Crossing Lines S01E07 (“Animals”)

After much agonizing,I have reluctantly decided to discontinue my weekly analysis of Crossing Lines. Sadly, the last two episodes of the show have almost scrupulously avoided the ICC; mentions were limited to throwaway dialogue (“I’m with the ICC”) or logos on computer screens. Even worse, the most recent episode featured a brief but completely accurate discussion of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The show has simply made it too difficult for me to continue in my self-appointed role as protector of all things ICC.

That said, I will continue to watch the show. I actually think, ICC silliness aside, that it’s quite good. Last night’s episode, in which the Bill Fichtner character found himself in the middle of a bank robbery being carried out by anti-capitalist anarchists, was extremely well written (except for a line about the lead bank robber turning to “organised anarchy”), gratifyingly complex, very well acted, and beautifully shot. In general, the acting on the show is excellent (no small feat, given many of the actors are not native English speakers) and production values are much higher than on your average American drama. The show must have a very healthy budget.

I do, of course, reserve the right to restart my weekly analysis, should future episodes of Crossing Lines demand it…