The Defender

What’s brilliant about this series is that it shows you don’t need the main character or their actions to be based on reality to make a great show. All it takes is a talented writer, a story with social relevance, and you’ve got a winner. Each episode is a gem, grounded in real-life events, dealing with situations that could happen to any of us, all viewed through the rational and empathetic lens of Lukáš Vaculík. I was thoroughly impressed. You can see the dedication of everyone involved, from the excellent theme music to the perfect melancholic atmosphere that peaks in episode eight, which is the highlight of the series. The cast is full of great actors, some of whom appear only briefly in a few episodes, but their presence underscores the quality of the show. There’s also the amusing inclusion of Pavel Řezníček, who plays the ombudsman’s driver — despite not even having a license at the time — adding a bit of humor to the mix. On the political side, Jaroslav Plesl perfectly captures the blend of nonchalance and political ineptitude. In every aspect, this series just works. It’s a show that has something to say, something to offer, and it raises important questions where needed. I’m giving Czech Television a big thumbs up for this one and hoping for more high-quality content like this in the future. (03/14/2022)