Altered Carbon - US Sci Fi drama
A bulked up Joel Kinnaman (The Killing, Safe House) stars in this hardboiled cyberpunk science fiction TV series from the novel by Richard K. Morgan. Set in a future in which interstellar travel is effected by transferring consciousnesses between bodies ("sleeves"), it follows the attempt of Takeshi Kovacs, a former U.N. elite soldier turned private investigator, to investigate a rich man's death for him. A fantastic ride, binge watched over two days. You'll learn about 'stacks' sleeves' meths' .... in fact I'm tempted to give it it's own blog. There are two more books in the series, so here's hoping we will see more of Takeshi in the future 5 stars
The Mantis (la Mante) - I seem to be watching more French than Scandy lately. It's a 6 part mystery series about a serial killer and her copycat, There were some very good plot twists and surprises - well worth a watch. 4 stars
Before We Die - Swedish thriller
Touted as Sweden’s answer to Sons Of Anarchy, it centres on Stockholm detective Hanna Svensson as she tries to uncover the truth behind the abduction of her colleague during his investigation of two motorcycle gangs at war in the city. I enjoyed the story line and characters even though I didn't think it resembled SOA. 3.5 stars
Vera - British crime drama
Season 8 with the likable plodding disheveled Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope did not disappoint - I think better than Season 6. 4 stars
Kiri - British crime drama
Starring the excellent Sarah Lancashire from Happy Valley as a social worker with an ailing flatulent dog. Funny in parts and depressing in others. A murder story with an interesting study of human interaction and behavior. 3.5 stars
Elven (The River) - Norwegian drama
a little girl disappears after finding a severed hand. An intense thriller set in the haunting landscape of Northern Norway and the border area with Russia, where the Cold War never ended. Bit of an interesting history lesson to boot. I felt cold the whole time watching it! 3.5 stars
Spiral Season 6 - French police procedural
More French police on TV breaking rules. A bit patchy and slow compared to other seasons but still totally watchable. Hanging out for Season 7 (i think the final) hoping to see some that walked in this season get their just desserts. 4 stars
brb