So far this entertaining euro series has been just that, entertaining all the way.
Complete stories within a longer overall story.
As with so many of these "Scany noir(ish)" series the acting and photography are all excellent(although I think that the main lead needs to sharpen up her wall painting skills)!.
Well worth the watch it will make you a happy bunny, just like her pet!
16 Reviews
A strong Flemish series taking place in Ghent
BeneCumb24 February 2017
Although being a fan of Scandi Noir, from time to time, I am eager to widen my horizon and find out what is going on in other (European) countries vis-a-vis crime series. As I liked Belgian Salamander-series, I was referred to Code 37 - and became excited from the very beginning.
True, not all episodes are equally interesting and accomplished, sometimes I guessed the wrongdoer's's person and motives too soon, but the general atmosphere, combination of case-by-case and recurrent revenge and mystery and the beautiful panorama of Ghent make all the 3 seasons a whole, to be watched in sequence, not sporadically (at first, I thought that I would stick to Season 1 only, but I was interested to see the final solution which, however, could have been more sophisticated). And the topic of prostitution and related phenomena is depicted in a realistic manner, with far more minuses than pluses - if there is any glamour or wealth involved, then it is fake, concealing lots of serious issues.
But the most pleasant component of this series is the characters and cast, even when/if with some clichés and fathomable approaches. To me,Veerle Baetens and Hannah Maes and Gilles De Schryver as Kevin Desmet were the most interesting; the inclusion of several Wat als? actors in supporting roles was also a pleasant diversity - as their parts here were far from amusing or humorous.
Thus, a good series, making me willing to visit Ghent again - after several decades. Recommended, unless you are a strong supporter or frequent customer of prostitution...
True, not all episodes are equally interesting and accomplished, sometimes I guessed the wrongdoer's's person and motives too soon, but the general atmosphere, combination of case-by-case and recurrent revenge and mystery and the beautiful panorama of Ghent make all the 3 seasons a whole, to be watched in sequence, not sporadically (at first, I thought that I would stick to Season 1 only, but I was interested to see the final solution which, however, could have been more sophisticated). And the topic of prostitution and related phenomena is depicted in a realistic manner, with far more minuses than pluses - if there is any glamour or wealth involved, then it is fake, concealing lots of serious issues.
But the most pleasant component of this series is the characters and cast, even when/if with some clichés and fathomable approaches. To me,Veerle Baetens and Hannah Maes and Gilles De Schryver as Kevin Desmet were the most interesting; the inclusion of several Wat als? actors in supporting roles was also a pleasant diversity - as their parts here were far from amusing or humorous.
Thus, a good series, making me willing to visit Ghent again - after several decades. Recommended, unless you are a strong supporter or frequent customer of prostitution...
'Code 37: Sex Crimes' (in the UK). Constantly improving
BaronVonKolisch17 October 2020
If the expanded title has a ring of click-bait about it, then be assured that the show in no way relies on titillation to keep your attention. That's not to say there isn't the odd seedy interlude here and there, but all emphasis is placed on the continuous development of the characters, the humorous banter between colleagues and a well engineered, slow-reveal, long story.
Initially, I found the shorter, episodic cases to be a little patchy, but with the passage of seasons two and three, they have improved immensely.
Of course, one of the most endearing features must be Baetens' sulky, yet enigmatic acting. In Season 3, her character's ongoing backstory is elevated to new heights, making for some truly memorable moments. I found her quite mesmerizing in 'Tabula Rasa', and even more so here.
My rating of the show so far has been - 7.6/10, 7.8/10 and 8.2/10
Initially, I found the shorter, episodic cases to be a little patchy, but with the passage of seasons two and three, they have improved immensely.
Of course, one of the most endearing features must be Baetens' sulky, yet enigmatic acting. In Season 3, her character's ongoing backstory is elevated to new heights, making for some truly memorable moments. I found her quite mesmerizing in 'Tabula Rasa', and even more so here.
My rating of the show so far has been - 7.6/10, 7.8/10 and 8.2/10
Compelling
jansonline19 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is a gripping serial drama with a complex underlying long story arc. Hannah Maes heads a sex crimes unit with what could, at times, be called the three stooges. But, we come to learn how dedicated the team members are to solving these crimes. The introduction of the new lady boss in season 3, I think it is, is a great twist to the ensemble. And, who doesn't like a gal with a pet rabbit? Tough subjects, not slick, but well done with just enough humor to humanize the characters. The story lines are never easy to figure out and Americans may not like the subtitles, but I have no objection. Much better than American TV in my opinion. Highly recommend.
Excellent series: A diamond in the rough?
marcia-foest22 July 2013
I am really enjoying this series and have faithfully watched it weekly. Right now I am at episode 19. I have to say that it is always unexpected, with story lines that keep me thinking, and I like that! I enjoy the main characters and the excellent acting. So often you watch a show were within the first few minutes you know who the murderer is ... if you like that, then, simply said, you may not like this series. If you like a good story that has action, a tough female detective like in crime novels, her team that balances the ugly reality of their work with quirky humor and, yes, even some intrigue, then this may be a series you could really enjoy. Looking for something a bit different? Then I think you may be surprised, as I can only describe it as fresh and original. I definitely think of this series as a gem, and very glad I stumbled across it.
Code 37
gurumaggie4 November 2021
Awesome acting by all co-stars!
lindajean404419 August 2018
This is not a series for the delicate....as the conversations between the characters is very graphic and explicit (x-rated). The actress Baetens is absolutely one of the best female detective leads I have ever watched. Along with her team and their personality quirks, this series is fun watching just to watch them rather then for the actual storyline itself, as some episodes make it easy to guess who the bad guy is. But, what a diverse/comical/pathetic/endearing team of detectives they are! It's unfortunate the whole series is based on graphic sex-crimes as these characters would have appealed to a broader audience otherwise.
It's OK, but...
Thatwhichcounts23 July 2021
It's quite good, but let's itself down. The premise, the casting, the balance between professional and personal - are all good.
But the script can be corny, the protagonists are narrow-minded (more condoning of child rapists and incest than they are of single people or those who choose not to have much of a sex life), and the plots get unrealistic (who calmly keeps the abduction of their father secret???). Constant reliance on suspects saying things like "I didn't think it was relevant", is cringe-worthy.
But the script can be corny, the protagonists are narrow-minded (more condoning of child rapists and incest than they are of single people or those who choose not to have much of a sex life), and the plots get unrealistic (who calmly keeps the abduction of their father secret???). Constant reliance on suspects saying things like "I didn't think it was relevant", is cringe-worthy.
Totally disagree with the poor review(s)
ellelou13 April 2019
This is an excellent show and Veerle Baetens is excellent in the role (also watch ehr in The Team and Tabula Rasa - different roles, but she's also excellent) I have to wonder if the reviewer who commented on her poor acting has a personal vendetta against her - as they take several personal swipes at the actress herself in the review. The review said she constantly screams, but she rarely screams in the show and is quite calm a lot of the time (I sometimes think too calm!), so again, I wonder if the negative reviewer has even seen the show?
I find the cases interesting and the acting great, the rapport between the team eventually becomes enjoyable too..Bob is intolerable for most of season 1 though, namely the first half. Someone that sexist should not work in sex crimes in real life, but this is just fictional. Sometimes I think they let his behaviour slide too easily, especially for a sex crimes show (such as his degrading jokes and taking a naked photo of his boss and spreading it in poster form telling men to call for sex). But overall, it's a great show with interesting characters and decent storylines. Highly recommend.
Do not listen to the reviews, watch for yourself and decide! It's a very decent police procedural show.
I find the cases interesting and the acting great, the rapport between the team eventually becomes enjoyable too..Bob is intolerable for most of season 1 though, namely the first half. Someone that sexist should not work in sex crimes in real life, but this is just fictional. Sometimes I think they let his behaviour slide too easily, especially for a sex crimes show (such as his degrading jokes and taking a naked photo of his boss and spreading it in poster form telling men to call for sex). But overall, it's a great show with interesting characters and decent storylines. Highly recommend.
Do not listen to the reviews, watch for yourself and decide! It's a very decent police procedural show.
Well worth downloading
guywoodford-8713414 August 2019
If you like punchy police, crime drama, this is for you. The lead actors are all excellent and believable. The detail is good and their mannerisms, eating habits etc... pretty much what you might expect. That is, not pretty but accurate! Some stories are a little too similar to others, but overall a good watch!
Typical U.S. cop style show done in Sweden
romath-230-7226898 February 2021
The typical American cop show goes person by person, accusing each of having committed the crime in question, usually trying to trap them, until they find one that can't get out of it (rightly or wrongly). Is Sweden really the same? Mediocre at its best.
Absorbing, if a bit OTT at times
humboles23 July 2019
I watched this in 2019 in the 'Walter Presents' All4 strand. The actors (some recognisable from the excellent 'Professor T') do well with often difficult material; especially the vile suspects! Unsophisticated interview room techniques from the 1970's 'The Sweeney', and absent defence lawyers,mean the cases would fail in UK courts, but the character interplay is entertaining... and, after 'Tabula Rasa', I just love Veerle Baetens, a sexy yet credible boss figure in this drama. The highly negative review claims she screams, but she doesn't.
Excellent!
cpearce3745 September 2020
What a wonderful, down to earth, refreshing, no frills series.
As this is mainly about sex crimes, it can be quite graphic verbally and some scenes may be hard to watch. Definitely an adult programme with adult themes.
The characters are well fleshed out, and you watch the initial tensions within ease over the course of the series.
There is a story arc that spans the 3 seasons but it doesn't detract from the main work of the unit. I'm not going to spoil it all and think you should watch and make up your own minds.
I will say that I loved the way it ended. It makes a change to have a proper ending instead of leaving the viewers wondering.
My congratulations to Walter Presents on a brilliant series and keep it up please.
Ignore the bitter review by wuytskristof!
lkomnino28 August 2020
Watch a lot of 'foreign' language films and TV series. This is one of the best, shame they stoped at 3 series, maybe they avoided the 'US-Syndrome'; taking material for 6 episodes and drawing it out into 24, with an obigatory baby birthing episode!!
Great chemistry between actors/actresses, and lovely photographic artistry. Also has little bits of realism woven in, which are always omitted from overely polished programs.
Up there with Ken Stott in The Vice.
Highly recommended.
Great serie! Great actors!!
roy_vm3 May 2020
Top Cop Series
SilkyWilky14 September 2020
The other reviews say it all, I just had to say how I loved this!
The main characters develop wonderfully almost to the point of being a superhero team, one with fags, sexism, fluid sexuality, diets entirely of fast food, and who all spatter the series with very realistic emotional fallout.
The storylines vary on all levels, with the bigger story thread running through that will draw you to binge watch. But it is more the interplay of the characters, the realism and the humour that makes this series stand out.
It's got the feel of a very good version of The Sweeney and some other top cop dramas of the same era, very much updated and fresh but with remnants of the 70s.
The main characters develop wonderfully almost to the point of being a superhero team, one with fags, sexism, fluid sexuality, diets entirely of fast food, and who all spatter the series with very realistic emotional fallout.
The storylines vary on all levels, with the bigger story thread running through that will draw you to binge watch. But it is more the interplay of the characters, the realism and the humour that makes this series stand out.
It's got the feel of a very good version of The Sweeney and some other top cop dramas of the same era, very much updated and fresh but with remnants of the 70s.
See also
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