The Mallorca Files

This light hearted crime drama is set on the Spanish island of Mallorca and centred on detectives Miranda Blake and Max Winter. She is British and he is German; together they mostly investigate cases involving foreigners on the island under the direction of their Spanish boss Inés Villegas. The cases, which last one forty-five minute episode, are varied; unlike most such series they don't all involve murder.

I enjoyed this series far more than I expected. The fact that it was first broadcast in the afternoon led me to write it off as light, low-budget, low-quality froth... this was unfair; yes it is light and frothy but it is also a lot of fun and totally inoffensive. Blake and Winter are great lead characters; their relationship develops nicely as the series progresses without any obvious suggestions of romance. The two leads, Elen Rhys and Julian Looman as Blake and Winter respectively, do impressive jobs. Also notable is María Fernández Ache, who plays Inés. The Balearic location is lovely to see on a gloomy winter day in England; and a revelation to those who associated the place with drunken tourists rather than its obvious natural beauty and history! There is a good amount of unforced humour. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to somebody wanting a light, humorous drama set in an attractive location.

I was less than impressed with the first episode. Of course it combines a number of story/plot cliches, so very much a "been there, done that" vibe. On the whole, that's not a problem for me as I enjoy a mix of heavier and lighter shows/movies. It just seemed like they were trying too hard to make it work at first.

Because some series that have ended up as favorites have had iffy starts, I decided to give it a chance. It will never be in my top 10, but as it found it's pace and rhythm, I began to enjoy it. The characters and story arcs are pretty predictable, but it's not trying to be anything other than what it is.

Certainly the scenery is great and it's a light, enjoyable show.

It takes a few episodes to find it feet, but it gets there by the end. The two main characters have great chemistry, and you can watch them grow towards each other as the show progress, but don't let it happen too quickly..

Series 2 is already in the can, i think? Let's hope the plots are are bit more thought out, and the script could be sharper.. This show should be prime time, no idea why it's on in the afternoon? ..

Ps the scenery just makes me want to drop everything and go explore the island right now.

This ain't going to win any BAFTAs but it's fun and relaxing. A bit like 'Death in Paradise'.

Surprised by some of the negative commentary on here. No, it's not realistic in the slightest (why would a British and German cop partner up to solve Spanish crimes on Mallorca?!), but good fun and feel good TV.

Sometimes that's exactly what's needed!