I still remember the detective series 'The Magpie' from way back in 2018. It left a lasting impression on me, and I was eagerly waiting for the next season. Recently, I stumbled upon a photo of Glafira Tarkhanova online, which brought back memories of the series and how I never got to see the 6th season, despite being really keen on it. So, why not revisit it? Especially since I'm craving something exciting and engaging right now?
Plot
The series revolves around Ul'iana Sinitsyna, a psychology department employee who gets denied the opportunity to defend her doctoral thesis due to her questionable topic. However, she's convinced about her method, which involves drawings, and decides to become a consultant for the police. Will they accept her method, though?
Instead of working on the department, Ul'iana now helps investigate complex, serial murders, catches maniacs, and agrees to a high-stakes game where human lives are at risk, all with an unknown opponent.
Actors and Characters
Over the course of 5 seasons, there are many actors, both good and not-so-good ones. However, the ones who deliver convincing performances stand out and overshadow the rest.
Glafira Tarkhanova as Ul'iana Sinitsyna, aka The Magpie.
Glafira nailed it and, in my opinion, perfectly embodied the character. I wouldn't want to see anyone else in this role. Her character is lovable, smart, and great at analysis. I found myself feeling sorry for The Magpie in the beginning when she struggled to get her method across. But by the end, her emotional outbursts were no longer pitiful – I actually wanted her to seek help from a psychologist.
Watching her was really engaging. I liked that the main character isn't a cold, emotionless woman, but a fragile girl who's smart, despite her difficulties. It's especially tough for her when the killer starts playing a game with her.
The highlight of her character is her red beret. I would've preferred a yellow one, as a nod to her surname, but that's not crucial.
Sergey Gubanov as Igor Levkin.
At first, I was cautious about his character. In many series, the partner-investigator is portrayed as stubborn but not very clever. I was on the lookout for that in this series, too.
Kirill Zaporojsky as Egor.
I was really disappointed when I found out who was going to play the love interest of the main character. So, I guess I couldn't accept this character for a while. I'm not a fan of this actor, I think he overacts too often. But over time, as the character was given the chance to develop, I realized that Zaporojets does a pretty good job in this role.
Eugenia Yar in the role of Sonya Rodionova.
I think Eugenia Yar is a pretty good actress, and she nailed the role of Lavin's bride. She's this sassy, in-love-with-the-investigator actress, and I was watching, thinking, 'How did she not find someone richer?' I guess she's really in love. And she's also got a jealous streak.
Julietta Gering in the role of Olga Makarova.
I was really surprised by how well Julietta Gering looked in the role of the investigator Makarova. I didn't expect her to be able to play this tough-as-nails character, who's got everyone under her thumb. When she appeared on screen, I knew: this character is going to be one of my favorites, but will she gel with the rest of the cast?
Other notable cast members include Tatyana Lutayeva (Ulyana's mom), Aristarkh Livantov (Ulyana's dad), Alexei Demidov (Detective Solyev), Ivan Brouvin (Detective Grom), and others.
My impression
I was expecting a pretty mild and gentle show based on the title, 'The Sparrow,' and the image of Glafrira Tarkhanova, who played the main role. So, I didn't expect anything too out of the ordinary from the detective. Boy, was I wrong.
It turned out that the show was not just interesting and engaging, but also had a complex and suspenseful detective storyline that kept me hooked till the very end.
There are some pretty intense crimes in this show, with the perpetrator always staying one step ahead of the investigative team.
Ulyana's method and her analytical skills are a huge help.
The plot isn't just one weak crime. There are many victims. And they show them in close-up with all the details, so I recommend covering your eyes if you're easily disturbed. It's not a pleasant sight for me, but I understand that's important because the killers are people with imagination, and each murder has a unique twist.
I found myself worrying about the main characters as they get drawn into a dangerous investigation.
I also like how unpredictable the series is.
Yes, some moments are predictable, but most of the time the twists are unexpected, even unpleasant.
The series has 5 seasons with 4 episodes each.
And each season is more complex and suspenseful than the last, but after re-watching the series, I realized that the fourth season is the most interesting for me.
I particularly liked the idea of Ulyana having to play a game with the killer. It ramps up the tension.
I wouldn't recommend jumping into the middle of the seasons, as you'll still get some echoes from the previous ones, which might affect your understanding of the whole story.
Of course, we'll also get to see the personal lives of the characters, which are just as eventful.
Some people will find themselves being used, others will uncover new secrets, and some will try to figure out their relationships and emotions. Honestly, I didn't find any slow moments throughout the five seasons.Not once did I feel bored, even during the second watch. The packed storyline, the engaging and suspenseful investigations, and the secrets kept me hooked.
I also appreciate how the show is rich in locations, decorations, and scenery.
I love the contrast – not only do we see new and beautiful homes, but also modern renovations, and the colors really bring it all together.
The music perfectly complements the on-screen action – it's thrilling and suspenseful.
I really felt the atmosphere, and there were moments that even gave me chills.
I highly recommend checking it out. Even if there won't be a sixth season (which I doubt), I'd definitely watch it again.