Three seasons of a dark detective thriller is often one season too long, and after the brilliant first episode of Season 3 of “Cardinal” (which I rated as 9/10), I fretted that the next few episodes dissipated energy (8/10). Rest assured, for the final three grim but stunning episodes, I’m delighted to report, are top notch. Cardinal and Delorme finally begin to piece together the complex clues just as the killing crew, led by a deranged woman, begin to fall apart. The tension climbs to nigh unbearable levels. And even during this, an off-the-books, very personal investigation by Cardinal, inches towards resolution. As usual, we get spot-on acting, a tight script full of twists, and beautiful cinematography. The climax, followed by another climax, were fitting conclusions, and I can only hope for a further season. Another of this year’s viewing highlights.
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