'Mare of Easttown' is a new hit that all fans of quality stories should watch. And we'll tell you why.

Unlike Netflix, which churns out one series after another without much concern for quality, HBO presents viewers with fewer projects but hits the mark more often. 'Mare of Easttown' is another shining example that can stand alongside hits like 'True Detective', 'Big Little Lies', and 'Chernobyl', and in some ways, this crime drama even surpasses its predecessors.

A Typical Detective in a Typical Backwater, or Something More?

Mare (Kate Winslet) investigates the disappearance of a girl in her hometown of Easttown when another crime suddenly occurs—this time, the murder of another young woman known to all the locals, including Mare. To assist in the investigation, Detective Colin Zabel (Evan Peters), who recently caught a serial killer under similar circumstances, is sent to Easttown. Together, they must determine if the two crimes are connected, unravel the secrets of the local residents, and restore justice while overcoming their own demons.

All the ingredients of a good detective story are in place in 'Mare of Easttown': a plethora of suspects with obvious and not-so-obvious motives, clues scattered here and there, and unexpected twists in the investigation. What is especially surprising is the attention the show's creators paid to details—when in the final episode you realize that hints to the solution were flashing as early as the series' debut, you can't help but applaud such meticulousness.

At the same time, the finale will still impress even the most attentive viewer who managed to identify the killer before Kate Winslet's character does. It is incredibly emotional, shocking, and earth-shattering.

Not So Much a Detective Story as a Drama

Don't get me wrong, 'Mare of Easttown' is indeed a wonderful detective story. But the series works even better as a dramatic narrative. The intricate web of fates that you couldn't invent on purpose, overcoming psychological trauma under a psychologist's guidance, attempts to find oneself, and a couple of bottles of beer after another lousy day as therapy—the series doesn't just invite the viewer to play detective; it offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who can harbor so much pain and emotion.

Moreover, it can't be said that the drama is overdone here, as it was in 'I Know This Much Is True', where the light at the end of the tunnel wasn't visible even a meter away. No. The authors instill hope, as if to say that you always have a chance for a bullet to the head something better, no matter what predicament you find yourself in.

Interestingly, the relationships between the characters, who are related to each other to varying degrees here, are not presented as purely side plots meant to serve as an overlay to the main storyline. They directly influence it and your perception of events. Details, characters (both suspects and victims), and circumstances are important here, as they all ultimately come together into a single picture. The feeling after watching 'Mare of Easttown' is akin to that after reading a large and captivating novel. Perhaps there is no higher praise for the screenwriters.

And, of Course, Kate Winslet

In Kate Winslet's place in the series by Craig Zobel, any other actress could have been cast, and it's unlikely the quality would have suffered much. But the star of 'Titanic' and a dozen other iconic projects became the main jewel in the crown studded with precious stones for 'Mare of Easttown'. Winslet took on a kind of Frances McDormand image, completely devoid of external gloss but not lacking in feminine charm and attractiveness.

'Mare of Easttown' is a powerful symbiosis of a detective plot, emotional drama, acting (not only Kate Winslet but the entire cast is excellent here), and confident direction by rising Hollywood star Craig Zobel, who previously made a mark with the unconventional 'The Hunt'. And it seems the conversation about the best series of the year is already closed. At least, based on the results of the first half of the year, this project is the absolute leader with a significant lead over all other competitors.

Trailer: