Since last Thursday, France 3 offers its viewers back to school every Thursday evening with the Off Season, a mini-series of its event featuring Marina Hands (Mytho) and Sofiane Zermani (Les Sauvages), better known as Fianso. The shoes of two cops on the trail of a powerful serial killer.
Co-produced by our Swiss neighbors, Hors Saison is set in Cimes, a small ski resort in the Dents du Midi region. As the vacationers leave and the snow melts, the body of a murdered woman is discovered in an intriguing and macabre scene.
The case is headed by Swiss captain Sterne Peyre, who is soon supported by French investigator Lies Boaun, who tells him that another body has been found in a similar condition on the other side of the border. And as the mystery deepens, Steren discovers that his son has accidentally killed his girlfriend in a car. In a split second, the investigator’s life changes dramatically, facing the worst of dilemmas: How far will he go to protect his son?
Built around the ultra-effective twist, Off Season debuted last week in front of 2.38 million viewers, a market share of just 12.1% of the general public. and a very small 1.2% for women who are responsible for purchases under the age of 50.
A mixed launch, according to the French press. Because one thing’s for sure: the off-season, which resumes tonight at 9:10 p.m. with two new episodes, has critics completely divided.
According to Télé Loisirs:
“In this dark thriller, which promises to be fascinating, the focus is on the performance of Marina Hands, for whom the role of Peyre seems to have been developed. This first opus begins an intrigue that will continue in the next. The idea of the criminal responsibility of the investigator in the case seems not only original, but also excellent in terms of suspense. 5/5
According to Le Parisien:
“This thriller is not about feeling. We are far from the ‘kills’ that the Latroy faithful are used to. Everything seems calculated, down to the millimeter.” 4/5
According to Télé 7 Jours:
“A thriller, with an original and engaging script, set in the heart of the Alps, with a great performance by Marina Hands as a mother and a police officer, and an equally convincing cast.” 4/5
According to TV Star:
“The charm of the series is contributed by the picturesque mountain scenery.” 3.5/5
According to Cable Sat:
“The first part is classic, strict and emphatic. Then the series pleasantly surprises with an interesting twist.” 3/5
According to Le Monde:
“Despite the efforts of the main translator, who knows what tragedy means, despite the indignation of his French colleague (Sophian Zerman), Hors Saison remains far from the peaks that form its background.” 2.5/5
According to Le Figaro:
“This Franco-Swiss co-production, which looks for its references in dark Scandinavian thrillers, falls flat. Too bad for the actors we love: the wonderful Marina Hands in Mytho and Sofiane Zerman in Les Sauvages. They struggle in vain. With a desperately lifeless and flat account.” 1.5/5
According to Telerama:
“With its primal clichéd trauma, kitsch flashes, and scenes full of pathos, the series immediately reflects the codes of Nordic noir and the English thriller from which it tries to draw inspiration through a dangerous hybridization. 1.5/5
Source: allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
