Harlan Coben's Lazarus - First episode

Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Joel 'Laz' Lazarus returns to his hometown in Harlan Coben's Lazarus after his father's death. There, he's compelled to solve cold cases. Before I started Lazarus, the latest series based on the work of Harlan Coben, I took a moment to check which of his earlier series I had already seen. Surprisingly, there were quite a few, such as Safe, Missing You, and Fool Me Once. Harlan Coben's Lazarus couldn't be left out. His series are generally easy to watch, but there's always a certain tension that feels uncomfortable, as if something is constantly simmering beneath the surface. But it could also be my impatience. What exactly it is remains difficult to pinpoint, but something started to dawn on me during the first episode.

It's an easy watch.

Laz (Sam Claflin) is called by his sister Jenna (Alexandra Roach) and she tells him that their father has died. According to the police, it is a suicide, but for both children, it doesn't feel logical. The farewell letter is vague and cryptic and raises more questions than it answers. This sets off a bizarre search where nothing is what it seems.



What immediately stands out is the music. It is atmospheric, carefully chosen, and sets the right tone right away. For me personally, that's an important factor: good music elevates a series and makes an impression. The camerawork and setting are also strong. Laz's father's office exudes something mysterious and classic. It's dark, old, and laden with unspoken secrets. The funeral scene is also strikingly portrayed. Different characters are framed slightly more prominently than you would expect. Is it a subtle hint? Or simply style? It certainly piques curiosity.

Good music in a series is very important.

At the same time, there's something that feels off. That feeling isn't new because with many of Coben's series, I notice that I need a moment to get into them. This time it's partly due to the cast. Not necessarily unknown actors, but their performances feel a bit distant. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to their dynamic, or perhaps it's because many characters and storylines are introduced in the first episode. Not everyone gets the space to stand out.



Yet despite these hesitations, I'm curious enough to keep watching. Coben always manages to reveal just enough to hold your attention. The atmosphere is good, the mystery is well set up, and the questions keep piling up. I give the first episode an 8, not because everything is perfect right away, but because I'm eager to see where this story is going. And with a day off ahead, I can make good use of that.