In the ever-expanding sea of streaming content, every now and then a series emerges that cuts through the noise with sharp writing, compelling performances, and a plot that keeps you glued to the screen long after the credits roll. Hidden Assets, the acclaimed Irish-Belgian co-production, has recently landed on Netflix, and it’s quickly becoming one of those binge-worthy discoveries that has audiences buzzing. This cross-border crime thriller masterfully blends financial intrigue, international terrorism, political corruption, and family secrets into a taut, unpredictable narrative that feels both timely and timeless. With two gripping seasons already available (and whispers of more to come), it’s no wonder viewers are hooked from the very first episode.
At its core, Hidden Assets follows Detective Sergeant Emer Berry, a no-nonsense investigator with Ireland’s Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), an elite unit dedicated to seizing ill-gotten gains from criminals. Played with fierce intelligence and quiet determination by Angeline Ball, Emer is the kind of protagonist crime drama fans adore: principled, relentless, and unafraid to ruffle feathers in pursuit of justice. The story kicks off with what seems like a routine raid on the home of a small-time Irish drug dealer in the quiet town of Shannon, County Clare. But beneath the floorboards, Emer’s team uncovers something far more valuable and sinister – a cache of rough diamonds, untraceable and worth a fortune.
What begins as an investigation into money laundering quickly escalates when these diamonds are linked to a series of devastating bombings in Belgium. Enter Christian De Jong, a brooding counter-terrorism officer from Belgium’s CTU (Counter-Terrorism Unit), portrayed with intense gravitas by Wouter Hendrickx. Forced into an unlikely partnership across borders, Emer and Christian must navigate cultural clashes, bureaucratic hurdles, and mounting dangers as they unravel a sprawling conspiracy. The trail leads them into the glittering yet shadowy world of the diamond trade, centered in Antwerp – the global hub for these precious stones – where ruthless tycoons, corrupt politicians, and a powerful family dynasty will do anything to protect their empire.
The Brannigan family lies at the heart of this web of deceit. On the surface, they are a respectable Irish clan with deep roots in business and influence, but scratch beneath and you’ll find layers of hidden agendas, betrayals, and deadly secrets buried for generations. As Emer and Christian dig deeper, they expose how financial crimes like asset concealment and offshore laundering can fuel far greater threats, including terrorism. The series brilliantly illustrates the interconnectedness of modern crime: how dirty money from one corner of Europe can finance chaos in another, all while powerful figures pull strings from the shadows.
What sets Hidden Assets apart from countless other procedurals is its refusal to play it safe. The plot twists come fast and fierce, subverting expectations at every turn. Just when you think you’ve pieced together the puzzle, a new revelation shatters it. The show doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity either – characters operate in gray areas, making questionable choices for what they believe is the greater good. This adds a layer of realism and tension that elevates the stakes, turning each episode into an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Angeline Ball delivers a standout performance as Emer Berry, bringing a steely resolve tempered by personal vulnerability. Known for her roles in films like The Commitments and series such as Acceptable Risk, Ball infuses Emer with authenticity, making her a relatable hero in a male-dominated field. Her chemistry with Wouter Hendrickx’s Christian De Jong is electric – a slow-burn partnership built on mutual respect amid constant friction. Hendrickx, a veteran of Belgian television, captures Christian’s haunted intensity perfectly, hinting at past traumas that fuel his dogged pursuit of terrorists.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, providing depth and nuance to the ensemble. Simone Kirby shines as a complex figure entangled in the Brannigan web, delivering layered emotions that keep viewers guessing about her true loyalties. Aaron Monaghan brings gritty authenticity to his role within the CAB team, while Cathy Belton excels as Norah Dillon, Emer’s sharp-witted colleague who often serves as the voice of reason (and occasional comic relief) amid the chaos. Together, they create a believable unit, with interpersonal dynamics that feel lived-in and organic.
Production-wise, Hidden Assets punches above its weight. Filmed across stunning locations in Ireland’s rugged west coast and Belgium’s bustling ports, the series captures the contrast between provincial quietude and urban menace. The Shannon Free Zone and Antwerp’s diamond district are almost characters in their own right, symbolizing the hidden flows of illicit wealth that drive the plot. Directors Thaddeus O’Sullivan and Kadir Ferati Balci maintain a brisk pace, blending high-stakes action sequences with quieter, character-driven moments. The writing, led by Peter McKenna, is tight and intelligent, weaving real-world issues like asset forfeiture laws and counter-terrorism challenges into the fiction without feeling preachy.
Season 1 builds to a satisfying yet open-ended climax, leaving threads that seamlessly transition into Season 2. Without spoiling too much, the second installment shifts focus slightly, introducing new leads while retaining core elements of international cooperation. The threats grow more personal, delving deeper into family legacies and the corrosive power of unchecked ambition. Nora-Jane Noone steps in prominently, bringing fresh energy to the CAB team, and the story expands to explore cyber threats and lingering fallout from the diamond conspiracy. It’s a natural evolution that keeps the series feeling fresh while honoring what worked in the debut season.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Hidden Assets for its smart storytelling and strong performances. It’s often compared to hits like Line of Duty for its procedural intensity or The Bridge for its cross-cultural detective duo dynamic, but with a unique focus on financial crime as the gateway to larger evils. The show doesn’t rely on gratuitous violence or cheap shocks; instead, it builds suspense through clever misdirection and escalating revelations. In an era of overstuffed streaming libraries, this is the kind of series that rewards attentive viewing – perfect for those who love piecing together clues alongside the characters.
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that combines brainy intrigue with heart-pounding drama, Hidden Assets is an absolute must-watch. It’s a reminder of how effective international co-productions can be, blending Irish grit with Belgian precision into something truly addictive. With its exploration of greed, loyalty, and the hidden machinations of power, the series resonates beyond the screen, prompting reflection on real-world issues like money laundering and global terrorism financing.
Netflix subscribers, do yourself a favor: clear your schedule, dim the lights, and dive in. Once you start uncovering the secrets in Hidden Assets, you won’t want to stop until they’re all exposed. This is one addition to the platform that’s truly earning its hype – a hidden gem no longer.
