pontram First, there is an accuracy problem: Euthanasia on demand - which would be the right term for the procedure which this show is about - is not "allowed" in Switzerland, but actually in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. It's a common error that people believe, one could have ended his or hers life happily in Switzerland for a fee. That is not the case. Assisted suicide, however, without any financial interests, doesn't fall under jurisdiction there, but also not in Germany, Sweden, Estland, Canada and in six US states, where it runs under the term Medical Aid in Dying.My problem with 'Mary' is that the show indeed approaches a very sensitive theme area, but in the first episode, at least, tries to make a farce of something, that isn't one, or at least could be one only in the hands of very very sarcastic and deep black humorous writers. Advertized as a dramedy or such, 'Mary' could only work as announced with constantly reminding the audience how crazy our life today is, how much of a paradox, thus pointing out how funny it must be for someone watching us from the outside, that in the end we would have to pay some well-meaning serial killers for providing us a way out of our misery.This should be the point, where 'Dexter' comes in as a model for a successfully laid out farce or black comedy. But the writers of 'Mary kills' didn't have the sarcastic powers of Dexter's writers.After watching the pilot, I didn't exactly know what I watched, since it wasn't a comedy. We saw a man die, a healthy looking (but terminally ill) and wealthy man, and his death had to be forced - that wasn't funny. We saw the cop pretending to be terminally ill - not funny. And a friend of Mary's daughter poisoned herself with the death drug - also not funny.So, it's not a "dramedy", and the producers did good not to make any further attempts in comedy after the pilot episode. Then, it's not a real drama, but a dramatic story, showing the main characters struggling with all kind of difficulties, while trying to keep their businesses running - euthanasists and cops chasing them as well. Personally, I think Episodes 5 and 6, which were broadcast-ed subsequently, are the best ones. The problem itself is often discussed briefly, but only in some moments the writers have to say something that has some weight (ep.5).Caroline Dhavernas is probably the best possible choice for 'Mary', as she can look in one moment icy cold, and in the next moment vulnerable, for example. She dominates the cast, which delivers of course a great performance.Actors and overall execution earn 8 Points, but the writing is a harsh 5, so, I only give a 6 overall.

s0838731 I get the fact that they are plastic surgeons and end of life care might not be their strong suit, but smothering a patient is not assisted suicide, it's murder and any doctor, or simpleton would not smother someone because you've cocked up a euthanasia. It wouldn't happen, you just come back again for another attempt.And if a guy uses their service for assisted suicide, he has probably thought it through. He definitely wouldn't need a retarded pep talk from a doctor on existential crises so that he takes the poison.Why did the drug dealer dilute the pentobarbital? It's not as if that stuff will be racing off the shelves so cutting it won't increase profits... and he made sure the doctors won't come back for more.And who the hell buys that stuff from a drug dealer? And did they not check to make sure the seals weren't broken beforehand. These doctors are so inept at being doctors that the whole programme just falls apart and isn't really enjoyable to watch.The two doctors undermine each other in front patients. A 15 year old kid finds the pentobarbital stash and drinks it because it looks like alcohol... except for the bottle top that won't open, the lack of the word alcohol on the bottle, the funny smell, and the keep away from children warning. But what the hey, let's drink it anyway.But worst of all, it takes a serious issue, and an idea with real potential for a deep and meaningful insight into the human condition... and sprinkles it will glitter and tepid light entertainment. What a woeful programme.

annasirmoglou I really enjoyed the first episode, it has great potential original script, great premise to explore and even though it deals with assisted death it is not depressing - there is a great blend of darkness with humour. Stellar acting from all involved, especially Jay Ryan, Caroline Dhavernas and Richard Short and it left me wanting more. The characters are all multilayered and believable and it has got great pace throughout. I cant wait to see what happens next and I cant see how the characters will develop and whether their viewpoints will shift as the episodes progress. If you want to watch a show that is original, fresh with amazing acting and well written check this one out

TheUglyCasanova We all can watch a serial killer show and not really care about neither the killer nor the victims because the odds of you ever having met one is very low.But, most likely you've known someone suffering from cancer or some other painful disease. This is where the balance of the show might be hard to grasp for some.As someone who thinks PETA is really messed up for killing over like 80% of their 'survivors' (look it up), people don't think too much about it. When it happens to be a human life it's entirely different. Maybe that cat they 'put under' isn't ready to go. But if a human being that wants to end it's own suffering from non-stop pain in a sound mind...it's not allowed in all but a few select places. This makes no sense to me, but that's another story.Mary and her sidekick do just that, for a price. They are in some weird way 'killing people'. I'll never understand letting people suffer who really want to just die and stop it all is humane, but that is the nature of our modern world I suppose.Anyway, this show seems very promising right away. Within 4 minutes I was emotionally effected as this is a very profound ordeal. So far the characters have been great, and I can't wait for more. Mary is not only an Angel of Death, but a very likable person. It's a bit too early to judge since I usually go by the 3-5 episode rule before really getting a grasp on a show, but after this pilot I am excited for more.It might give people some heartache though. You will always want more time with your loved ones obviously, but maybe Mary could have made it easier for them and let THEM choose when they were ready to pass on to whatever lies beyond this planet.