Spiral (and other French police series)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Yes, maybe...maybe...
BUT
Spiral seems to be doing what, on other threads has been attributed to 'Broadchurch', namely sprouting SLs for every character and this proliferation is clogging and sclerotic.

I don't know what "SLs" are - but I think you're wrong!

I was thinking on Sunday how the writers of Broadchurch could do with the scriptwriters of Engenages coming round and slapping them really hard. David Tennant had plots that required less suspension of disbelief when he was Doctor Who!

[Dave2002]

I'm guessing that SL = Story Line? Otherwise SLS is a record code from a bygone era - such as http://www.parkgaterecords.co.uk/ind...&productId=179

[vinteuil]

... I think it's marvellous; we're enjoying it immensely. Even better than the scandiwegian stuff.

A similar world to that of Simenon's Maigret - the inspector with her loyal if occasionally erratic team; the difficult relationships with the Investigating Magistrates; the ever-present potential of political interference; the bleak world of the miserable low-lifes.

Why on earth is it called 'Spiral '? 'Engrenages' - (meshing, as of gears) conveys so much better the intricate relationships between the protagonists and the various forces of order involved, to say nothing of the meshing together of various interconnected plots.

The acting is sheer joy. I love Roban, the unillusioned moral centre ...

[Nick Armstrong]

Got a theory about the nosebleeds, vin rouge?

Is it like Niles from Frasier, whose nose would bleed every time he behaved unethically...?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I suspect that the nosebleeds forebode some nasty illness - Roban's behaviour has been pointed out as unusual (his row with Pierre, the resignation of his secretary); I think we're being prepared for a (literal) collapse cliffhanger at the very end of the series.


And I love the development of the relationship between Laure and the rather dim Tintin - she could could hardly bear to be in the same room with him at the start, then got a little less icy when he lost his temper with her (the very slightest hint of a smile in the right corner of her mouth ; then he did something else stupid and it was back to square three, and finally the relief when he let her know that he knew her "secret". The timing of both actors in this substory was impeccable!

Oh - and Laure and Josephine: just so true!

[DracoM]

Yes, yes, don't get me wrong, IMO Spiral is far better than the current Broadchurch.
But you have to agree that they have now developed a 'storyline' for each of the characters beyond mere sketching in, even to taking us inside Tintin's house! I always thought they loved, lived and ate in the office / police cars. And, boy, do those French cops EAT or what!!

Sad to see the back of Roban's secretary.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

well for now ...Audrey Fleurot is a revelation this season

[Ferretfancy]

Yes, yes, don't get me wrong, IMO Spiral is far better than the current Broadchurch.
But you have to agree that they have now developed a 'storyline' for each of the characters beyond mere sketching in, even to taking us inside Tintin's house! I always thought they loved, lived and ate in the office / police cars. And, boy, do those French cops EAT or what!!

Sad to see the back of Roban's secretary.

She'll be back I suspect, but as for French cops eating habits, none of them ever seem to get a decent meal. It's hot dogs and sandwiches all the way as far as I can see

It's marvellous.

[teamsaint]

how long are the episodes?

( see OP )

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

how long are the episodes?

( see OP )

55mins each, ts, shown in pairs each Saturday night - all still available on the i-Player (but you'll have to watch the first pair pretty soon).

[teamsaint]

55mins each, ts, shown in pairs each Saturday night - all still available on the i-Player (but you'll have to watch the first pair pretty soon).

thanks.

You have to admire the Jazzer's staying power......

[Serial_Apologist]

thanks.

You have to admire the Jazzer's staying power......

Chasin' the Trane offered a good apprenticeship in that regard.

[Stunsworth]

Loving it. So well written and acted - Ms Karlsson in particular.

The cops dont seem to beat the suspects like they used to.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

i cut my teeth on the wire, all five seasons in one week ....

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

i cut my teeth on the wire

I'd use dental floss in future.