Professor T.

The near strangle hold that Jasper Teerlinck’s OCD has on his daily function as a lecturing professor of criminology at a university in Antwerp blots out most acceptable social behavior, that anyone else might have. His analytical brilliance allowing his continued tenure. As well as his side job of helping the federal police in their most vexing cases. This is the premise of this hit Belgian TV series.  Each episode divided into two alternating halves. The criminal police part of each series while integral, is the least engrossing. Conventional in its structure. Crime/Investigation/Solution. The intervention of Teerlinck being the more interesting ingredient in each case. It is the physiological aspects and causes of the professors clipped abnormal social behavior are the far more engrossing parts of each episode. An early childhood trauma poisoning his whole adult life. It is the slow unravelling of this trauma which gives the series its true heft. 

Koen De Bouw in the lead role carries the whole series, with his severe, odd behavior.  Supported by a strong cast. 

Viviane de Muynck as Adelinde. The professors terrifying mother.

Barbara Sarafian as Psychiatrist Helena Giselbrecht. (brought in to try and untangle the professors myriad demons)

Tanja Oostvogels as police commissioner  Christina Flamant.

Herwig llegema  as chief inspector Paul Rabat

Ella Leyers as Inspector Annelies Donkers. (a former student)

Goele Derick as Ingrid Sneyers  (The long suffering secretary of the faculty)

Carry Goossens (The equally log suffering, at the hands of professor  T) Dean.

This successful series has spawned an almost worthy British spinoff of the same name starring the very capable Ben Miller. Closely following its Belgian original it too in its convincing English way is well worth watching. 562 stars