Critic Reviews
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74
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
19(90%)
mixed
2(10%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 21 Critic Reviews
May 5, 2016
90
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.
Sep 7, 2012
88
The relentless bleakness would be my only quibble with the series; one doesn't often choose to feel as battered as the characters on screen. But you won't be able to turn it off.
Sep 4, 2012
83
The result is satisfyingly twist-filled and chilling in every sense.
80
The pacing is occasionally so slow and deliberate that it may test some viewers’ patience, but the series takes its time because the real mystery is Wallander and his uneasy inner life.
80
It is a joy to see a first-rate, high-quality production featuring a genuine star. And this star is bringing his best game to an intelligent script that deals with challenging, knotty, complicated issues and characters that mirror the real world in which we live.
80
It’s an atmospheric, pinned-to-your-seat winner.
Sep 6, 2012
80
In many ways, Branagh's Wallander slides seamlessly into a long line of screen detectives who think more loudly than they talk.
Sep 7, 2012
80
Vide Shakespeare and all the other roles, Mr. Branagh has never been better cast.
Sep 10, 2012
80
Wallander, as you might expect, has a very Scandinavian tone, full of gray landscapes and characters shot through murky panes of glass. But the acting is excellent, down to supporting-cast members.
May 6, 2016
80
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.
