Cracker (1993)
NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: This popular PBS series stars Robbie Coltrane as Fitz, a deeply flawed criminal psychologist addicted to gambling and drinking. As Fitz profiles and questions suspects in police investigations, he ventures into the minds of potential criminals who just might be saner than he is. Series 1 witnesses Fitz as he battles the demons in his own life while trying to solve a series of murders.
REVIEW: It’s probably something of a cliche to say that this is probably one of the best crime series ever, but after watching the first 5 episodes, I think I’m gonna have to say it: This is one of the best crime series ever. Robbie Coltrane (”Hagrid” from the Harry Potter films) is just fantastic, he doesn’t sentimentalize the character or try to endear him to the audience, he portrays the troubled “Fitz” straight and real, flaws and all. Coltrane puts a witty spin to many of his lines, and he’s been given some great dialog to play around with. Fitz does some pretty despicable things sometimes, but as Coltrane plays him, you just can’t help but like the guy, and to root for him.
Part family drama, part crime thriller, the scripts so far have been near movie quality, and the acting all around is superb, down to the smallest roles. By turns harrowing, moving, hilarious, it’s definitely worth a look if you’re a fan of the genre.
4 stars
Harold
