100 reviews
Surprised by some of the negative commentary on here. No, it's not realistic in the slightest (why would a British and German cop partner up to solve Spanish crimes on Mallorca?!), but good fun and feel good TV.
Sometimes that's exactly what's needed!
Sometimes that's exactly what's needed!
- Paradroid78
- Dec 8, 2019
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What better way to sit down an a cold grey December afternoon? The blue skies and easy going plots represent forty five minutes of pure escapism. You'll be disappointed if you're expecting anything gritty or challenging, it isn't. It fits perfectly into the afternoon category, joining Father Brown and Shakespeare and Hathaway, and whilst it doesn't quite reach the standard of the crime fighting clergyman it's still a very good watch.
The two leads are very likeable, good fun, I thought they worked very well together. I'm glad to see a second series is planned for 2020, these afternoon dramas are easy to watch (on catch-up.)
Sour Grapes and Night of the Stag are the best of the episodes. My favourite new show of 2019, they improve with every episode.
The two leads are very likeable, good fun, I thought they worked very well together. I'm glad to see a second series is planned for 2020, these afternoon dramas are easy to watch (on catch-up.)
Sour Grapes and Night of the Stag are the best of the episodes. My favourite new show of 2019, they improve with every episode.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Dec 5, 2019
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The premise is a British and a German detectives are assigned to work under the National Police in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The locations are all over the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean, where everywhere you look it's a picture postcard. It's a light police procedural and the two leads Elyn Rhys and Julian Loomans have good chemistry. It's setting in Spain adds to the variety and quirkiness of some of the episodes. It originally aired in 2019 with 10 episodes and a second season appeared in 2021. Hope it stays around for more seasons.
- Avidviewer-02847
- Jun 18, 2021
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It takes a few episodes to find it feet, but it gets there by the end.
The two main characters have great chemistry, and you can watch them grow towards each other as the show progress, but don't let it happen too quickly..
Series 2 is already in the can, i think? Let's hope the plots are are bit more thought out, and the script could be sharper.. This show should be prime time, no idea why it's on in the afternoon? ..
Ps the scenery just makes me want to drop everything and go explore the island right now.
Series 2 is already in the can, i think? Let's hope the plots are are bit more thought out, and the script could be sharper.. This show should be prime time, no idea why it's on in the afternoon? ..
Ps the scenery just makes me want to drop everything and go explore the island right now.
- craig_larkins
- Dec 13, 2019
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As others have noticed, this series makes no sense. Why would a british cop be assigned to work with a german cop solving crimes in spain, when it is quite obvious that neither actually speaks more than tourist spanish? And in addition the political backdrop of brexit makes it even more incredible.
The first few episodes are also quite painful. The female lead is certainly suffering from sunburn and all the acting is a bit wooden. But it gets better. And once it gets into its stride it is good fun. No violence. Light comedy. Light romance. Reasonably well handled intrigues. it is easy viewing without being too cliched. Admittedly this is because the entire scenario is so far-fetched, but hey - I enjoyed it.
The first few episodes are also quite painful. The female lead is certainly suffering from sunburn and all the acting is a bit wooden. But it gets better. And once it gets into its stride it is good fun. No violence. Light comedy. Light romance. Reasonably well handled intrigues. it is easy viewing without being too cliched. Admittedly this is because the entire scenario is so far-fetched, but hey - I enjoyed it.
- imdb-18977
- Jul 13, 2020
- Permalink
This light hearted crime drama is set on the Spanish island of Mallorca and centred on detectives Miranda Blake and Max Winter. She is British and he is German; together they mostly investigate cases involving foreigners on the island under the direction of their Spanish boss Inés Villegas. The cases, which last one forty-five minute episode, are varied; unlike most such series they don't all involve murder.
I enjoyed this series far more than I expected. The fact that it was first broadcast in the afternoon led me to write it off as light, low-budget, low-quality froth... this was unfair; yes it is light and frothy but it is also a lot of fun and totally inoffensive. Blake and Winter are great lead characters; their relationship develops nicely as the series progresses without any obvious suggestions of romance. The two leads, Elen Rhys and Julian Looman as Blake and Winter respectively, do impressive jobs. Also notable is María Fernández Ache, who plays Inés. The Balearic location is lovely to see on a gloomy winter day in England; and a revelation to those who associated the place with drunken tourists rather than its obvious natural beauty and history! There is a good amount of unforced humour. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to somebody wanting a light, humorous drama set in an attractive location.
I enjoyed this series far more than I expected. The fact that it was first broadcast in the afternoon led me to write it off as light, low-budget, low-quality froth... this was unfair; yes it is light and frothy but it is also a lot of fun and totally inoffensive. Blake and Winter are great lead characters; their relationship develops nicely as the series progresses without any obvious suggestions of romance. The two leads, Elen Rhys and Julian Looman as Blake and Winter respectively, do impressive jobs. Also notable is María Fernández Ache, who plays Inés. The Balearic location is lovely to see on a gloomy winter day in England; and a revelation to those who associated the place with drunken tourists rather than its obvious natural beauty and history! There is a good amount of unforced humour. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to somebody wanting a light, humorous drama set in an attractive location.
I was less than impressed with the first episode. Of course it combines a number of story/plot cliches, so very much a "been there, done that" vibe. On the whole, that's not a problem for me as I enjoy a mix of heavier and lighter shows/movies. It just seemed like they were trying too hard to make it work at first.
Because some series that have ended up as favorites have had iffy starts, I decided to give it a chance. It will never be in my top 10, but as it found it's pace and rhythm, I began to enjoy it. The characters and story arcs are pretty predictable, but it's not trying to be anything other than what it is.
Certainly the scenery is great and it's a light, enjoyable show.
Because some series that have ended up as favorites have had iffy starts, I decided to give it a chance. It will never be in my top 10, but as it found it's pace and rhythm, I began to enjoy it. The characters and story arcs are pretty predictable, but it's not trying to be anything other than what it is.
Certainly the scenery is great and it's a light, enjoyable show.
Anyone who takes this series seriously, needs to get a life or a humor or both! Yes, it's full of cop show cliches including a crabby Mallorcan Chief of Police (why are they always crabby) and the crimes are more humorous than shocking, which all adds up to quirky, sometimes silly but always entertaining lighthearted fun. Enough serious, "noir" psychological thrillers that are usually so dark they are depressing or have so much gore, they're disgusting. Just sit back, relax and enjoy this one.
- ronaldalamascus-90506
- May 22, 2020
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If you have an aged relative who doesn't like evening TV dramas which are full of sex and violence and swearing and car chases and fight scenes then they will like this. It's got a vibe of other daytime shows such as "Shakespeare and Hathaway" and "Father Brown" with a nod to the 60s Avengers series. 7/10 for being fun but I've only seen episode one. If this descends into the usual BBC PC drivel then I may revise my opinion.
- stephenwild-28923
- Nov 26, 2019
- Permalink
Forensics non-existent or terrible. Crimes fit the locality almost like a tourist promotion (Mallorca is a Spanish island known for Brit & German tourists), but alas not very believable. Writers using non-realistic imaginations. The usual interdepartmental discord, and potential romantic liaison between formula attractive male (most series' males come with the tough look facial hair) & female. Foot chases are where most of the action scenes take place, but not believable given the dress shoes & attire; just looks unreal & rehearsed. I suppose running after suspects is less inexpensive than car chases, and shoot outs. Acting, overall, is very staged.
- westsideschl
- Apr 14, 2021
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This ain't going to win any BAFTAs but it's fun and relaxing. A bit like 'Death in Paradise'.
- josephinelofthouse-52125
- Feb 1, 2021
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Uptight beautiful woman, handsome laid back man, crabby boss and none of them want to work together. There have been dozens just like it. Mallorca is the real star and something different. The others are caricatures.
I really DO like lighthearted BBC crime series ( Shakespeare & Hathaway and Father Brown come to mind) and was eager to give this one a go. I can live with plot holes and obvious mistakes BUT only if you cover these in great casting and/or witty humour. Sadly this series fails in both. What remains is the nice scenery, but that sadly wont safe the toecurling end result... its rubbish.
Let's be frank: this is a very silly production. This oil-and-water partnership between a British cop and a German cop in Mallorca - neither character fully delivering to the expected behavioral cliches, in particular the German cop being loose with procedure and displaying a detached sense of humor- does not pretend for one millisecond to be realistic.
The script is silly, but the acting is OK, and the location is great, making for a watchable product.
If anything, this is a nostalgic series: one that reminds us that having the UK in the EU was good fun, allegedly sometimes in a eurotrash-twisted way (not that anything in S1E1 was untowards).
The series has the potential -if it can overcome its shaky cultural foundations- to be a nice companion to "death in paradise" which successfully plays on British-French tropes -this time in the Carribean.
And what should we next expect from a post-Brexit BBC crime caper: an Irish-Scottish twisted copper partnership on the Isle of Man? I'm sorry if you read here first, but this last one sounds like a truckload of fun...
The two leads do a damn fine job with the material they have been given.
However, that material is terrible.
The series bends to every euro-trope to the point of being racist. Cultural stereotypes are heavily reinforced, except for the two leads where the cultural stereotypes are reversed.
And why does the Spanish police chief hate foreigners?
Anyway, the photography is good, as are production values and the island itself becomes the third major character.
I like the idea of Anglo-German TV, I remember some of the previous collaborations from back from the 70s (anyone remember Star Maidens?) and they were very original and to me, very exciting, something different from usual British TV. Unfortunately this series missed the mark, too pedestrian and replicating a lot of other TV series that were a lot better.
Both leads are good, they carry the story well, just a shame the stories are not up to much, I'd like to see them do something more serious and a bit darker, they have skills that need using.
However, that material is terrible.
The series bends to every euro-trope to the point of being racist. Cultural stereotypes are heavily reinforced, except for the two leads where the cultural stereotypes are reversed.
And why does the Spanish police chief hate foreigners?
Anyway, the photography is good, as are production values and the island itself becomes the third major character.
I like the idea of Anglo-German TV, I remember some of the previous collaborations from back from the 70s (anyone remember Star Maidens?) and they were very original and to me, very exciting, something different from usual British TV. Unfortunately this series missed the mark, too pedestrian and replicating a lot of other TV series that were a lot better.
Both leads are good, they carry the story well, just a shame the stories are not up to much, I'd like to see them do something more serious and a bit darker, they have skills that need using.
Considering this features a woman in the central role , most of the series writers are male. Although I didn't know this I guessed it from the jokes and checked after episode 1. A bit more depth wouldn't have destroyed the comedy which is well written. Good concept and humour but it's a little old fashioned in its point of view. Plenty of room and space for it to grow.
- janecreates-1
- Jun 27, 2021
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Loving this series, a TV cop programme that's just fun and enjoyable to watch. It has the charm of great series like Moonlighting or Magnum, and thats all I want to destress. It is supposed to make you laugh, and feel happy. Why so many below that criticise the simplicity of this programme don't see that is a shame!
It's not out to shock and takes nothing to seriously!
Great to help you forget the grave stoicism in this world at the moment!
- simontenor
- Jan 13, 2020
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I watched the first episode and thought the show looked promising. Upon watching episodes 2 and 3 I became bored with it. I found that each episode had the same formula. Always a chase of some sort within the first 15 minutes of the show. Chases on foot, on golf cart, with a car etc. I don't really see the chemistry between the the 2 main actors that other reviewers have stated. Comparisons have been made between the Mallorca Files and Moonlighting. The male lead here, Julian Looman is woefully lacking in the charisma department. His acting is very wooden. He mumbles his lines. He doesn't have the swagger this role requires. The actress that plays the Chief of Police of Mallorca is quite laughably bad. Some reviewers have said it gets better after the first few episodes. So I'm not giving up completely on it.
- biffgrimes-19023
- May 30, 2021
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With all the heavy shows I'm addicted to, I find the Mallorca Files just the right amount of adventure, fun, & drama...not too much, but just right!
- copperleaftreasures
- Dec 5, 2019
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- billcarr31
- May 24, 2021
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- daftrancenergy
- Aug 6, 2024
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Let's hope the strong first episode is maintained. We need fun in the sun at the moment in the UK and this looks promising
- Gabbiadini
- Nov 25, 2019
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I find myself struggling with this show. Some of the episodes are engaging and enjoyable, and other episodes feel a bit disjointed and messy. Some of the episodes feature some of the island landmarks, and you definitely get to see some beautiful scenery. I'm not quite sure if this is meant to be a comedy or a police. Procedural, or both. The show must be popular enough to be renewed for a third season in 2024.
I stayed with the show in hopes of seeing the two lead actors develop a bit more of a relationship, but I find that they just don't seem to have any chemistry. Miranda's character seems to be overly stiff, where Max's character is overly immature. I think it would be better if both of them dialed it back a bit.
The character of Inez is unbelievably annoying. Her behavior towards Miranda was a bit understandable when she was initially working with them, but now she's been with them for quite a long time and Inez is pretty disrespectful towards her, and Max as well.
I'm about halfway through the third season. This is one of those shows that I probably would not recommend to somebody. I guess the word that I would use to describe it is "flat."
I stayed with the show in hopes of seeing the two lead actors develop a bit more of a relationship, but I find that they just don't seem to have any chemistry. Miranda's character seems to be overly stiff, where Max's character is overly immature. I think it would be better if both of them dialed it back a bit.
The character of Inez is unbelievably annoying. Her behavior towards Miranda was a bit understandable when she was initially working with them, but now she's been with them for quite a long time and Inez is pretty disrespectful towards her, and Max as well.
I'm about halfway through the third season. This is one of those shows that I probably would not recommend to somebody. I guess the word that I would use to describe it is "flat."
- leonard-b-smith
- Aug 8, 2024
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On season 3 you don't have to wait each week for a new episode. That's a plus and makes the show more synergetic. I don't guess the mysteries or the whodunit and the undercurrent of affection through misunderstanding of compliments is fun. Good writing and execution. The scenery is spectacular. I would love to see a little more leisure time with both characters either alone or between them. I hope the Miranda character softens up a little more the longer she stays on the island. I would love to see someone with whom she is romantically interested so she doesn't look so androgynous. I hope to see some drama between the Max character and his fiance. I'm not feeling the connection between them right now. It's not quite believeable.
What a marvellous way to spend a wet, late-Autumn afternoon! The BBC have done it again with this feel-good light cop drama. Loads of gorgeous , rugged sun-kissed Mallorca scenery to drink in. And, a chalk and cheese pairing of Brit and German police officers who, for some reason are exiled from their native habitats. Unbelievable or what! Well written with strong strong stories and plenty of action. Uptight Brit Miranda Blake is constantly irritated by unorthodox, easy-going German partner Max Winter. She goes by the book, whereas he doesn't. First episode had a big story involving criminal gangs and a number of killings with lots of guns in evidence. It ended unresolved so you get the feeling it will be picked up again later in the series. There's a hook! Only complaint I have is that these afternoon series are worthy of a more primetime slot. And, showing them every weekday does use up the episodes very quickly. Get the writers back to work quickly!
Edit: Just watched episode 3 and am beginning to wonder why most of the supporting characters seem to be Irish?
- TondaCoolwal
- Nov 26, 2019
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