September 12, 2023: The Crime Binge Commences!

From horror movies to crime shows.  I put out the call for recommendations recently, and you all answered.

I decided to start with the shorter runs, checking out the following five…

Deepwater Fell (2020) – 4 episodes

When a seemingly perfect and happy family is murdered by someone they knew and trusted, cracks appear on the surface of a supposedly idyllic community.

Thoughts: An intriguing set-up and interesting character dynamics, but not much of a mystery and sorely lacking in surprises.

3/5

Inside Man (2022) – 4 episodes

A prisoner on death row in the US and a woman trapped in a cellar under an English vicarage, cross paths in the most unexpected way.

Thoughts: The character motivations are simply ridiculous with our various players making decisions that simply serve to further the increasingly implausible plot rather than being grounded in reality. Over the top direction and the humor never quite lands.

2/5

Collateral (2018) – 4 episodes

Investigating the murder of a pizza delivery man, a London detective uncovers a tangled conspiracy involving drug dealers, smugglers and spies.

Thoughts: Sharp dialogue but some of the plotting is a little contrived. In the end, not particularly compelling.

River (2015)

John River is a brilliant police inspector whose genius lies side-by-side with the fragility of his mind. He is a man haunted by the murder victims whose cases he must lay to rest.

Thoughts: Smartly-written and surprisingly heartfelt. Skarsgard and Walker shine, but the casting is exceptional from top to bottom.

4/5

Mr. Inbetween (2021) 6 episodes (Season 1)

Ray Shoesmith is a father, ex-husband, boyfriend, brother and best friend, tough roles to juggle in the modern age. Especially when you’re also a criminal for hire.

Thoughts: Ray is a great character and the dark humor is delightful, but its reliance on plot coincidences and contrivances undermines the narrative.

3.5/5

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