Code 37: Sex Crimes

Code 37: Sex Crimes is a gripping crime-drama series from Belgium, hosted by WALTER PRESENTS. A compelling blend of procedural storytelling and melodramatic tropes, the show aired from 2009 to 2012 embodying thought-provoking themes and breathtaking plotlines.

The fundamentals of Code 37 are centered around Hannah Maes, a no-nonsense, seasoned detective portrayed by Veerle Baetens. Hannah heads up a special unit of Ghent's vice squad specializing in sexual offenses. The series opens with Hannah taking up the daunting task of leading the team, resulting in an inherently softer approach toward victims, specifically in contrast to the often-chauvinistic perspectives of her all-male team.

However, despite the constant clash with the team's traditional viewpoint on sexual crimes, Hannah’s impeccable deduction skills and steadfast commitment to her job make her undeniably respected amongst her coworkers. She effectively disrupts the department's ingrained sexism with her compassion and empathetic approach towards victims while uncompromisingly hunting down the perpetrators.

In the backdrop of her professional life, Hannah harbors a deep, personal motivation that drives her relentless pursuit. Her mother was a victim of a brutal unsolved crime, and buried in Hannah is an unyielding determination to solve the mystery of her mother's unresolved case. However, she keeps this motivation hidden from her team, only subtly letting it drive her actions in every case she tackles.

Each episode of Code 37: Sex Crimes builds upon a distinct case of a sexual nature, extending from complex cases of rape and child abuse to those involving the exploration of Antwerp’s adult industries. Yet, throughout the series, Hannah’s burning obsession with her mother's case offers a continuous narrative arc that progressively unfolds as the series evolves.

Code 37: Sex Crimes is filled with tension, embracing the darker themes of crime procedurals. It seamlessly navigates through emotional investigative scenes to the action-packed pursuit of criminals. However, what sets Code 37 apart is that it does not just focus on the thrill of the catch; but rather, it profoundly dives into the complex psychological impacts of sexual crimes on the victims and how law enforcement deals with the emotional intricacies and trauma involved.

Veerle Baetens casts a striking figure as Hannah. Her character is shaped with complexity and depth - a woman whose strength and resolve command respect in a male-dominated department, while her unresolved personal battle lends a hint of vulnerability to her character. She’s tough but not unfazed, a leader but also a team player.

The supporting cast deserves equal praise for their performances, especially the trio comprising Hannah's team. There’s Charles Ruiters (Marc Lauwrys), the senior-most member whose gruff exterior conceals a soft-hearted nature, Kevin Desmet (Gilles De Schrijver), a skilled but introverted IT specialist, and Bob De Groof (Michael Pas), a seasoned field officer with military background, each lending a unique dynamic to the team in their own way.

Shot predominantly in Ghent, the series captures the essence of the city and its environs. The backdrop of the ancient city with its beautiful yet haunting medieval architecture adds an eerie charm that complements the show's grim themes.

Code 37: Sex Crimes offers an unflinching look into the impact of sexual violence through multi-layered storytelling. Although the explicit nature of the cases and the raw portrayal of their effects might be disturbing to some, it handles the subject matter with maturity and sensitivity. All this, combined with electrifying performances, contributes to the series' compelling nature.

Balancing the grim reality of sexual crime investigations with an overarching mystery personal to its tough-as-nails protagonist, Code 37: Sex Crimes exhibits powerful storytelling and great character development, making it an engrossing watch. For fans of police procedurals and detective dramas, it offers a fresh cultural perspective and a dramatically intense viewing experience. This is not just another crime series - it is a potent commentary on sexual crimes and their aftermaths.