As Episode 1 of "Undercover" (2019 release from Belgium; 10 episodes of about 50 min each) opens, we are reminded that the series in "inspired by true events". We see a sign saying "Welkom in Limburg", and we are reminded that Limburg (the Belgian province bordering the Netherlands) is a major producer of ecstasy pills. We then get introduced to Ferry Bouman, a Dutch giving living in Belgium and suspected to be the ringleader of the ecstasy manufacturing operation. But the Belgian police needs more concrete evidence against Bouman. How better to get that than by having 2 cops, a Belgian guy and a Dutch woman, go undercover into Bouman's weekend hangout at a local camping site.... At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: there are several reason why I ended up taking a special liking to this crime drama series (more on that later). The main reason, is that this is a prime example of great story telling. When I see that a movie or series is "inspired by true event", I typically take it that the producers took some facts and built a compelling story around it, nothing more, nothing less. Almost from the get-to, I was pulled in and then the show wouldn't let me go anymore. At its very essence, this is no different that a solid soap opera, except that this is set in the crime and drug settings of Limburg, Belgium. Tom Waes and Anna Drijver, the 2 cops who go undercover, are outstanding as the leads, but there are a ton of other characters.
Even though I grew up in Belgium (although now a longtime US resident), I had never heard of this series. That is, until last week when Netflix "suggested" it to me, so I played the trailer and I almost fell of the couch when I heard the Flemish/Limburgs/Dutch accents. I started watching and immediately saw the initial 3 episodes, and then finished off what turns out was Season 1 in mere days. Can't wait to watch Season 2 (released in 2020) and Season 3 (released in 2021). If you like a great crime drama series that is just not another US TV show, I'd readily suggest you check out "Undercover", and draw your won conclusion. I think you will be glad you gave it a try.
