‘Balthazar’: French crime-thriller is wrapped with drama too, but Rafael’s zeal for crime-solving gets exasperating
Starring Tomer Sisley and Helene De Fourgerolles, the French series ‘Balthazar’ made its debut with Acron TV in the US today (November 25). The crime-thriller series comprises six one-hour-long episodes dealing with wicked crimes in Paris and the drama revolving the lead characters who skillfully unravel murder mysteries. Although the varied stories throughout the series tickle our brains, the protagonist’s passion for bringing justice to the victims and endless conversations with the dead gets exasperating.
The diligent forensic expert Rafael Balthazar and hardworking chief inspector Helen Bach work together to investigate crime cases in Paris they encounter in their day-to-day life. While the creators have done an admirable job in structuring extremely intricate crime incidents with convincing details, the lead characters are bound by glitches, which are hard to be overlooked.
The first half of the series only establishes the working relationship between Rafael and Bach, primarily focusing on the strengths they hold as the masterminds behind cracking cases that are nerve-wracking. We see ourselves marveling at their achievements until the show enters its second half.
The first three episodes were good enough to present Rafael’s quirks and Bach’s dedication. When the same is repeated throughout the series, we can’t help but wonder if the creators dedicated a better part of the show to the storyline, while sidelining the happenings in the main characters’ lives.
Comprising a handful cast, ‘Balthazar’ tries convincing you into believing that a couple of industrious professionals are good enough to resolve the most complicated cases which seem impossible to be solved otherwise, just by using their instincts. Here’s where ‘Balthazar’ falls short of the realistic factor we expect from crime-thriller.
It also comes across as absurd when Rafael approaches nearly everything in life with his customary humor, even in the face of death. And of course, the predictable conversations with the dead, which was interesting in the start, gets monotonous towards the end.
Throughout the series, we hold on the slightest of hope that Rafael and Bach seek comfort in each other when tragedy befalls in their respective lives. Although the last episode premised on this note, it failed to yield the result we expected. As ‘Balthazar’ concludes we are left with several questions about the main characters and the lack of clarity serves as a major setback.
Nevertheless, ‘Balthazar’ makes for an interesting watch if you’re only looking for some colonoscopy-level joy from the plot, which it delivers as promised. Rafael and Bach’s lab assistant Eddy and Fatim add an edge to the show with their liveliness and spirit.
‘Balthazar’ is currently available to watch on Acorn TV.