A Unique Tapestry of Characters - A German Review of Season Two

A German critic reviews the second season of Durham County, here are a few excerpts - translated by Randy:

The Canadian drama series "Durham County" already returns to German screens with its second season - though again only on Pay-TV on RTL Crime - but nonetheless. Season 1, with its short length of only six episodes, knew how to convince viewers and critics alike. The reward for the effort were various nominations and awards in their home country at the Gemini Awards. However, when looking back at the series, these awards aren't necessarily self-evident. "Durham County" is namely provokingly oppressive and nightmarish. It casts a consistently dark and disturbing look at the supposedly idyllic suburbia. By doing so, it uncovers well-kept secrets. It even destroys friendships. Thus a piece of work, beloved by critics, is left to be overlooked by viewers and award-presenters thanks to an unusual way of storytelling.

The newly-stared Season 2 definitely matches its predecessor. In part, it penetrates even deeper into the world of the series' characters [...]

In addition to the continuation of the storyline started in Season 1, the current season acquires more explosive power with the introduction of a new and equally hurt soul - Dr. Pen Verrity, played by the extremely convincing Michelle Forbes [...]

The plot thickens throughout the story. No one is safe and no one seems to be who they claim to be. Lies, deceit, cover-ups, murder and despair. The undertow becomes invariably deeper and more sorrowful. The work of the writer and executive producer Laurie Finstad Knizhnik seems to forge ahead as almost excruciating and unbearable. Terrific plot twists await viewers in this season. The only question is, how long will the viewers tolerate or want to endure the traumatic, nightmarish images. Indeed, she has already achieved a unique and remarkable tapestry of characters and stories in the previously-produced episodes [...]

In addition to the creative force behind Laurie Finstad Knizhnik, it is then above all the magnificent look of the series that stands out from the masses of TV-formats. Unique, dark and mysterious images, from the opening sequence of the series, across the many intermediate images in the episodes themselves, always present the web of power lines, cold, barren landscapes, semi-finished buildings and wandering figures - where everything matters, everything lends the series a unique distinguished feature [...]

[Durham County] ... a gem in the world of quality television series."

German source: quotenmeter.de