Spotless

Spotless is a unique, engaging, and atmospheric French/English series produced by Canal+, which premiered in 2015. Set against the backdrop of London, Spotless is a clever blend of dark comedy, family drama, and crime thriller genres that take viewers on an unexpected journey.

Spotless centers around the character Jean Bastiere, portrayed by Marc-André Grondin. Jean is the owner of a crime scene cleaning business, and his life takes an extraordinary turn when his estranged brother Martin, portrayed by Denis Ménochet, suddenly reappears in his life. The series begins as Jean lives a seemingly mundane and uneventful life in London with his wife and children, running his business and staying under the radar. Seemingly content with life, he finds his normality disrupted by Martin's arrival.

Martin, Jean's outgoing and charismatic black sheep of a brother, brings vibrant chaos into Jean's quiet life. Martin's involvement with dangerous criminals inadvertently drags Jean into a dark underworld of crime, forever impacting Jean's harmonious existence. This unforeseen circumstance forces Jean to confront his past while dealing with the messy and dangerous present.

The crime scene cleaning aspect of the show creates a unique narrative premise. Jean's job allows the show to have a crime procedural aspect to it, but it is the emotional complexity and interpersonal dramas that truly drive the central story. The underpinning theme of cleaning or erasing the traces of the dead creates metaphoric parallels with the characters trying to erase or ignore their past mistakes and indiscretions.

Spotless further explores the themes of bonds of brotherhood, family, and morality in the face of adversity. The siblings’ conflicting personalities generate a compelling dynamic for the series, and their complicated relationship adds both depth and tension to the narrative. Viewers witness their attempts to navigate their problematic relationship and the many challenges they encounter together.

The show employs dark humor and wit, which cuts through the heavy topics and prevents the show from becoming too bleak. The visual aesthetic of the show is noteworthy – it is visually rich and atmospheric, with a distinct European flavour that sets it apart from many other crime dramas.

Besides Grondin and Ménochet, the cast also includes British actors Miranda Raison and Brendan Coyle, known for his role in Downton Abbey. Grondin and Ménochet seamlessly embody their roles and with their deep-dive performances they have brought their characters to life, capturing their complexities and vulnerabilities in an empathetic manner. Their performances are supported by the rest of the cast, who all deliver commendable performances that enrich the viewing experience.

The creation of Ed McCardie (known for Shameless and London’s Burning) and Corinne Marrinan (CSI), Spotless is a character-driven narrative powered by strong performances, witty script, and a unique premise. While it maintains elements of a crime series, it is deeply character-centric and delves into the psychology of its protagonists, making it a compelling watch for those seeking a blend of crime thriller and family drama.

In conclusion, Spotless is a show that combines the elements of dark comedy, gripping drama, and edgy crime thriller. Spearheaded by its talented cast and intelligent scripting, the show offers a captivating viewing experience. Through its immersive storytelling approach and a visual style, Spotless is a series that appeals to the audience who prefer their dramas layered, complex, and emotionally resonant.