Mar 22 • 07:00 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Yle's new crime series impresses

A new series called 'Turkish Detective' explores the underworld of Istanbul with a light and glossy portrayal.

The Finnish TV magazine has reviewed a new crime series titled 'Turkish Detective,' which invites viewers into the underworld of Istanbul. The series presents a unique mix by incorporating light-hearted elements alongside its criminal theme, ensuring that it doesn't disrupt viewers' sleep. The main character, a young, earnest detective named Mehmet Suleyman, portrayed by Ethan Kai, returns to Turkey from London and finds that he has much to learn in the bustling environment of Istanbul.

Suleyman is mentored by his supervisor and partner, Commissioner Ikmen, played by Haluk Bilginer, a seasoned investigator in his sixties who takes on the responsibility of practicing English in the series, which is predominantly spoken throughout. While the narrative contains several implausible elements, these quirks contribute to the show's charm, embracing a cozy crime genre that opts for slow-paced conversations and amusing details rather than strictly following a complex plot structure. This approach allows viewers to engage with the story in a more relaxed manner.

Despite its Turkish roots, the atmosphere portrayed in Istanbul is vibrant, colorful, and both cozy and dangerous, drawing clear inspiration from British detective shows while staying distinct from classics like Miss Marple and Poirot. The series' setting plays a crucial role, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a city rich with culture, contrast, and intrigue, making 'Turkish Detective' a fresh addition to the crime TV genre.

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