Frank Riva

Frank Riva is an intense and mind-gripping action thriller series that aired on MHz Worldview from 2003 to 2004. The series is a brilliant representation of French film noir and a timeless salute to earlier classic detective film genres. Located in the beautiful city of Paris with the iconic Eiffel tower and the tranquil Seine river providing a mesmerizing backdrop, the series draws you into the darker, suspense-filled world of organized crime, deception, and the hunt for justice.

At the heart of Frank Riva is its lead character, Frank Riva, portrayed with skillful authenticity by the charismatic Alain Delon, a legend of French cinema. Delon's compelling performance enhances the tension and ambiguity underlying the complex web of relationships that drive the series' plot, defining his character beyond the clichés of a retired cop.

Frank Riva, once an undercover cop in the 1970s, had built up a notorious reputation for standing up against the Mafia, which had made him many enemies and nearly cost him his life. After a near-death experience, he had disappeared, living in exile for 25 years in Italy with a new identity. The series begins with Frank Riva called back out of retirement to solve a divisive murder case in Paris, which also entailed dealing with his proverbially dark past. As he re-engages with his old life, Riva becomes embroiled once again in a dangerous underworld, full of perilous encounters and critically challenging situations.

The narrative skillfully deconstructs Riva's character as both the hunters—who often acts outside the law to serve justice, and the hunted—constantly under threat, living on the edge, paranoid about his safety and those he cares about. Riva's personal life is riddled with tragedy, highlighted by the punishing loss of his great love Nina (played by Sophie Von Kessel) and a complicated relationship with his estranged brother (Jacques Perrin).

The supporting cast, including Mélanie Maudran as Catherine Sinclair and Franck Capillery as Xavier Unger, aids and abets Riva's dangerous journey. Catherine, a novice detective, helps Frank navigate the contemporary French law enforcement systems, while Xavier, a seemingly hopeless romantic, aids him in the field. The strong characterization by the ensemble cast aids significantly to the depth and the edge-of-the-seat thrill the series offers its viewers.

Frank Riva is known for its brilliant weave of suspense, drama, and crime. The series is not just about crime-solving or highlighting police proceedings but more about the intricate play of moral choices, the haunting past, loyalty, and treachery. It brilliantly showcases how one man's war against crime can affect his relationships and place his life in a perilous balancing act.

The creator Philippe Setbon has done a commendable job intertwining complex narrative threads and keeping audiences rapt with numerous plot twists and turns. Combined with poignant and calculated dialogue, the intricacies of human relationships and the grim underbelly of society are well depicted through the course of the series. The cinematography further enhances the dramatic tension, employing a washed out and noir color palette, reflecting Riva's persistent journey in a morally grey zone.

The backdrops of Parisian landmarks and stunning location choices lend a pictorial quality to the series, creating a stark contrast against the grim, perilous life Riva leads. Adding to this, the series also successfully emphasizes 1970s nostalgia, striking a balance between the past and the present, both in terms of storyline and the production design.

With its first aired in October 2003, Frank Riva immediately earned critical praise and attracted a loyal following due to its unique blend of hard-boiled detective storytelling and emotional depth. It concluded in April 2004, after delivering two mesmerizing seasons.

To sum it up, Frank Riva is a taut, hard-boiled crime drama, marked by an intriguing storyline, enveloped in a climate of danger and suspense. The series, with its impeccable acting, particularly from Alain Delon, engaging plot, and stunning cinematography, is a must-watch for those who value a well-crafted thriller series.