Detective drama enthusiasts who enjoy Fargo are being directed to a gripping thriller that is currently available to stream at no cost. Television audiences are encouraged to watch a highly acclaimed series set in the bleak fictional city of Algonquin Bay.
About the Series
Cardinal is a Canadian crime drama that first aired in 2017. The series adapts the novels of crime writer Giles Blunt, centering on police detective John Cardinal, played by Billy Campbell, and his partner Lise Delorme, portrayed by Karine Vanasse, as they investigate heinous crimes.
The first season, consisting of six episodes, adapts Blunt's novel Forty Words of Sorrow, which revolves around the murder investigation of a young girl. The story begins with the discovery of Katie Pine, a missing 13-year-old girl whose body is found in the shaft-head of an abandoned mine.
Plot and Reception
John and Lise attempt to uncover the mystery of Katie's death, but as the case expands in scope and horror, a dark secret from Cardinal's past threatens to derail the investigation. The official synopsis states: "Cardinal struggles to right past wrongs that could derail his investigation and end his career, as the case grows more violent and twisted and the clock ticks down on the killer's next victim."
The cast also includes Kristen Thomson, Deborah Hay, Alanna Bale, Glen Gould, James Downing, Zach Smadu, Eric Hicks, David Richmond-Peck, and James Thomas.
Seasons and Availability
Cardinal was renewed for a second and third season, each containing six episodes, adapted from Blunt's novels Blackfly Season, By the Time You Read This, and Crime Machine. The fourth and final season aired in 2020, drawing inspiration from the sixth Cardinal book, Until the Night.
All 24 episodes are now streaming for free on U, making the series ideal for evening viewing. The drama boasts an impressive 89% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences have heaped praise on the unique drama, which shares similarities with beloved series like Fargo and Shetland.
Audience Reactions
One IMDb user wrote: "Gripping from beginning to end. The darkest show on TV and it should not be missed." Another added: "The snow-covered Canadian backdrop is inspired. I did not find any need to compare it with Nordic dramas. It has an originality of its own. This is a brilliant edge-of-your-seat detective drama. Masterpiece TV."
A third viewer commented: "I am proud to say that this adaptation of one of my favourite thriller series hits it out of the park," with another similarly sharing: "If you enjoyed Fargo, you will love Cardinal! A serial killer drama that stays with you long after you finish."
A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment: "Best police drama ever. Unmissable. This series gives me life." Someone else wrote: "It's dark, grim and criminally underrated. A true gem of TV."
Cardinal is available to stream for free on U.
