Comrade Detective

Comrade Detective, released by Amazon in 2017, is an unconventional and intriguing crime drama. The series puts a striking and inventive spin on the standard detective genre and adds an interesting facet by way of parodying Cold War-era propaganda. The developers expertly use a unique cinematic device, by pairing real footage in Romanian language with dubbed English audio performed by recognizable Hollywood actors.

Romanian detectives Gregor Anghel, performed by Florin Piersic Jr. and engrossingly voiced by Channing Tatum, and Iosif Baciu, portrayed by Corneliu Ulici and voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, are the protagonists of Comrade Detective. Driven by duty towards their country, their absolute faith in communism, and a burning desire for justice, they navigate through a world filled with mysteries and malevolent forces.

The overall setting is in the backdrop of 1980s Romania, which brings out a peculiar nostalgic aesthetic that is captivating and endearing. The quaint city landscapes, the fashion trends of the time, and the socio-political environment are beautifully captured and well-integrated into the narrative.

Comrade Detective is a masterclass in satire. The show is a configuration of mock-retro TV series, a throwback to an era of melodramatic buddy cop shows, yet, maintaining originality with its eccentric narrative. It enjoys poking fun at the many tropes - the brash and fearless detectives, corrupt cops, dangerous suspects, confusing mysteries and diabolic plots. However, where it truly shines is its elegant satire of the overbearing propaganda that dominated that era. It relentlessly mocks both sides of the Cold War, and the jests are sharp and biting.

The series is not shy of metaphors and symbolism - such as the ever-looming threats of capitalism represented by absurdly mundane items like blue jeans, or hamburgers. Watching stern, devoted detectives figuring out how these seemingly harmless items are part of massive capitalist conspiracies is both amusing and thought-provoking.

The animation and graphics are excellent, looking clean and modern, while also maintaining the charm of 80s visuals. While the series is filmed in Romanian, the dubbed English voice-overs are handled brilliantly by well-known Hollywood actors, and often results in hilarious contrasts that add to the overall humor of the show.

On one hand, the performances of the Romanian actors provide Comrade Detective's true heart, a staunch portrayal of detectives in pursuit of justice, inadvertently comical in their zealous hatred against anything representing capitalism. On the other hand, the English voice artists, led by Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, contribute to its relentless and sly humor, bringing a strange yet fascinating duality.

A unique feature of Comrade Detective is the interplay of languages - as the series is a Romanian show presented to an English-speaking audience, there is a clever use of subtitles and overdubs which are used to comic effect. The voice-over cast also includes notable names such as Jenny Slate, Chloe Sevigny, Nick Offerman, and Mahershala Ali, each doing a stellar job of complimenting the series' tongue-in-cheek tone.

Comrade Detective smartly utilizes its six-episode first season to craft an overarching narrative filled with bizarre plot twists, thrilling detective chases, and meaningful socio-political dialogue. This mock propaganda series keeps the audience engaged with its humor, intelligently crafted plot, and engaging performances.

On the whole, Comrade Detective is much more than a mere parody. It is a richly layered show, combining pulsating detective pursuits, interesting characters, astute social commentary, and sharp satire. All these ingredients make Comrade Detective a must-watch for fans of the detective genre seeking something offbeat as well as for those viewers who appreciate subtle and sharp humor. With its engaging storytelling and fresh perspective, it's no wonder that this Amazon original series has captivated its viewers, leaving them eagerly waiting for more.