Review of Cardinal

This show reminds me of such brilliant movies as Taking Lives or Insomnia. The snow-covered Canadian backdrop is inspired. I did not find any need to compare it with Nordic dramas. It has an originality all its own. This is brilliant edge-of-your seat detective drama. I am tempted to dock a point for the somewhat unnecessary side-drama concerning the lead detective's possible corruption, but it was such an interesting story that I restrained myself. It adds to the drama in that the detective is, in effect, racing not only the clock in the need to stop a killer, but also the forces aligned against him from within the force. I've only seen the first series as the other series are not available on dvd here as yet, but I'll have no hesitation scooping them up when they appear, particularly as the side-drama is now resolved. Brilliant, movie-quality, television that is highly satisfying.