• Network: CTV , HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 25, 2017
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Jun 15, 2017
    88
    The town of Algonquin Bay has secrets. Bad things happen in the long winter darkness, filled with predators, drugs and violence. All this, and Campbell’s outstanding performance, add up to a drama that stands with the best of TV noir.
  2. Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Jun 13, 2017
    80
    Screenwriter Aubrey Nealon is masterfully stingy with the script, carefully doling out information about Cardinal and other characters in very small but tantalizing doses. The performances are quite good, although Campbell speaks all of his lines is a somewhat loud whisper. It feels at times like an affectation, but otherwise, he invests the right about of credible angst to make the character compelling.
  3. Reviewed by: Bill Keveney
    Jun 15, 2017
    75
    The jousting and bonding between the senior Anglo investigator and his younger French-Canadian partner gives Cardinal emotional depth.
  4. Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    Jun 16, 2017
    70
    Torture aside, it’s a consistently intriguing thriller, its appeal ensured by the bone-chilling glories of the scenery.
  5. Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 16, 2017
    50
    I found the crimes too similar to a dozen recent TV whodunits, and Campbell’s solemn croak an irritating affectation.
  6. Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Jun 14, 2017
    50
    Cardinal often pulls from years of cop show clichés in ways that almost approach parody. Most of all, why does it always sound like John Cardinal is whispering? And yet there within the clichés and outside of the torture subplot, there are elements of Cardinal that hooked this mystery junkie.
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Negative: 6 out of 22
  1. Jun 29, 2017
    7
    Good show, following in the footsteps of Nordic & British bleak wintry crime noir, you've seen what Cardinal offers before but the leads areGood show, following in the footsteps of Nordic & British bleak wintry crime noir, you've seen what Cardinal offers before but the leads are eminently watchable, and I look forward to season 2 now being filmed in our very pleasant neighbor to the north. Full Review »