Unit 42

Unit 42 is a fascinating and suspense-ridden series that delves into the world of cybercrime and the tireless efforts of the likable yet unconventional law enforcement team tasked with its containment and prevention. This dramatic police procedural series is regarded as a standout in the realm of European crime dramas. It was aired on Netflix between 2017 and 2019 and mainly offers a grittier and riveting counterpoint to the typical American crime series.

The series is set in Brussels, Belgium, and is primarily conducted in French. The director takes advantage of the unique natural and urban Belgian landscapes to set impressive visuals and to lend the series an authentic European feel. It inherently merges the pent-up anxieties of our modern digital age with the intriguing undertones of good old-fashioned detective work, giving the viewers an immersive and captivating experience throughout its run.

The story revolves around a group of police officers working in the Cyber Crime Unit, also known as Unit 42. It begins with the introduction of the central character, Sam Leroy, a recently widowed police officer grappling with his grief whilst trying to balance single parenthood. He is coupled with the ambitious and talented former hacker, Billie Vebber, whose out-of-the-box approach to cybersecurity becomes an invaluable asset to the team.

Despite Leroy's initial aversion to technology and his struggles to adapt to the digital age, he is nevertheless determined to solve the numerous intricate cybercrimes that come their way. Coupling this with Vebber's technological prowess and deep-rooted understanding of the cyber underworld, they form an unlikely yet rousing duo. As the series progresses, viewers are offered glimpses into the personal lives of these characters that collectively add an emotional depth to the narrative, making them extremely relatable and human.

What distinguishes Unit 42 from other police dramas is its engaging exploration of today's digital landscape. The series uses this backdrop not just as a plot device but rather as a lens to examine the larger societal and psychological impact of the digital age. The cybercrimes depicted range from online bullying, phishing scams to highly complex cyber-attacks. The series expertly weaves these contemporary tech issues with more traditional crime-solving methods, resulting in a thought-provoking blend of old and new.

Moreover, the series wonderfully showcases the dichotomy between the seemingly sanitized digital world and the grim realities of human nature. Each episode often begins with a seemingly simplistic computer intrusion and gradually escalates into a serious and sometimes violent offence, revealing the insidious threats lurking behind the world of ones and zeroes. In a way, Unit 42 serves as a metaphor for our technologically advanced society and the underlying vulnerability it presents.

The strong performances by the lead actors and the supporting cast lend credibility to the complex characters. They manage to create a world where the characters’ personal lives are as compelling as the cases they are solving, thus maintaining a fine balance between personal drama and thrilling mystery. The scriptwriters have done a virtuoso job of incorporating the technical aspects of cybersecurity without overwhelming the viewers with technical jargon, making the series accessible to general audiences.

The pacing of the series is rapid, with each episode building on the previous one. A sense of impending doom and the intricate weaving of subplots keeps the viewers on their toes, making for a thrilling watch. The cinematography, editing, and backdrop scores only heighten the tension and drama.

In essence, Unit 42 is a gripping and contemporary police procedural drama that doesn't shy away from illustrating the perils of our digital age. It skillfully intertwines technological threats with societal fears, wrapped in an engaging storyline and populated with captivating characters and performances. For fans of European crime dramas, Unit 42 is a must-watch, delivering a thrilling immersion into the sinister side of our online lives.