When this came out I was skeptical. Because the original French film was so good. But after watching 3 episodes I was hooked. This matched the original film and even exceeded in some ways as a series it could "deep dive" into the life, characters and stories as no movie has time to. If stranded on an island with a choice between this series and a later abomination well, my choice this version. The later series was full of "teen angst" all the time as if it was "Nikita the Emo version". This first series is far and away the best. Capturing the understated lethality and danger always present. It sets a "tone" right off of an assassins guild. With the "suffer no fools" attitude of all involved from the top down. This was portrayed excellently by every actor and actress and written in on a genius level. The direction was superb. Conversations short and spoken in whispers. Failure to perform always tempered by the ever present possibility of being retired. As in bullet, brain, bye.