I recommend this show with one reservation...we haven't seen all the episodes to this point. We have no way of knowing how this will wrap up.
The second point I'll make is that if you don't know who Sam Spade is, and/or have never seen the Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart, this may not be the show for you.
It isn't the Noir style of that long ago film, but as a well written "next chapter" of Spade's life and attempted retirement, it's very, very good.
It starts slowly, but develops a rhythm (as opposed to speed) that paints a three dimensional portrait of the French town and its inhabitants.
Clive Owen delivers a performance that instead of aping Bogey's lands on the mark of Dashiel Hammett's original books. With his craggy face reminiscent of Bogart (or Robert Mitchum) he blends into the time period perfectly.
As the character studies become more detailed, and the plot comes together, the performances of all the supporting actors begin to really fire up. Unfortunately in the third episode there are inconsistencies with some of the minor characters.
Interesting side note: although they are two VERY different films, I was struck by the striking similarities to the plot of Denzel Washington's Equalizer 3. Strange.
The reviewers who are frustrated with the subtitles, it's a minor adjustment that is worth adapting to. But having said that, episode three is ridiculous, where almost half the episode is subtitled. And for those who say it's slow ("Like, it's so slow, I'd def skip this") again, read Hammett. But, as much as I don't enjoy admitting I'm wrong, that third episode isn't just slow, it's convoluted; and the ending is the worst sort of cheat.
I'm hoping the future episodes regain what was, a surprisingly excellent show.
