Dark Hearts - new French series taking over the BBC 4 Scandi Noir - but more Guerre Noir (with Thierry Godard)

[IwantToRetire]

I taped this because I just assumed it would be better or more interesting given its slot than what's shown on the main channels.

So within minutes of watching this I seriously thought of turning it off because (strange mixture) current events (horrible) and seemed like an imitation of all the US special forces drama, where the real stars are all the macho hardware and impossible missions (mostly silly).

It is said to be based on fact ie that the French, unofficially, had special services based in Iraq.

Not any easy watch, and few laughs.

And always the worry that in having heros and heroines being brave in someone else's country, is not necessarily going to be that accurate about what was / is really going on.

Just thought I would mention it as some may want something a bit different. Made by the same team that made The Bureau.

Saturdays 9pm or iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gfznqk

https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/dark-hearts-everything-we-know-about-the-espionage-thriller

Just finished watching this - thought it was gripping and tense throughout. Seemed to end suddenly!

Good to know. I haven't watched it since the first 2 episodes.

But have been recording to watch when the world seems less mad.

I really enjoyed this series, although it was so tense at times I was watching from behind a cushion. Amazed at the bravery of people who actually do this as a job. Hopefully series 2 comes along soon.

I have recorded but am being a hypocritical wimp, as somehow (which I know is really silly) I dont feel able to watch with all the real life horrors happening right now.

But thanks for the feedback.

I wonder why it didn't get more coverage at the time as it was in the prestige(?) BBC4 foreign language crime spot?

It’s one of the best BBC4 series, ever. Nail biting and realistic. Far better than some of the recent Scandi Noir offerings and anything that stars Thierry Goddard, is bound to be first class.
And for those, who are worried that it’ll be similar to all those ‘US Special Forces’ series, it’s far more nuanced. There is a grittiness and subtlety, that US productions, lack.
The other aspect is that the plot is highly intelligent, with enough twists to keep everyone, guessing.
Miss this series, at your peril. 🤔

Dark Hearts is so intense. No let up for trivia, nor sentiment.
What does it for me, there isn't that loud American music all over the place.
It's suspenseful enough without all that rubbish. Bob. Ramsgate.

It is an absolutely superb series. Thierry Goddard is amazing, as always.
I very rarely binge watch anything, but I must admit that I watched all 6 episodes, in one go.
I reckon it was as good as the first series and I have a theory that the 3rd series will involve finding the courageous Soraya?
What do you reckon?

This is or was the thread for series 1.

See comments re series 2 here https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/telly_addicts/5396823-dark-hearts-series-2-starts-23-august-2025-bbc-4

@IwantToRetire
Unfortunately, I cannot delete my comment, but thanks for the 'heads up' 🙏