Fair Trade is written and directed by Belgian director Marc Punt, who is known from Matroesjka's (Matrioshki). As with Matrouska's, Fair Trade contains dark comedy, nudity, organized crime and corrupt officers, though the focus is on the cocaine trade, not on prostitution.
Most notable is Peter Van Den Begin who plays a role based on his almost legendary character 'Ray Van Mechelen' from Matroesjka's. His likeable performance gives the show some comic relief between all the gunfights and hard drug abuse.
But no matter how strong such a character is, it wouldn't survive on its own, and luckily for Fair Trade, there are many other good performances to be found. Police duo Wally and Robin (Kevin Janssens and newcomer Ella-June Henrard) never disappoint, as well as Axel Daeselaire (who also played in Matroesjka's). Even in the supporting cast there are no weak spots to be found. So in terms of acting, this thriller is notably good.
The plot events though are not very credible, even though it's based on true events (cocaine trade in Antwerp, maffia, bribes). With this type of series, you have to go with the flow, and don't think too much about the impossibilities of the plot. It could also have used an episode or 2 more to really round up the story, cause there are some questions left unanswered (maybe for a second season?).
I certainly recommend Fair Trade to fans of the genre. Excellent binge material as well.
