Wallander

In the Inspector Morse mold only more depressed and decidedly less dynamic, Inspector Wallander (Kenneth Branagh) has made his slow and pensive way through some slow and depressive plot entanglements during the four seasons of this “Masterpiece Mystery!” series without losing a scintilla of his power to fascinate. This season, the fourth, is no exception.

That the series is still a more satisfying televised mystery than average has a lot to do with its consistently high production values and the original decision to film it in the locations where the books are set. ... The other reason, of course, is Mr. Branagh.

It’s an atmospheric, pinned-to-your-seat winner.

Branagh is very fine as Wallander. [10 Sep 2012, p.40]

The strength of the script and Branagh's finely drawn performance--not to mention the excellent scenes between Branagh and David Warner, who plays Wallander's dad--make up for missteps [by the director].

I recommend the series, though Sunday's opening film, "Sidetracked," does present a bit of a stumbling block.

Branagh is pretty good at being mopey and jowly, and the rest of the cast is fine as well. It's just that none of this really adds up to anything very compelling.