The saying that ‘everyone is equal before the law’ is fast becoming a cliché as justice has become expensive and offered to the highest bidder. In most societies across Africa, the poor are the only people who go to jail for their crimes. The rich who probably commits more heinous crimes walk free. It therefore becomes a farfetched dream to fight crime in a society where the legal system is bought and owned by the elite.
Crime and Justice which was released on Canal+ as ‘Crime et Justice: Nairobi’ is a 2021 Kenyan Showmax Original. The mystery, crime and drama TV series is set on the premises of fighting crime in an unjust legal system. The series which is directed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff follows two detectives Makena (Sarah Hassan) and Silas (Alfred Munyua) as they navigate and solve crimes. With its standalone episodic storylines, covering politics, business, terrorism, serial killers, etc. the series tests the legal system as far as possible.
Crime and Justice starts with a case that leads the detectives to the doorsteps of a very powerful politician. As detective Silas welcomes his new partner detective Makena, a case comes in; the body of a young lady has been found in the bush. The detectives later discovered that the dead young lady is the mistress of a powerful and intimidating political figure. Will they be able to get justice for the young lady’s family? Your guess is as right as mine, not in a society were politicians call the shots.
Sarah Hassan’s Makena is a very determined detective who will go to the extreme to solve her cases. The compassion and empathy she shows and attaches to her work is very exhilarating. Makena is a single parent who is very much concerned about the choices her teenage son makes in his life. She is caught between her work and how to raise a responsible son. Not even the love for her son will stop her from doing her work as a detective diligently. Not much from her past in the form of backstory is there to appreciate her commitment to her work.
Detective Silas also has problems of his own, his marriage is falling apart. Though he tries to put on the ‘all is well’ look, you can read from his actions that all is not well. Detective Makena and detective Silas will have to find a way to trust each other’s instinct for their partnership to yield more results. The two detectives report to their boss Kebo played by Maqbul Mohammed who is always seen giving instructions and declining requests. As the head of the DCI, Kebo will have to collaborate with the prosecutor Sokoro (Paul Ogola) for legal advice on their cases.
Crime and Justice depicts a lot of real events that actually happen in our societies everyday. In episode 3, a lady had to go to prison for killing her father who has been abusing her sexually since she was 5 years old. In episode 3, we are taking on a different cultural perspective as an Indian family had their daughter and her boyfriend killed all in the name of the ‘caste system’. We also see how ladies who are chasing fame are exploited and used by pimps to enrich themselves, and when they are done, they get rid of you.
The series which was written by Lanfia Wal, Pauline Inda and Brian Munene, gets you glued to your seat from episode to episode. The dialogue was masterfully put together by the writers. The momentary insertion of the local dialect creates that sense of belongness. The story, the directing style of Adam and the seamless camera movements by DOP Helge Gerull come together to present us with a thrilling series.
Through out the eight episodes of the season 1 of Crime and Justice, justice is not truly served. Most of the decisions of the legal system goes in favor of the elite. Well, we could agree, that is what exactly the series is about. People are denied justice due to their status in society as well as their influence. When people who are supposed to uphold the law end up breaking the law and still manage to escape justice, then you know there is no justice in this part of the world. In episode 5, a detective abused his wife domestically and yet got away with it. Makena did everything she could, but when the system is against you, there is nothing you can do.
Though the makers of the series are recommended for making the series as real as possible, there are other areas that need improvement. We don’t know much about the two lead detectives and their boss. We therefore cannot appreciate some of the decisions they make. Detectives Makena and Silas appear to be struggling with some decisions they made in the past, but we are kept in the dark. Also, the only thing we know about the head of the DCI Kebo is his job. Doesn’t he at least have a personal life? Can we have a peep into his personal life?
The performances by most of the Characters were convincing, the two detectives managed their dialogues well to create that relatability among them. The director and DOP must also be recommend for the blocking and the choice of shot compositions. The action sequences could be improved by taking the characters through proper training to make them more believable.
The last episode of season 1 takes a different turn. A serial killer appears from nowhere going after the perpetrators of crimes in the society. Particularly, those perpetrators that have eluded justice due to their riches. The serial killer gives them the time to confess their sins before he goes for the kill. Since there is no justice in the legal system, audience will welcome the acts of the serial killer as necessary evil for justice. Judging from how this episode ended, we will be seeing more of the serial Killer in the season 2 of Crime and Justice: Nairobi.
Crime and Justice: Nairobi gets 6 out of 10 stars.
Crime and Justice: Nairobi is a series that deserves your time. It is currently streaming on Showmax.
