Suspended Cop

What it’s about

Dmitry Ryzhov, a former detective just released from prison for abuse of authority, returns to his home district in St. Petersburg and takes a job at a housing maintenance company, wanting nothing more to do with the police. At the same time, police captain Arina Gordeeva is assigned as the district officer. The area is controlled by businessman Veniamin Voronov, whose illicit enterprises are protected by a corrupt local captain. Gordeeva refuses to accept the status quo and starts fighting crime and corruption, with Ryzhov drawn in to help.

What hooks you

Denis Rozhkov stars as Ryzhov, a man trying to leave his past behind but pulled back by his sense of justice. The series has run for seven seasons, suggesting a formula that keeps viewers returning.

Who it’s for

It suits viewers who enjoy straightforward detective stories with a clear moral line, and who like seeing an underdog pair take on entrenched corruption in a gritty urban setting.