Engrenages
Having caught a glimpse at one episode a few weeks ago, I was instantly drawn to finding out more about French drama series Engrenages ("Spiral"). Partly because I enjoy finding obscure programmes on BBC Four - especially those that require English subtitles, but mainly because the direction immediately drew me in to the story. I found that short glimpse of the characters so intriging that rather than watch any more of it, I had to switch off and find out when the series would be shown again in full.
Luckily, all eight episodes are being shown this week in double-bills. After finishing work at 10.00 pm last night, there was plenty of time to get home, get some food and settle down to a real treat of a television programme.
In French (with subtitles), Engrenages is one of very very few French television programmes to be shown here in England, and you can see why. A gritty crime investigation unfolds following the discovery of a mutilated body in a skip: many scenes disturb. As we uncover more about the suspects and about the investigators, we become all too aware of the downward spiral into corruption (Engrenages literally means "cogs", but is used as a figurative expression for a spiral, such as one into violence). It may be set against the Paris skyline, and it oozes with class and beauty, but this only makes the most difficult scenes stronger.
Scores of issues are dealt with: murder, rape, prostitution, betrayal, drug abuse, loyalty, fraud, theft, pride, love... but it all fits together like clockwork. An excellent piece of work, I can't wait until my day off, and a marathon viewing session.
Luckily, all eight episodes are being shown this week in double-bills. After finishing work at 10.00 pm last night, there was plenty of time to get home, get some food and settle down to a real treat of a television programme.
In French (with subtitles), Engrenages is one of very very few French television programmes to be shown here in England, and you can see why. A gritty crime investigation unfolds following the discovery of a mutilated body in a skip: many scenes disturb. As we uncover more about the suspects and about the investigators, we become all too aware of the downward spiral into corruption (Engrenages literally means "cogs", but is used as a figurative expression for a spiral, such as one into violence). It may be set against the Paris skyline, and it oozes with class and beauty, but this only makes the most difficult scenes stronger.
Scores of issues are dealt with: murder, rape, prostitution, betrayal, drug abuse, loyalty, fraud, theft, pride, love... but it all fits together like clockwork. An excellent piece of work, I can't wait until my day off, and a marathon viewing session.
