vkammerer-34719 Reviews

Joe Pickett (2021–2023)

9 out of 10

[9/10 · 8 March 2024]

The only reason I didn't give this a 10 is because I live in the rural mountains. The ignorance and good ol' boys portrayed in this series is so accurate and not far from the truth. I simply despise that element of mountain life. I'm still watching Season 1. Obviously, if there is a Season 2, Joe must get reinstated and some of the corruption is revealed and squashed. Joe's wife is sharp, speaks her mind, educated, and totally out of her element living in such a backwards community, but she makes it work by helping others and being a marriage partner not a nag. As for the wife's mother, there is no reason for her to be part of the story. Women like her don't add to this series.

Dietland (2018)

Good then ended up in the toilet.

[4/10 · 27 February 2024]

The first episodes were fun and interesting but the show ended up in the toilet when the women went rogue supporting Jennifer movement and the cult-like refuge. Obesity isn't a crime but the Jennifer movement was criminal behavior. I could barely get through to the end and am ashamed I didn't stop watching the series, but I hoped for a better end result. Obesity is a serious problem in the USA. However, it is self-inflicted like so many addictions and therefore a choice. Despite the message that people have to accept obesity which is ridiculous. The series showed two extremes but no middle ground...elite beautiful thin women and physically damaged women and all had mental health issues. Continuing the series was illogical. I'm rating the series four stars but truly it lapsed into zero stars as the Jennifer movement went underground. That is not sisterhood!

Expats (2023–2024)

Pathetic and Shameful Waste of Time & Talent

[1/10 · 23 February 2024]

There was nothing about this story that was redeemable. Nothing. Kidman's hostile rude attitude towards the authorities and her family was over the top. When people use the word "elitist" that summed up Kidman's character. She knew no boundaries whatsoever and alienated everyone she came in contact with. The other characters were just a dreary and desperate. Several of the women had overbearing mothers that truly didn't add to the story but added to the annoyance. The end when both expats have conversations with the Korean gal was ridiculous and served no purpose. Most of the reviews are rightfully negative. I watched each episode waiting for something substantial to happen not understanding how each episode was just more of the same and endless boredom.

Les rivières pourpres (2018– )

Unique Storylines and Plots

[10/10 · 3 February 2024]

"Improbable." "Unlikely." "No believable." Hey, people, it's a television series and a damn good one unlike the worn out plots of American television series that focuses on brainwashing the public to embrace politically correctness. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and the unique he crimes, the quirky characters, the scenery, and my inability to figure out just who the "bad guy" was until the end. So many twists and turns to each two part story. I'm not European so seeing the landscape, different cities, and landmarks fascinating. Yes, I enjoyed Niemans' character as an old school law enforcement officer and his young protege, Camille. Although, Camille's tendency to run amok was often annoying ... she failed to understand the term "teamwork" as she barged into danger making a fool of herself.

Koskinen (2021–2023)

Koskinen Didn't Disppoint - Finnish Crime Series

[9/10 · 6 January 2024]

No special effects. No charming handsome male actors or sexy female actors. No car chases. No romantic drama among co-workers. No nudity. Little to no sexual content. Therefore, most Americans would be bored watching an interesting Finnish crime series and the reviews prove my point. Season 1 on PBS kept me interested and entertained every episode watching the team solve crimes. The characters are believable and the acting is good. It is always interesting to watch foreign series and the way people live, their homes, their interests, clothing, traditions, and personalities. Koskinen didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to Season 2.

Professor T (2021– )

Didn't Watch Original

[8/10 · 5 January 2024]

I have no comparison with the "original" Professor T, so I totally enjoyed watching this series. I like kooky characters and Professor T and his mother are the definition of "kooky." Professor T's administrative assistant (secretary) is an absolute kick ... her dry wit kept my entertained. I studied criminal justice and would have enjoyed a man like Professor T as an instructor. When he razzes one of his students, I find it hilarious. I had low tolerance of the young detectives and their cynical attitudes. Slowly, Professor T wins the youngsters over with his knowledge and ability to see the whole picture. The young couple's relationship was b.o.r.i.n.g. Their pathetic on and off relationship didn't add anything to the series.

Suspects (2014–2016)

Boring - Hours of Procedural Policing

[2/10 · 5 January 2024]

Simply boring to watch hour after hour of police procedures and interviews. I'm retired law enforcement and know the dance. Officers and detectives don't behave like those in this series. The detectives are too aggressive and too eager with their in-your-face interviews. I've yet to witness seasoned detectives enter a home when questioning witnesses or potential suspects wander room to room without permission, a warrant, or not in "hot pursuit" of a suspect. It doesn't appear that the actors or characters in this series spent time in "real life" situations observing interview procedures. Being zealous and solving a crime is the goal not pissing off potential witnesses.

The Secrets She Keeps (2020– )

Season One. Suspenseful.

[8/10 · 18 September 2023]

I watched the series and truly had no idea how it would end. It is full of suspense and I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Aggie's mental illness was a result of rape and religious fanatics for parents. One part that bothered me was blaming a husband for infidelity when the woman committed the same thing with her husband's best friend. She laid a big guilt trip on the husband while shoving her infidelity under the rug. That was annoying. The acting was good. The plot? It could happen and it has.

I'm not sure about Season Two as I have started it and not sure I'm into more marital drama.

The Whale (2022)

Enlighting. Painful. Truth.

[10/10 · 14 September 2023]

I've read all the reviews and find it quite interesting that all the very low ratings and written reviews are sound so angry.. Angry at this movie for so many different reasons. Homophobic? Religion? Obesity? Abandonment? Addiction? Fat shaming? The reality is this gem brought to light that there are millions of people hiding at home that are too obese to leave...too scared...too embarrassed...too ashamed...people who are eating themselves into an early grave while enablers feed them. What the main character played by Brandon Frazer should do according to some is seek help. Reality is it's too late. The man has congestive heart failure that isn't reversible. Food is the man's weapon of choice to kill himself over mistakes he's made in life and loss. His daughter was angry, yes, and rightfully so. Did she carry it too far? Probably. But, the daughter was raised by a weak woman who didn't mother properly and was facing her own demons. The door to door Bible thumper had little purpose in the movie - he only took up space except to bring to light that if there a G*d why did he allow so much pain for every single character in the movie. With obesity at an all time high in the US, this movie isn't exaggerated or shameful...the only shameful part is shoving obesity under the rug as if it doesn't exist.

Rebecka Martinsson (2017– )

Season One - Excellent Season Two - Not so good

[7/10 · 23 July 2023]

I was excited to begin watching Season 2 when I saw the main character, Rebecka, is played by a different actress and I don't like the actress as well. I'm trying to get into the series and I'm disappointed. The actors now seem scripted to the point that I'm losing interest. Season One was full of intrigue and a little romance. I'm always pleased to see so many women supervisors in foreign series. The women are strong and gritty, not like American actresses who still play the "I'm sexy" card. One of the outstanding parts of this series is the scenery and culture that I wasn't familiar with. Season 2 animal abuse is a bit difficult for me to handle.

Jury Duty (2023– )

I wasn't going to like it! Wrong!

[10/10 · 21 July 2023]

As I was looking through streaming series, I saw Jury Duty. "Naw, I won't like that," and then thought I'd watch just one episode. 4:30 a.m., I finished the series and laughed all the way through the series. I had no idea that the jury wasn't all actors. I thought all the characters were actors making a show about a silly jury and liability case. The end surprised me! What a unique and brilliant reality show. I've never seen anything like it. It's a show I wouldn't recommend to my 85 year old neighbor or my uptight 44 y/o niece who watches "Frozen" with her four year old. Ha! I'm 77 y/o and was totally entertained.

Your Honor (II) (2020–2023)

Season One Not Bad, but Season Two!!!

[5/10 · 8 July 2023]

Season One was kind of interesting, but I have to agree with most reviewers that Adam was annoying. Sure, he had problems, but don't most kids? I don't like shows that stereotype people as being only one way. It tells me that the writers don't live outside the box. African Americans who live in the "hood" or 9th aren't all thugs looking to beat or knife someone who drives through the area. Drugs? It isn't exclusive to one ethnic group. Criminal activity among the well-to-do isn't only "mob" mentality ... take a look at the former president facing how many indictments! Season two wasn't interesting or entertaining. It truly served no purpose and easily could have been condensed into one episode in Season One.

Murder by the Lake (2014– )

Interesting History and Folklore. Beautiful Scenery.

[9/10 · 10 June 2023]

I live in the states and always enjoy watching foreign series that include history, culture, scenery, and traditions of the area. Makes me want to book a flight to the lake area. The two detectives relationship is confusing for many who haven't worked in law enforcement. It's good to have your partner a trusted friend, confidant, and not cross the line getting romantically involved. I truly hope that doesn't happen in Season 3. As far as family "drama" that a reviewer complained about, I think it's important to know more about each character. Life is difficult and it doesn't matter what line of work a person chooses. Oberlander gets snarky and for good reason as people try to control his decisions and time. I'm annoyed at the way many of law enforcement wives are portrayed. They aren't able to accept what the job entails time-wise. They knew going in, right? Zeiler is cool headed professionally but a mess socially. In Season 2, I can't stand her new manfriend, so I'm heading into Season 3 hoping she kicks him to the curb. The individual mysteries are fascinating as the plot thickens it's hard to figure out "who done it!"

In Tandem (2016–2024)

Candice Renior without Candice and Antoine

[5/10 · 11 May 2023]

I'm having a difficult time watching this because many of the characters played rolls in Candice Renior. They had strong rolls and to see them change up and become a different character doesn't interest me. The other characters are boring! More annoying is a divorced couple working together on the same team. In real life, that does not happen. The ex-wife annoys me with her attitude. She's trying too hard to be a strong female supervisor and it's not that difficult when you are the BOSS, female or male. So far, the mystery cases aren't interesting and seem rather run of the mill. I can solve the mystery half way into the episode. I'll watch a little more, but will like pass on this series.

Gloria (2021)

Compelling Mystery

[10/10 · 10 May 2023]

I'm often ashamed of other women (usually American women) when they criticize apparel rather than the nitty gritty story that leads a desperate women into compromising and dangerous situations trying to solve her husband's disappearance. Had I been Gloria, I would have given police, specifically her brother-in-law, the fake idea and the wig rather than trying to unravel why her husband needed it. The female detective was unprofessional and she should have been removed from the case by her superiors because of the conflict of interest. Gloria played right into the psycho woman's hands by withholding evidence. The pushy in-laws is another story that was pretty obvious. I'm not quite finished with the last two episodes. I enjoyed Keeping Faith and am liking Gloria as well.

The Bay (2019– )

Looking Forward To Series 5

[10/10 · 24 April 2023]

Despite the complaints about the characters' personal lives and the series being a "soap opera," I find the series excellent as I get to know each of the characters through their personal life because it does reflect on their professionalism. Any member of law enforcement knows this!

I like the change in lead female actors. Both were excellent characters in their own way. I am enjoying the introduction of more diversity and the real face of people who live in our communities. I do sympathize with those who are victims of racism, Islamophobia, sexism, and it's good to bring those issues forward in television series. I suspect it is men who have the biggest issues with "personal stuff" and diversity.

Van der Valk (2020–2023)

Adore Van der Valk

[9/10 · 3 April 2023]

Piet's personality and coolness defines him.

What a cast!

All the episodes kept my attention and were thrilling.

Unusual type of stories, but it works.

It's always so enjoyable to watch series filmed in other countries. It shows how modern the world is despite American "exceptionalism." I enjoyed watching how people ride bikes in town elevating heavy bumper to bumper traffic. Additionally, people look healthier.

All the officers working with Piet Van der Valk are stellar actors. I especially enjoyed Piet's relationship with his partner. It's good to see women playing strong roles that aren't dominated by men.

Safe House (2015–2017)

Series One Good Series Two Not So Good

[7/10 · 28 March 2023]

First series and episodes kept my interest and I wasn't expecting the ending or figured out the ex-officer's buddy was compromised and dirty. The scenery was beautiful and I sure could live in a place just like that. Now, the second series, I'm having a hard time getting into the story. Could have something to do with the abrupt change of characters and story line. I would have liked to see a continuation and culmination of the first series before going in a totally different direction with new cast and different characters. I'll try to watch Series 2 once again with an open mind, but I truly want to know what happened with the characters in Season One.

DI Ray (2022– )

A Sister in Law Enforcement

[9/10 · 26 March 2023]

Lovely to watch a South Asian woman shun the out-dated traditional behavior. I was totally annoyed how her white peers and supervisors viewed DI Ray and the minority community using all the usual brainwashed theories. Thus, it was obvious why DI Ray was frustrated with her co-workers and superiors lack of knowledge or understanding of South Asians and Arabs. I truly want to believe that law enforcement has learned through diversity training the falsehoods I witnessed in this series. As for DI Ray's fiance, he was overbearing, pushy, and quite typical of a white male police officer. Her parents were well educated but there was still the hint of old tradition thinking towards their daughter that needs to disappear entirely in today's world. What I witnessed was a serious detective with the type of skills it takes to solve crime who had very little support from her co-workers in the beginning and no support from her superior officers. This series was particularly frustrating since I entered law enforcement when there were few women and absolutely no women of color. Male co-workers were more problematic than criminals. Sad but true.

Baptiste (2019–2021)

Excellent Mystery

[10/10 · 24 March 2023]

The negative reviews are quite interesting. I often wonder when people write bad reviews how old they are, what country they live in, and their worldliness...also political leanings.

Enough of that. First episode, I questioned whether I would be interested in Baptiste. It seemed slow and Baptiste outdated as far as law enforcement procedures was concerned. I was wrong! Baptiste is brilliantly done and the topic of Season One is something we all should pay attention to. Seems the judicial system spends too much time persecuting wealthy heavy hitters that are notable who offended a few women #MeTo generation rather than underground traffickers. Agree the wealthy heavy hitters behavior isn't acceptable, but what about the millions of poor young women who are truly victims of sex trafficking worldwide? That's what Season One was all about. I'm appalled at the people who don't seem to "get it," but probably enjoyed reading about the Bill Cosbys and Weinsteins of the world .. or Epstein & his gang of merry wealthy men. Huge difference.

Wisting (2019– )

Brillant

[10/10 · 8 March 2023]

Wisting kept my interest from Episode #1 to the end of the 1st season. There are two more series that aren't available on streaming but available for purchase from Acorn. I'm fond of foreign films compared to the trash that comes out of the USA. The characters are more diverse, women aren't stereotyped, mysteries are challenging and not all the same politically correct venue. First part of Wising focused on an American serial killer in Norway being hunted with the help of two obnoxious American FBI agents was eye opening. The view of Americans in foreign countries is much different that how Americans perceive themselves. Few countries place Americans on a pedestal. Specifically, I like the Norwegian's attitude towards 'guns' in America compared to the gun laws in their country. The family dynamics in the Wisting household was troubling as the daughter is too self-serving, the son extremely angry because he hasn't been coddled enough, and Wisting himself struggles with the loss of his wife. Overall excellent and I've ordered Seasons 2 & 3.

Grace (2021– )

Excellent Mystery

[10/10 · 13 February 2023]

I enjoyed Series 1 and 2 and am looking forward to S3. I didn't find the pace slow or characters not believable. I like BBC type of television better than American for its diversity and inclusiveness of different nationalities. The US television is an epic failure in that area. Detective Grace is a decent cop and I enjoyed his relationship with his team. Each episode was an interesting mystery the team had to solve ... no two episodes were alike. Det. Grace's missing wife, Sandy, seems to pop up throughout both series so I'm hoping the true story about her disappearance is in Series 3. Where is she? Dead or alive?

Taken Down (2018)

Immigrant Abuse and Trafficking

[10/10 · 31 January 2023]

The bad reviews are troubling. This series has a lot of substance and is a good learning tool for those who are anti-immigration. People risk their lives to get to a safe country where they aren't wanted by the citizens of that country. It's shameful. This series shows how difficult life is for immigrants and how women, especially, are taken advantage of and exploited by people. It is also a good example of how law enforcement often fails immigrants. The female officers in this series are portrayed the way most women in law enforcement behave -- with compassion and empathy rather than being bullies. I find the bad reviews not so much about the series but the writer's own personal bias towards immigrants. The end left the story open to a second series or to the imagination. I felt it wrapped up nicely.

1883 (2021–2022)

Scenery is Fabulous

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

Despite all the people who aren't able to sit down and watch a western without picking apart actors' white teeth, whether or not people bathed, or Elsa's love affairs, I thoroughly enjoyed 1883. It's a television mini-series not a documentary. Faith Hill was okay but a bit too nagging for my taste, but I considered the era. However, Tim McGraw's role was well done. All the actors did a stellar job portraying their roles in this clever mini-series. As for Elsa's love affairs and independence -- it probably wouldn't happen in 1883, but I thought she was delightful. I'm in my 70s and Elsa lived for today and never looked back.

Tulsa King (2022– )

Nauseating - Stallone

[1/10 · 19 January 2023]

Nothing about this series has any intellectual value. Watching an aged actor playing a burned out mafia thug in of all places but Tulsa is nothing but boring. I'm told the review is too short. That's how I feel about this series. No substance. Annoying. No quality. Idiotic. It's not a crime show, but another old man with too many facelifts trying to recreate his career. I truly wonder the mindset of people who enjoy Tulsa King. An ex-con out of touch with reality but that's the majority of old men in this country. Out of touch with reality and wanting life to be the "way it use to be." Review is still too short just like Stallone who has to stand on a box to look tall.