13 Commandments

13 Commandments, a captivating series from Walter Presents that aired in 2017 and 2018, has drawn audiences into its thrilling world that blurs the lines between retribution and insanity. The Flemish crime drama is set in Belgium and skilfully combines elements of mystery, suspense, social justice, and complex human psychology painting a gripping tale of morality and its modern implications.

In the heart of the series lies a compelling plot with a premise that sparks intrigue from the onset. The story follows Peter Devriendt, a seasoned but weathered police inspector who suffers from personal grief, and Vicky Degraeve, a rookie detective grappling with her own diversions. They find themselves immersed in a disturbing and unprecedented crime wave that stirs up the quiet Belgian town they protect.

The mystery begins with a man being set on fire in an apparent act of murder that baffles local law enforcement, and progressively strange incidents, each pegged to the Ten Commandments, continue to unfold. However, the unique twist lies in the distinctive character of the crimes - each act appears to be an intense form of vigilante justice that targets individuals who have flagrantly violated each of the biblical Commandments.

The commandments, however, are not limited to the traditional ten, instead, they stretch to thirteen, introducing three new precepts devised by the elusive perpetrator. These additional commandments reflect a profound sense of societal disillusionment, creating an enigmatic backdrop against which the tense narrative unravels. The series uses this to adeptly explore the bitterly contentious issue of vigilantism, punctuating each episode with probing questions about crime, punishment, and morality.

As the series progresses, the plot thickens dramatically, guided by the mysterious transgression of each successive commandment. The suspense is enhanced by the underlying fear and fascination induced by the vigilant yet ruthless “Moses,” the given moniker for the unknown criminal mastermind. The cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and Moses is profoundly intense, as the officers are challenged not only by the urgency to unmask the perpetrator but also by the divisions within the community and their precinct as the domino effect of Moses' actions unfold.

Moreover, 13 Commandments delves deep into the rich, complex, and multifaceted characters that traverse its narrative landscape. Each episode delves further into the personal demons and professional quandaries of Devriendt and Degraeve against the backdrop of the unfolding crimes. The series paints their characters with fine brushstrokes, contrasting Devriendt’s battle-hardened resilience with Degraeve’s fiery determination, thus setting up a dynamic interplay of starkly distinct personal styles and perspectives.

What sets 13 Commandments apart is the keen sensitivity with which it treats the themes of guilt, absolution, and justice. The series doesn't shy away from exploring the perhaps unpopular standpoint that– in some cases– mainstream legal channels may not provide satisfactory resolution for the most heinous crimes. It's this audacity that sets the series apart from traditional crime dramas and makes it a must-watch for viewers who thrive on controversial tangles of morality, legality, and punishment.

The series juggles multiple narrative strands— the commandments-related crimes, the personal journeys of Devriendt and Degraeve, the responses of the victims' families, and public opinion — and weaves it into one, solid storyline that keeps the audiences on the edge of their seats. Walter Presents manages to distil this intricate tale into a 13-episode series filled with plot twists and climactic revelations that keeps the suspense alive till the final moment.

On the technical front, the series boasts an atmospheric cinematography that lends an eerie, brooding intensity to the narrative. The artistic camerawork combined with the gripping narrative makes the streets of Belgium come alive with a haunting realism.

In conclusion, 13 Commandments is an intelligently devised and masterfully executed crime drama from Walter Presents. With its riveting plot- twists, soulful character arcs, and audacious exploration of controversial themes, it is undoubtedly a standout series in its genre, and an enthralling watch for those who appreciate psychological thrillers and crime dramas with a philosophical edge.