Cracker: Series 1 (1998)

Cracking cases and expectations

"Fitz," played by Robbie Coltrane, is a very interesting and engaging character. He's an amazing criminal psychologist and often more right about a case, profile, and motives than others might accept, but his own life is a mess. If you enjoy police drama that's a bit different and actually explains why crimials do what they do, then Cracker is for you.

I'd been curious about this series ever since I'd heard of it. Additionally, I knew my favotite actor, Christopher Eccleston was in this series as well. I'm in the process of builing a collection all of Christopher Eccleston's recorded performances. I must say, that now that I have both Cracker season 1 and season 2 as well, I'm sorely tempted to get season 3, just to see how the rest of the stories play out. The series is not just about the cases but also about Fitz's life at home and the lives of the Police he works with. May 25, 2008

Outstanding British series

Please see my other reviews of this series it is well worth the purchase if you are into this sort of thing. April 11, 2008

got to love robbie

I am a big fan of cracker and just love the collection. If you are a yank and have never watched it, buy it now you wont regret it. October 14, 2007

Flawed but brilliant character

Coltrane's flawed but brilliant forensic psychologist Fitz makes every scene he's in crackle with gritty intensity. Fitz's genius allows him to infiltrate even the most hardened, psychologically blocked suspect and find the heart of the problem with efficiency, if not aplomb. His many flaws include heavy drinking, gambling, smoking, indifference as both a husband and father, and at least one very close call with marital infidelity. However, he makes no excuses for them. Only to consider them necessary if not crucial manifestations of a life of taking risks. It is refreshing to see a flawed hero. The stale, one dimensional,"Sir Gwayne" type heros of the crime genre lack real humanity, as they are so perfect to be unrealistic; making it difficult for the viewer to relate, as we are all imperfect. Like Fitz himself, this DVD transfer is flawed. Not much different than the VHS version I copied from TV long ago. But worth having for the great writing and performances. A must for the crime genre afficianado. August 9, 2007

Love This Series..

The Cracker series is great !!
For those of you who think Set 1 is incomplete: "One Day A Lemming Will Fly" IS complete. The (unsatisfying) ending is referred to (by Fitz) in the Set 2 movie "To Be Somebody". The suspected and convicted teacher's name was Cassidy. I wasn't happy with the ending of that one either...but it really was the end. July 16, 2007

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