Belgian Crime Series "The Big Fck-Up" Shatters Conventions with Unflinching Portrayal of Corruption

The Big Fck-Up: A Belgian Crime Series That's Not Afraid to Get Messy In the gritty streets of 1980s Belgium, a true story unfolds in the crime series "The Big Fck-Up." Based on real events, this eight-episode show follows a group of corrupt gendarmes who turn from law enforcers to lawbreakers under the watchful eye of an American CIA agent. But what sets this series apart is its unapologetic approach to color and complexity – a refreshing change in a genre often dominated by black-and-white morality. "We didn't want to make a factual show," says director Wim Geudens, speaking at Mipcom. "We wanted to explore the gray areas between right and wrong." And explore they do, delving into the world of nepotism, corruption, and crime that infested the Belgian gendarmerie in the 1980s. The show's protagonist, Jan Laureys (played by Willem De Schryver), is a reluctant gendarme who finds himself caught up in the web of corruption. "He never wanted to be a cop," Geudens explains. "But he got pulled into it, and then... well, you'll have to watch the show." As we delve deeper into the world of "The Big Fck-Up," it becomes clear that this is no ordinary crime series. The show's creators are not afraid to tackle tough subjects head-on, often blurring the lines between good and evil. "It's a story about how easily people can get caught up in the system," says Geudens. "And how hard it is to escape once you're in." But what makes this series truly unique is its approach to color. Unlike many crime dramas that rely on stark, monochromatic visuals, "The Big Fck-Up" is unapologetically colorful – a bold choice that pays off in spades. "We wanted to reflect the world of the 1980s," Geudens explains. "It was a time of excess and decadence, and we wanted our show to capture that spirit." As we explore the world of "The Big Fck-Up," it's clear that this series is not just about crime and corruption – it's also about the human condition. The characters are complex and multifaceted, with motivations that are both understandable and relatable. But what does this show say about our society today? Is it a commentary on the state of law enforcement in modern times? Or is it simply a gripping tale of corruption and crime? According to Geudens, the show's creators aimed to explore the gray areas between right and wrong. "We didn't want to make a show that was just about good guys vs. bad guys," he says. "We wanted to show how easily people can get caught up in the system – and how hard it is to escape once you're in." As we conclude our exploration of "The Big Fck-Up," one thing is clear: this series is not afraid to get messy. It's a bold, unapologetic take on the crime genre that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. A Conversation with Director Wim Geudens We sat down with director Wim Geudens to discuss the making of "The Big Fck-Up" and what inspired this unique approach to the crime genre. Q: What inspired you to create a show that's so unapologetically colorful? A: We wanted to reflect the world of the 1980s. It was a time of excess and decadence, and we wanted our show to capture that spirit. Q: How do you think this approach will resonate with audiences today? A: I think it will resonate because people are tired of the same old black-and-white morality in crime dramas. They want something more complex, more nuanced – and that's exactly what we've delivered. Q: What message do you hope viewers take away from "The Big Fck-Up"? A: I hope they see how easily people can get caught up in the system – and how hard it is to escape once you're in. It's a story about corruption, but also about human nature. Conclusion "The Big Fck-Up" is a crime series that's not afraid to get messy. With its bold approach to color and complexity, this show is a refreshing change from the usual fare of black-and-white morality. As we explore the world of 1980s Belgium, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary crime drama – but a thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the corrupting influence of power. Whether you're a fan of true crime stories or simply looking for something new to watch, "The Big Fck-Up" is sure to captivate. So grab some popcorn, settle in – and get ready to experience the gritty world of 1980s Belgium like never before. *Based on reporting by Variety.*