguish ways, Cleaver’s wit and charm have won him many cases and loyal friends over the years.

Season 2 –

An alcoholic and former cocaine addict, Cleaver runs up huge gambling debts and makes enemies of gangsters and politicians alike. Despite his roguish ways, Cleaver’s wit and charm have won him many cases and loyal friends over the years.

Season 3 –

As the third season of this acclaimed Aussie drama opens, Cleaver Greene’s life is once again heading south. Clients are rejecting him and he struggles to find anything resembling a case. He takes on a mid-range drink driving charge that he tries to make into a cause célèbre.

Season 4 –

Smart but self-destructive lawyer Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh, Moulin Rouge!, Van Helsing) faces new challenges in the fourth season of the hit Australian comedy-drama. Last seen dangling from a runaway hot air balloon, Cleaver inadvertently crosses paths with a wanted criminal.

Season 5 –

The final season of this “ever-sparkling comedic drama” (The Guardian) sees Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh, Moulin Rouge!) in the Australian Senate, having won on a pledge to do nothing. But even his low expectations fall short of the absurd reality, as he faces a political nemesis.

—————— FIRST REVIEW IN 2016 —————————–

How can two seasons (8 episodes per season) of a Australian comedy series with negative social value be so entertaining? Answer number one: it helps if the viewer is somewhat immature with a really jaded sense of humor. Answer number two: despite the completely salacious series of situations, the plot lines are complicatedly clever. Answer number three: it is just plain fun to watch Cleaver Green go from screw-up to screw-up, sleeping with just about every woman he comes across.

Will all Cleaver’s misadventures eventually catch up with him by episode 16? Stay tuned if you like exaggerated British satire.

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)

Leave a comment

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)

Leave a comment

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!

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)

Leave a comment

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)

Leave a comment

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.

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)

Leave a comment

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)

Leave a comment

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”!

2007, Abduction, Amusing banter, Conspiracy, Corruption, Detective, Forensics, Kidnapping, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Police Corruption, Police Story, Politicians, Prison, Revenge, TV Series, Violent, Zen

Life (2007)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Exonerated after 12 years in prison, a former LAPD cop has his life and job restored, but he brings a new Zen attitude to his work

Netflix offers this as streamable.

Thirty-two episodes of the TV series “Life” are a lot of episodes. However, Damien Lewis as Charlie Crews is quirky enough to keep the interest going. Adam Arkin as Ted Earley helps as well.

Each episode is a self-contained who-done-it, but running through the entire series is Charlie’s attempt at finding out who framed him and sent him to jail. Probably because I enjoyed Damien Lewis in “The Forsythe Saga” and “Homeland” I was also willing to plow through the series.

Start from the beginning and see how long you last.