Případy 1. oddělení

The first season of Major Case Squad was entertaining, intriguing, and occasionally disappointing, but the disappointments were minor, so they couldn't ruin my overall impression of this series. After fourteen episodes, I can responsibly declare that I was delighted, and I think this is precisely the path Czech creators should take. / Lesson learned: The first season confirmed these two rules: Every manager is an idiot (from a certain point of view) and Shit always falls down. (10.02.2023)

Right from the start, a puzzle was being solved, which seemed like a calculating move on the creators' part to attract a broad audience because people are perversely attracted by such things. We can all pretend to be empathetic and moral beings, but a violent murder or juicy tabloid article still attracts our attention. I bet that public executions would still draw large crowds today. But that's an aside. The opening episode was not bad. Unlike many thrillers, it introduced the real work of criminal investigators; there was atmosphere and tension, and most of the cast was superb, but... Occasionally, someone in the orchestra played a false note, which spoiled my overall impression and didn't allow me to give a higher rating. Especially Captain Anděl sometimes behaved like a naive rookie, which seemed very strange even to me as a layman. The captain's question perfectly sums it up: "Hey, do you have anything to do with this murder?" / Lesson learned: A good criminal investigator divides people involved in murders into two groups: dead victims and living suspects. (03.02.2023)

I found the second episode better. The detectives didn't consort with untrustworthy civilians so much, and the investigation seemed more credible. The creators even showed empathy towards rape victims, which is a sensitive issue because two worlds collide here: the world of a woman whose privacy and life were violated in the worst possible way and the world of a detective who hopefully understands her situation but is also pressed for time because the trail often cools quickly (If there is any. If not, the pressure is even greater). Quite a heavy subject. By the way, Captain Pražák's ringtone was hilarious :-) / Lesson learned: Yes, vanity can get you in trouble. So much trouble that you can drown in it. (03.02.2023)

A hard way for senior citizens to learn not to trust everyone who rings their doorbell. There was also some advice for men facing the dilemma of a wife who is an excellent cook but is too often in the mood, which was a nice comic relief after the depressing finale. The third episode was far from disappointing. In fact, the show seems to be improving with each new episode. Major Case Squad stands out among current Czech crime shows. It portrays normal police practice. No one is running on rooftops, not a single shot is fired, and not a single police car burns down. How refreshing. 4*+. (04.02.2023)

I'm giving this episode five stars because the series keeps getting better with each episode. This case has been the most enjoyable so far. The only thing that slightly ruined my overall impression was that I quickly found out who the culprit was and then had to wait a long time for the rest of the team to catch up. But I didn't mind the wait because I could observe the systematic work, where evidence takes precedence over intuition and hard work over deduction. True, romantic fans of great detectives may have missed the confident superiority of the detective over the rest of the fauna and flora. However, even though I don't condemn Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, I still find this more realistic. This series seems to be a worthy successor to Adventure of Criminalistics. The only weak point is the plotline involving the leaking of information, which didn't interest me, and I could have done without it, but never mind. / Lesson learned: If you use a firearm for self-defense, always use a silencer. If attacked between 10 PM and 6 AM, you won't disturb anyone's sleep. (04.02.2023)

What a bizarre episode. Despite the result of the detectives' work, the fifth episode was an excellent opportunity to follow the individual stages of the investigation and the (almost) endless meticulous work that goes into catching the perpetrator (or not). I enjoyed it again because Lieutenant Sršeň was diligent as always, Captain Pražák had no time to think before he leaped, and Major Korejs continued to work on his reputation. However, this episode was also deeply unsettling, as it made me realize that nowadays, you can't afford the services of a professional worker to apply medieval measures to desired body parts without risking a lifelong trauma associated with erectile dysfunction. This was such a peculiar episode that I couldn't go below five stars. (05.02.2023)

I'll admit that the series really hooked me, and I quickly became fond of it. Instead of wild action with all kinds of chases and shootouts (which would have turned out terribly anyway), the creators went for the mundane, everyday work of detectives, which, apart from fieldwork, includes tons of bureaucracy, and this approach works for me. The sixth episode fits perfectly in with the first season so far. It continued in the established course; the case was interesting enough for me, the progress of the investigation was entertaining and didn't disappoint, the atmosphere was great again, and the detectives diligently fulfilled their tasks (almost all of them). The only one who spoiled the overall impression was young Plíšková, who pushed too hard during the interrogation. However, she delivered a chilling performance in the final conversation with the psychologist. / Lesson learned: This episode proves that love is truly blind. (05.02.2023)

In the seventh episode, the creators focused on the character of Captain Martin "Battering Ram" Pražák, who is responsible for the element of action in the series, and this time was no different. As for the case itself, from the perspective of a sane person, violence against the weak is extremely disgusting. From the perpetrator's perspective, it is advantageous in every way; the victim cannot defend themselves against the attack or what may follow (robbery, rape), so I do not expect a decrease in such crimes in the future (especially considering today's ridiculous punishments). This episode greatly infuriated me, which indicates that the creators did something right. If moving pictures evoke emotions in me (as long as it's not anger at the incompetence of the screenwriter, director, or cast), I am usually satisfied. That was also the case this time despite the involvement of Major Plíšek, who functioned as a deus ex machina. / Lesson learned: Learn the right way to fall down the stairs; you never know when it will come in handy. 4*- (06.02.2023)

A drug addict with thirteen previous convictions shoots at police officers, cooks meth at home, makes explosives, and gets a fourteen-year sentence. Maybe I don't have the proper social sensitivity, but I can't help feeling that something is wrong with this system. I just don't think such scum would be rehabilitated in prison; they would only come out more experienced (in the bad sense of the word) and angrier after all those years, and you can imagine how that would turn out. But never mind, these are just the thoughts of someone who can't fully adapt to today's hypocrisy and pseudo-humanism. The eighth episode entertained me with an interesting case. I would like to highlight the plaster room scene. I'll admit that Mr. Mareš combined facts and fiction in a very captivating way. / Lesson learned: Hepatitis is a bitch. (06.02.2023)

The creators confirmed my belief that the physical tests for Prague detectives must be extremely demanding. Captain Petr Anděl and his duel with the garbage truck crew was proof of that. I loved how calm and collected Captain Martin Pražák was. (07.02.2023)

The ninth episode might make it seem like Mr. Mareš doesn't just hate the workers in the plaster shop but his colleagues from the Organized Crime Detection Unit, too. But that's not true. You need to realize that each episode is largely fiction, and this inter-unit rivalry is only there to make the plot more dynamic; otherwise, the guys definitely like each other:-) What a strange case. The homicide team was involved in an investigation in which there was no corpse. The one with the biggest balls was undoubtedly the director, brilliantly portrayed by Regina Rázlová, and once again, the spirit prevailed over matter. I don't know how things work at the Organized Crime Detection Unit, but here, the only thing missing was the launch of an unmanned aircraft and an agreement with the army about activating rapid response forces. Anyway, I enjoyed it. (08.02.2023)

The eleventh episode pushed my buttons to the extreme, and just when I seemed to be calming down, I read that shit about the severity of punishments and the appeal process, which made me furious again. Now, I'm not sure if it was thanks to the creators or the overly lenient Czech judicial system. It's probably both, but the five stars go to the creators. / Lesson learned: If you visit a professional pleasure provider, you might get something extra for your money. (08.02.2023)

Well, the case was intricate, no doubt about it. Among all those stabs and betrayed loves, the most tragic character was the unstabbed sailor, who was sorely tried by fate. Even I, a hardened soul, released an empathetic sigh, which says a lot. The twelfth episode did not live up to my expectations, but that doesn't mean I didn't find it interesting. On the contrary, I had a great time with Captain Anděl, who was always thoroughly prepared, and the nurse who couldn't quite insist on her "no." What got me was how easy it was to get the taxi driver phantom off the streets. / Lesson learned: When you make a decision, stick to it. (08.02.2023)

What a terrifying experience!!! From now on, I will steer clear of all girls who own dogs. Considering that it's a series about murder investigations, the pace of each episode has been relatively calm until now, but in the thirteenth episode, the creators truly shocked me. The case wasn't very original; however, what caught my attention was the sudden appearance of journalistic empathy, which obviously followed the motto: Blood is thicker than water. And then there was the charismatic and honorable Lieutenant Colonel Korejs, who brilliantly failed to lead the siege and subsequent occupation of the village Klíčany. It was right there that I realized why he enjoys working with the Unit for Combating Organized Crime. He is simply built for major operations and feels limited by ordinary investigations. Miroslav Hanuš portrays Korejs perfectly. I wouldn't be surprised if people spat in front of him on the street. / Lesson learned: In some cases, bravery can cost you a lot of money. (09.02.2023)

If I said I wasn't crazy about soccer, it wouldn't even come close to the extent of my indifference. It used to be different when real sportsmen, not actors, played soccer. Today's soccer matches resemble competitions for the best acting performance. And many of them genuinely deserve such recognition. Well, as for the so-called fans (I don't mean real fans), that's another story. I could act like I care if a jerk like that gets injured or even killed, but I would be lying. Emotions were set aside this time, and I could enjoy Lieutenant Vítězslav Sršeň's moral victory and Martin Hofmann's excellent acting performance. It may not have been a significant role, but his approach to characters resonates with me so well that it left the strongest impression on me from the whole episode. / Lesson learned: The referee is to blame for everything. (10.02.2023)