This is one of the most compelling television series I've encountered via Amazon/PBS Masterpiece Theater, or any platform. While it ran only from 2015 to 2018, it seems remarkably fresh, and keeps one on the edge of their seat.
The acting, directing, and screenplay, are all superb. It was remade for British TV although I've not seen the remake, only heard it is substandard. It's important to watch this with subtitles, to hear the voices of the characters, which matter so much. Particularly as the languages spoken shifts from Flemmish, to Dutch, to English, and a bit of German.
I honestly didn't think a crime drama could still be created that is so superior to the average lot. Moreover, very little in film and TV prompts one to actually THINK. This does, but in an entertaining way. Oftentimes gruesome murders are invariably neutered into a game of chess to be worked through by the deeply flawed, ableit brilliant Professor Jasper Teerlinck, played flawlessly by Koen De Bouw.
Ella Leyersm as Inspector Annelies Donckers (in seasons 1 and 2) is stunning in her humanity, brilliance, and beauty.
In the end, it is the humanity of the characters that makes it so compelling.
