Lima

Although it has more episodes than a stupid soap opera, almost every one of them maintains a high standard, wit and some are almost genius. Watching it is like visiting old friends on a regular basis and feeling at ease.

The first episodes were slightly above average, but over time it turned out to be an affair to which it’s not difficult to develop an addiction. There’s simply no other series as good, with such a sophisticated psychology and at the same time so masterfully strumming the dark side of the human soul. Review of the final season: it should be said that this is the weakest season. The screenplay is clueless, clumsy, with nonsensical random situations, with even more nonsensical plot twists, and with a logic that has more holes than a Swiss cheese. But then came the final episode, which at least partially corrected the dull impression, when the resolution of Dexter's and Debra's fate got a fantastically emotional charge and was the most logical and only right one (although if I were in the creators' shoes, I would’ve been even more uncompromising). It's admirable how believable the psychological development of Dexter was throughout the series, which has maintained (with some rare exceptions) a continuous quality that many competing TV series could only envy.

Together with Dexter, one of the best crime series today. It has an interesting plot without any padding and a great build-up towards the end. The main asset I see in the two leads: the clever detective played by Mireille Enos (Emmy nomination) and especially her colleague with unconventional methods, who doesn't worry too much about regulations. He’s played by Joel Kinnaman, who joins the ranks of interesting European northerners (Stellan and Alexander Skarsgård, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who have perfectly mastered the English language and its accent and found a place in Hollywood. Carry on Nordic lads, I’m rooting for you. PS: Please, do not compare this to Twin Peaks, this is a different concept, a different league, a different universe. PS2: After a riveting 2nd season, I'm giving it a full rating.

Do you remember the inventive boy Ladík who travels through space and visits all kinds of planets with his inflatable rocket hidden in a violin case? In retrospect, I dare say that in terms of wit, inventiveness and aptness, Ladík's space escapades are unrivalled in the entire realm of animated series. Sometimes I even wonder at the kind of jokes and allusions the Hungarian creators managed to squeeze into the series at that time, and it has to be said that this space travel series has not aged even after 30 years.

A hugely popular series during the previous regime, people would passionately discuss it among themselves, whether in the workplace or on the street. A great script and masterful performances trump the shoddy studio production. The performances of Derek Jacobi as Claudio and John Hurt as Caligula, are unforgettable. I Claudius will satisfy even those who have a strong aversion to serials.

Beauty! This series easily beats every Robin Hood film. Top casting, beautiful locations, impressive mythology and ethereal music by Clannad, it has a special charm that makes you love it. I almost cried during the final episode. The follow-up series, when Robin is replaced by Connery Jr., is just a poor concoction. Not to mention the new remake of this legend from 2006, which is a joke...

I love big costume productions and this is a product right up my alley. Monumental, narrative, no expense was spared. Moreover, the plot is interesting and the cast is excellent (may favourite is F. Murray Abraham, who, other than Salieri in Amadeus, hasn’t had many big roles). There’s also a beautiful musical motif that will always stay in my head. There is simply nothing to discuss here and the highest rating is completely appropriate. I recommend it to everyone.