Cordon

Cordon is a popular Belgian television series that aired on VTM from 2014 to 2016, and the show runs on the currents of suspense, drama, and action, creating a potent mixture of human emotions and survival instincts. The very premise of the series, a deadly and unknown virus outbreak, and an imposed quarantine of an entire city, is quite compelling and intriguing, managing to capture the attention of viewers right from the onset.

Created by Carl Joos, the series is based in the heart of Antwerp, a bustling city in Belgium, after a deadly virus begins to spread, ensuring that life as its residents know it will never be the same. The storyline primarily revolves around the imposition of the 'cordon sanitaire', or quarantine zone, in an attempt to contain this lethal virus. The response of the city, its inhabitants, and the nation becomes the core focus of the narrative, showcasing individual stories of struggle, loss, courage, and human resilience.

As one would anticipate, confining thousands of people in a restricted area has both physical and psychological implications, and the series delves deep into these aspects. The fear and uncertainty brought on by the virus, coupled with the sudden limitation of movement and resources, intensifies the panic and havoc within the quarantined zone. The lives of the trapped people are exhibited from various perspectives, such as grocers, teachers, criminals, officers, and families, allowing the show to tap into different layers of society.

The primary characters of Cordon encompass a broad range of individuals. Two of the main characters are a detective named Lex Faes and a teacher named Katja. Lex is forced to oversee operations outside the quarantine zone, which includes maintaining order and dispersing much-needed supplies to the scared and trapped civilians. At the same time, Katja finds herself stuck within the confines of the containment area, where a rapid demise could be right around the corner. Both characters' lives are disrupted drastically, and the way they navigate through their individual circumstances forms a significant part of the series' narrative.

The show also does an excellent job of illustrating the drama outside the quarantined city. It provides a glimpse into the administrative functioning and response mechanisms to the crisis, shedding light on how such major decisions are made, often filled with politics and power plays. It also deals with the emotional turmoil of individuals like Lex whose loved ones are trapped inside the quarantine zone. The series, thus, transcends the physical barrier of the quarantine and connects the human experiences inside and outside the cordon.

The series’ storytelling approach maintains a sense of suspense and intrigue about the true nature of the virus and how it has originated. The menace of the unseen enemy is consistently maintained through the screen time, making the viewer slide onto the edge of their seats. This uncertainty not only adds to the drama but also mirrors the real-world prediciness within the narrative, leading to a deeper connection with viewers.

Cordon ingeniously combines elements of human interest stories, dealing with the virus, and societal structures, creating a unique glimpse into the heart of a city grappling with an unprecedented pandemic. A gripping narrative that challenges its characters at every step, it is replete with both heroic and villainous behavior, forming a realistic portrayal of society in crisis.

The series also received acclaim for its casting choices and production values. The actors deliver commendable performances that truly make the viewers believe in the gravity of the situation while the attention to detail in terms of the show's set design and cinematography intensify the effect of the quarantine scenario onscreen.

On an ending note, Cordon feeds into the fear, urgency, and catastrophic reality of a viral outbreak and effectively uses that to build a dramatically intense and powerful television series. Despite the grim themes, the show is underscored by a unifying thread of human resilience and compassion, offering an engaging watch to its viewers. For anyone intrigued by the subject of pandemics, Cordon is an absolute must-watch.