Dark City - The Cleaner (2024– ) User Reviews

I'm usually not a very loyal Kiwi

[djmotiv · 7/10 · 25 March 2024]

I tend to dislike most of the movies and television shows we produce, Once Were Warriors and a few other select few excepting. I'm also a fan of the Dexter series, my wife and I owning this series on DVD even - although that last bonus season ... don't ask.

Dark City The Cleaner is compelling and interesting, whilst light hearted and comedic - with a dark and sinister side to it - most like Dexter, but where Dexter was the kind of Protagonist who was also a bad guy that you liked - DCTC presents a Protagonist who you're not sure if you can like. In fact, everyone feels like a bad guy in this episodic offering.

Because I live in Christchurch, many of the outdoor shots have an air of familiarity for me; and yet I can't relate to this particular vision of Christchurch - and I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

Still I found this to be both funny and dark; and I did manage to enjoy it.

New Zealand's answer to Dexter

[caseyville-10045 · 7/10 · 19 March 2024]

My initial reaction was, oh dear, NZ are trying to replicate Dexter. But then, it kind of got to me. I didn't anticipate the ending of episode one, and I loved it. The idiot serial killer certainly doesn't have the charm of Dexter, but, he is more believable as a serial killer. I mean, come on, Michael C Hall is lovely! This dude, does creepy-weird well. The besotted wanna be girlfriend, heck, who doesn't know a Sally? Joe's love for his goldfish is, believable. And the sex scenes on the bus were howlingly funny.

I could have done without the actual murders, and Melissa's orgasmic delight in them, but otherwise her character was a blast and convincingly played. I felt the humour had shades of Dexter to it. Obviously not as well done, but then, I'm picking, they didn't have the same budget.

As a kiwi, I loved that it was so recognisably Christchurch. I loved the narration/inner monologue from Joe. I hope they don't wreck it (like they did Dexter, those last seasons were not good) by dragging it out too long.

Definitely an acquired taste. I can understand why some will think it's terrible. I found it quirky, and rather fun.

Yeah, it's blundering, hapless Kiwi Dexter meets Harley Quinn.

[Otkon · 6/10 · 30 March 2024]

And my main issue is that this particular New Zealand city and its residents seem to have zero security cameras. That alone would render a lot of their shenanigans null and void. Plus, he did chuck that beer bottle that he drank from at Laura's friend. His DNA would have been on it.

Also a lot of it is played for chuckles. Especially his dreadful mum stuff. And all the misfortune that befalls him. It's entertaining if you turn your brain off.

Don't think too much about how just as incompetent the police are by also only have CCTV in their interrogation rooms as opposed to every square millimeter of their station.

Also, "Melissa" and Joe's motivations seem all over the place. Does Joe like cats or not? Why does he kill? If he has no issue with the type of person his father was, why kill him and not hate that segment of the population? And she lied about everything so you can't really trust anything about her.

That's my review.

Oh, there are flies.

Budget Dexter

[philhayes80 · 6/10 · 27 March 2024]

Making this review 600 words will be kind of easy.. here we go..

Managed to watch all the episodes of series one so far and it has felt like it has a Dexter vibe to it, but got kind of lost meaning if you bought Dexter at the dollar store and gave him a script and said "be like Dexter but the cheaper version.. the we have dexter at home.. dexter at home.."

Really enjoyed the premise and to see David De Lautour and Robbie Magasiva after Wentworth and just how well Magasiva played Schroder, I hope if/when there is a second season if he is asked to return because that would be awesome!

Budget Dexter better have his Budget Rita with him too! Minus the voiceover during the next season though please.

obviously inspired by Dexter but...

[kbyrd08 · 7/10 · 5 April 2024]

I've never watched a kiwi show before and did not know what this was when I downloaded it but it was dark fun for me. I think if you go into it expecting Dexter you will be disappointed but if you take it for the fun murderous romp that it is you can enjoy it. It doesnt take itself too seriously and is an easy binge.

Now I have to manage 200 more characters so I'm from Ohio, I found Sally kind of cute, maybe not wife cute but fooling around and free sandwiches cute for sure. I dont know how this stacks up against other shows from that strange land but like I said this to me was a fun easy binge- I've met the character threshold so thanks for playing.

***OK now I've finished the series and need to update the review*** The Dexter fanboys that are disparaging this show are wrong and filled with blind Dexter fanboy rage- it has Dexter themes but is different i many ways and stayed fast paced and fun throughout all 6 episodes and had a strong ending that lets it stand as a good one season effort but also leaves the door open to series two if it goes that way.

I've told a few friends about it already and told one specifically who was not familiar with Dexter that they need to watch this first so as not to be blinded by Dexters brilliance. If you arent comparing it it stands up as a fun and strong show- so lighten dudes and let yourself enjoy a fun new show!

If you love shows like Dexter, you are gonna love this series!

[aspectofdeth · 10/10 · 14 March 2024]

Joe is basically invisible because he doesn't stand out so it makes him a perfect serial killer.

Without spoiling anything, I will also say that if you take a liking to Joe, then you are gonna absolutely, positively, love Melissa! I know I do!!

Very good acting, writing, producing etc .

The down side is the last episode, we were left with a cliffhanger and I personally hate that crap!

At least they gave us 4 episodes instead of one, so mostly pros and a few cons. Hopefully in the upcoming episodes we'll get more of a storyline about Melissa. There are some sketchy people in this series, which makes it so much more interesting.

Loved it

[ptt-11245 · 10/10 · 18 March 2024]

You get to enjoy the killers characters throughout the show. Really awesome story line with the added dark comedy. Programme to keep you hooked.

Acting is exceptional!!!! All the characters are well played by the actors chosen. Also Robbie Magasiva is an amazing actor, love his characters he plays.

Looking forward to the second season and hopefully get to know Melissa a bit more too. I won't go into detail but looking forward to what their story will be.

I think the only fault I have is the bus???? Threw me off what era it is because of all the technology you notice in the show but other than that, it's a must watch!!!!!

Abhorent

[crumpytv · 1/10 · 17 April 2024]

The first episode is disturbing. Is this psycho serial killer protagonist trying to induce some humour in his narration describing his reasoning behind his slayings.

It is just plain distasteful, but hey, it gets worse.

The first ten minutes of the second episode had me me reaching for the stop button.

If you enjoy graphic partial male castration, then this is for you, but really, it was just dreadful.

Come on New Zealand, you can do better than this. There wasn't even any scenery.

What had entertainment become when productions like this can make it through onto TVs and into our homes?

Entertainment?? Definitely not!!

Also contain offensive language.

Dark City: The Cleaner is a New Zealand crime fiction television series based on author Paul Cleave's 2006 novel The Cleaner. The series was co-produced by John Barnett and Chloe Smith, with Cohen Holloway and Chelsie Florence starring as the two man characters Joe Middleton and Melissa Flowers.

Wow! Loved it!

[gravloc · 9/10 · 20 March 2024]

Never have I loved an unrepentant killer more! This show was great! It's weird because at least Dexter killed bad people and kind of felt bad for killing people. Our "Hero" in this show does not. I feel weird saying all that, but the show is so good that you don't care about thinking about what is happening too much. The actors are great, the writing is great, the scenery is great, everything is great! This show better be renewed! I'm not sure how accurately this follows the novels, but at least I can find out what happens next through the novels. She better save him in the next season, but I'm not sure how that would work since everyone knows who he is now.

It's only like Dexter if you suspend all disbelief and leave any critical thinking out of the room and if you don't mind plot holes the size of volcanic craters!

[prestonmick-975-597748 · 4/10 · 17 March 2024]

I don't know where to start...but the review saying if you like Dexter then you'll like this is stretching the truth... and then some.

The show is about a cleaner that works in a police station but outside office hours he's a serial killer.

And that's where the Dexter similarity ends. Dexter had a likeable protagonist, fantastic writing, great storylines and even though it was far fetched, it almost felt plausible. It also had incredible music.

This is the polar opposite. Awful writing, a stupid and unbelievable protagonist who's so dumb, but has flashes of genius, so it's silly, and the plot holes are insane. Any sensible human, especially if you're male, would fully get this within 5 minutes of episode 2.

In what universe does an active serial killer investigation give unfettered access to a cleaner seeing all files, crime scene photos, and he gets to hear police openly discussing it while he's in the room??

As for Melissa....are you serious???

The other plot holes would be spoilers so I can't say but if you can get to episode 3 then you deserve a pat on the back because it was during this episode I quit so I'd stop constantly shaking my head and rolling my eyes, and asking myself 'What am I doing watching this?'

Terrible, but they get 2 stars cos the music isn't that bad.

Dexter's cheap cousin

[jayflame8280 · 5/10 · 18 April 2024]

I see dexter called, it wants its premise back. While the story is good and the pacing is even better, just could not enjoy it, it kept me watching and waiting for more and more to happen and when it did happen i wasn't actually surprised. Was good to see robbie magasiva actually in something else that was away from the prison drama of wentworth. Watching the incompetent cops try to solve the murders while letting a cleaner hear everything was pretty stupid that would not fly anywhere at any station. If there is more, make his next opponent more interesting and we see his life in prison that would be good!

Pathetic to compare to Dexter .. boring series

[rosemaryandthyme · 1/10 · 31 March 2024]

What a joke! Unbelievable that reviewers are comparing this dull turkey to Dexter ..or there must be a pile of fake reviewers and family members giving these unrealistic high scores. Don't waste your time. Main protagonist is a wooden dummy and his monotone voice starts to grate very quickly. He is a self absorbed and pathetic incel without the charm and cuteness of Dexter. It lost me right at the start with the animal death, why oh why do these young writers and filmmakers encourage animal cruelty, sympathise with creepy incels and promote misogyny? There is no humour in this turkey, even though they try very hard. Pathetic, boring, not entertaining or remotely funny.. and his horrible voice will drive you nuts. Do better NZ!

Stupid

[GrammarMatters · 2/10 · 2 May 2024]

I watched all the Dexter episodes at least 2 times each, maybe 3.

This is no Dexter - but I'm only going by the first 10 minutes - because I refuse to watch more than that.

It's just dumb.

Please read the other comments that give this sad effort low ratings before you invest your time in watching this junk.

My time is valuable, so I use IMDB to determine what is worth my time - and Dark City the Cleaner just doesn't seem to be it.

And there are limits to what I choose to expose myself to.

This guy who talks a fair amount like a dork - breaks into the house of a woman - and is holding her cat when she walks out of the bathroom - so she flees back inside the bathroom - and he tells her to come out or he will ....

That's it. I stopped watching at that point.

No thank you.