Kenneth Kempner

Excellent story lines are interwoven to illustrate, within each episode, most of the fundamental positive attributes and failings of humankind, as well as the diseases that ravage society: love, hate, greed, fragility, jealousy, adultery, pride, rage, kindness, empathy, ignorance, alcoholism, obsession, indifference, drug abuse, fraud, food adulteration, compulsion, Asperger's syndrome, forgiveness, guilt, autism, conceit, snobbery, grief, violence, spousal abuse, avarice, familicide, Alzheimer's disease, theft, revenge, Down's syndrome, murder, rape, humiliation, assault, and whatever was forgotten. The seven principal characters are unique, likeable, and unforgettable, as we see them develop and their lives intertwine in sequential episodes. These recurring cast members are not immune to the numerous human characteristics and pathologies mentioned above. The three seasons, of 13 episodes each, are very well written, perfectly directed, carefully staged, and excellently acted by a fantastic cast. The setting in Antwerp, Belgium, is an added benefit because it gives the series a fascinating travelogue quality.