Broadchurch (2013–2017) User Reviews

Mesmerizing. A show somewhere between your most beautiful imagination and your darkest fears.

[reviewcentralny · 9/10 · 2 May 2013]

An enthusiastic reviewer started writing about this show when it started filming, speaking with great anticipation about the creator of the show's previous work and then the premise of his new show - a crime story, inherently tragic, focusing on grief, dark puzzles and a small community in which everyone knows everyone. I immediately thought of 'The Killing' and whether I would feel the same sense of of despondency when I watch shows like that.

Turns out I was both right and completely wrong. And I'll get to the emphatic 'yes!' for this show in a moment. The storyline, like in most crime shows these days, is hardly original. And you could say that like many British TV shows with veteran actors, intriguing plots with a dark narrative devoid of hope or a happy ending (contrary to most American TV shows with a similar premise), this show too, relies on intriguing characters to keep your interest in the puzzle and the secrets each character holds. But Broadchurch does all that without ever indulging in tragedy or hopelessness. No easy feat.

The acting and casting are flawless. The story feels real and unfolds with a steady, organic pace. David Tennant's nuanced take on the character, which could have easily been another self-important anti-hero with a troubled past, instead offsets Olivia Colman's character wonderfully. Her genuine, sincere approach to life, creating inevitable friction is a surprisingly fresh take on the traditional mismatched police partner or 'buddy cop' dynamics.

And then comes the beauty. Each shot framed like a painting featuring the stunning cliffs and beaches around the Dorset coast in all its rugged glory. Even interviews with suspects are photographed with elegance and an unexpected ethereal quality, using blurred light and colors. The stunning landscape setting is used not just as a backdrop, but a powerful narrative, contrasting its vastness with the small stories of each one of the locals. The calm, reflective moments in each episode feature scenes without dialog, allowing you to absorb it all.

This is where the music comes in. Too often an afterthought, a necessary element to invoke emotion or underline the words, here the music becomes one of the main characters of the show. An understated yet stunning soundtrack by Ólafur Arnalds, featured prominently throughout the series. And what a revelation it is. Allowing you to watch Broadchurch both as a sophisticated detective story and as an evocative, elegant music video. And while concert halls featured the most talented composers in the past, sadly or thankfully, TV shows (possibly more than feature length films even), seem to be the perfect outlet for the most creative contemporary artists. Utopia, Breaking Bad and Battlestar Galactica come to mind.

You could say then, that it is Ólafur Arnalds' score who helps Broadchurch transcend the sadness and grief of the story told, but it wouldn't be fair to understate the the stunning cinematography and art direction, subtle and powerful storytelling and production by Chris Chibnall. And with a cast that is able to portray the characters with depth and authenticity, it helps Broadchurch stand out from similar shows, deserving a review beyond simple comparison.

Excellent drama, penetrating insights into the human condition.

[barmstrong-782-631970 · 9/10 · 5 September 2013]

The only reason why I'm not giving it a 10/10 is because I have to leave a little room for humbleness. However, without a doubt, one of the best TV dramas that I have ever seen. It blends human frailty, melodramatic egos among professionals, frigid and temperamental relationships among small town residents, child anxieties, and mistrust, in a very artful way. It also shows the very real side of how people are often confused and blameworthy against everyone especially with the most flimsy of evidence.

I probably could come up with more adjectives, and penetrating analysis, but perhaps it is better for those who haven't seen, to see. It left me in tears at the end. I think about my own children, my own family, and it left me with a strange feeling of uncertainty and doubt. It will take me a long time to shake that.

Very good story-telling!

One of the most exceptionally riveting series to grace my television set

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 23 August 2017]

It took me a while to review 'Broadchurch', wanting to wait until watching all three seasons before reviewing. From the very start, 'Broadchurch' had me gripped and despite a couple of things that didn't quite work didn't let go.

At its best, 'Broadchurch' was some of the best television to grace my television set, not just in recent years but in general. Simply adore mystery dramas and the positive word of mouth was near-universal, reasons enough to watch it. Was riveted and couldn't look away throughout all three seasons and was thirsty for more, that's the mark of a great or more series. Like 'The Missing' and the Danish version of 'The Killing', as far as series from the past decade go, 'Broadchurch' came incredibly close to perfection. It isn't quite but even the little that didn't quite work weren't enough to stop it from being exceptional.

The ending of Season 1, while very shocking, was a bit of a let-down after the rest of the season being so flawless. It just felt rushed and contrived and the perpetrator and motive did seem on the unlikely side. While Season 2 was still incredibly interesting and enjoyable, with lots of tension, suspense and poignancy to spare with greatly written characters and engaging court room scenes, the old case mystery was atmospheric and tense but felt shoehorned in initially and forced in placement with Hardy out of character, though did get better and more interesting later on.

With all that aside, 'Broadchurch' is fully deserving of the acclaim. It started off absolutely brilliantly with Season 1 let done only by an ending that didn't do it justice, wasn't quite as good but good enough to not lose interest in Season 2 and, contrary to what a few have said, Season 3 does something different with a new case but referring to previous events and still has the ability to shock, absorb and move.

'Broadchurch' is one of the finest visually series seen by me. The locations are gorgeous and so atmospheric, and the series is beautifully photographed, fluid and brooding. The music is both haunting and tragic.

Standing out also is the writing. It's rare to find on television recently to have a series so intelligently written and be so layered and meaty. While the pacing is deliberate in places, a lot happens to keep one gripped and ensure that the tension and mystery never slips. Aside from the multi-layered and utterly absorbing cases, all three series have many characters and subplots and do justice to all of them, rare these days in television and film.

Characters, lead and supporting, are interesting and never black and white, having redeeming qualities as well as flaws. 'Broadchurch' does a particularly good job with Ellie in Season 2. The subplots are a perfect balance of dark, sensitive and emotional, especially in Season 1. The direction is accomplished throughout.

You couldn't have asked for better performances either. Particularly outstanding is Olivia Coleman, now this is an actress who brings many emotions and nuances to a role that few actresses of the television medium do so well, and sometimes in an understated way. David Tennant's acting here is some of his career's best, bringing conflict and likability to a deliberately flawed character.

David Bradley, Pauline Quirke, Jodie Whittaker, Charlotte Rampling, Eva Myles, James D'Arcy, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Sarah Parish are standouts in support.

In summation, exceptionally riveting. 9/10 Bethany Cox

New standard

[keith-777-269807 · 10/10 · 28 August 2013]

I enjoy British crime dramas. I find the pacing and depth of characterization is more engaging than the better American shows and there is often more emphasis on "mystery". Meanwhile I find the Americans are more innovative and the plots seldom have the holes that sometimes mar British crime stories. Broadchurch is a marvel. I have never seen a TV drama that explores the emotions of so many characters so convincingly. Crimes are traumatizing. Broadchurch gets this perfectly. Nor have I have ever seen a crime drama that packs a visual punch in so many scenes. The Dorset coast is a character in Broadchurch. It plays its role as effectively as any of the brilliant actors in this piece. And that brings up the acting. You won't find a weak performance and some are unforgettable. There were times when I was reminded of how exciting it was watch Sopranos for the first time. Broadchurch may even have the same kind of influence on future television filmmakers. It transcends comparisons between the US and the UK. It's a new standard and an instant classic.

Beautiful Broadchurch

[Pipkin_Sweetgrass · 10/10 · 26 September 2013]

I can't say too much how much I enjoyed this series. Unlike most murder dramas, this story isn't about autopsies and gunfights. It's about human nature. It's about the tragedy of the murder of a child. It's about the court of public opinion, the sinister nature of irresponsible journalism, the failures, frailties and flaws of our fellow human beings. This is 'Shakespeare writes a detective story'.

Chris Chibnall has now gone to the top of my list as a writer. It was beautifully done. In no way has he broken the cardinal rule of show, don't tell. Nor has he made the horrible mistake of creating any perfect character. All of them, from youngest to oldest, are wonderfully imperfect human beings, and with no character is this more obvious than our protagonist, DI Alec Hardy, masterfully played by David Tennant as the world-weary detective with secrets of his own and a shadowy past. He is so wonderfully written by Chibnall and executed by Tennant that we find ourselves won over by a character that on the surface is quite unlikable. Tennant's performance has, IMO, overshadowed his role in Doctor Who with this work. He has proved before that he's far more than the Tenth Doctor. With his Hardy, he made me forget about all other roles.

Olivia Colman, too, is wonderful. Her character enjoys a growth that's wonderful to behold. Colman is as good as any actress out there. I've seen her before, but with her Ellie Miller, she has captured me completely.

In fact not a single actor or actress was badly chosen. From eldest to youngest and male and female, all of them turned in sterling performances. Even the dog! I was especially pleased with Arthur Darvill. Young Adam Wilson, who played Tom Miller, was quite impressive as well.

This series is what TV should look like. This is what The Killing should have looked like. This is TV at it's finest. The story arc was magnificent, centered, not on procedurals and junk science-based CSI (actual CSI is nothing like what's shown on TV) but on the tragedy of it, and how that tragedy bled into the lives of the people of Broadchurch, itself, even the ones investigating it. The dialog was wonderful, especially the banter between Hardy and Miller, whose polar-opposite natures should have been cliché, yet were pulled off masterfully by Colman and Tennant. Hardy's subplot was simply divine. We find out why he is so world-weary, yet, in the end are still left with the mystery of him, and know he is Broadchurch's greatest mystery still. Little touches, like the 'love thy neighbor' signs add further richness and poignancy and lend the tale yet more humanity. Rich in character development, beautifully photographed, the series ended in a perfect denouement. And the best part is we are left wanting more, which is the mark of a truly great story.

Best mini series I have ever seen!

[beth-clarke-783-108722 · 10/10 · 4 September 2013]

I have seen a lot of mini series, I love British TV - but I will have to say this is probably the best I have seen. Riveting. unpredictable and intense without over dramatization. At first it took me to a little slow but as i got to know the characters and the story that was progressing, I was hooked. The ending - I didn't see coming. But is was done so well. Relatable to so many people without being over the top. I found every character had such an important role that the ending almost came as a surprise. If you want a show that is realistic without being over the top - but at the same time relateable - this is it!!! I only hope season two is as good. The characters were amazing. The story line was believable. i could not stop watching it. If the other seasons are written with thew same demeanor and the same quality _ i will be sure to watch them all.

An excellent British crime-drama

[jamesbelotti · 10/10 · 2 October 2013]

Broadchurch is a fantastic and refreshing British crime-drama. The 8 part series can be complemented on its beautiful cinematography, compelling acting (particularly the performance of Olivia Colman) and a story that grips you. While the story can be somewhat depressing the depth of the characters and the well constructed plot makes it hard not to watch the series in one sitting. Furthermore, unlike other television shows centered on crime, Broadchurch leaves some subtle clues through out the later episodes, which allows viewers to indulge in guessing the killer. The only criticism is that some of the younger actors/actresses give flawed performances, but this is to be expected. I would highly recommend watching this show.

Crime show with a heart

[fergis · 9/10 · 10 April 2013]

I have been loving the emotional depth of this show! So often families of murder victims exist merely to give clues for the eventual solution but in Broadchurch we are exposed to the grief of a bereft and torn family.

I have never paid much attention to Olivia Coleman before but what an amazing actress! She will be added to my list of actors to follow from now on! She plays Ellie Miller a local detective who is not only charged with investigating the murder but who also knows personally the various suspects and players in the drama. An interesting mix and a fruitful tension!

I am very glad for her character because Miller's superior, DI ALec Hardy (David Tennant), is very much the clichéd grumpy dysfunctional detective we have all seen in a hundred other cop dramas. Having said that he plays his role well. If we must have this trope then Tennant brings some new life to it which is a tribute to his screen presence.

The setting is small town Dorset(Southern England). The village setting with its entangled relationships is fertile soil for the twists and tangles of the story.

After 6 episodes I am very much involved with the characters from the town of Broadchurch and am hoping the producers of this show will let it come to the end of its story arc in the scheduled 8 episodes.

You know, it's just kind of okay

[korereviews · 7/10 · 14 March 2017]

Which is to say, I watch it, I enjoy it well enough, but I just can't understand all the gushing reviews about Broadchurch. I am a big fan of David Tennant; but frankly his character isn't very interesting or especially well-written here. Broadchurch is flat - there is no arc to his character. Olivia Colman is a great actress and if she weren't there I don't imagine there would be any life to this series at all, given that Tennant's character just walks around scowling. But mostly the format is rather trite and formulaic: small town, a heinous crime, wide cast of characters - everyone with something to hide, etc. etc. It's all been done a million times before. That doesn't mean it can't still work, but the writing has to be fantastic and innovative in some way. And this isn't. It's not awful, it's just kind of ... okay. By comparison, look at Happy Valley: also nothing revolutionary about the format or story, but the actors are great AND are given amazing material to work with. It's the difference that excellent writing makes.

Once you start you can't stop watching.

[deloudelouvain · 9/10 · 18 May 2020]

Broadchurch is one of those Crime/Mystery series that once you start watching you can't stop. The urge to find out what is happening, who is guilty, is jus too strong and so you start binge watching it, well that's what I did. I watched the three seasons in four days, the first one I would rate with a nine, the other two seasons with an eight. The mystery level couldn't be higher, every episode you think someone else is guilty, what makes this series so interesting to watch. But also the class acting from Olivia Colman and David Tennant, the two characters and their (non)-compliticity are pleasant and fun to watch. To me Olivia Colman was the best actress, she's very believable in anything she plays, she's pure class. The rest of the cast wasn't bad either, some better than others, but overall they all add something to the intriguing stories. They could have made more seasons if it was up to me, this kind of stuff just never gets boring, certainly not with the quality story writing they have here, that's certainly the best thing about Broadchurch, the quality story writing.

A quality series, that's provided many weeks of guessing.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 24 June 2017]

So Broadchurch has finally come to an end after three series. Chris Chibnall recently rounded off, and moves onto his new project, Doctor Who. It's a difficult series to review overall, the first series was incredible, I think it raised the bar for this genre, it was devastating, engaging, and re-opened a genre that had somewhat been underplayed for so long, the whodunit. In each series that's always been the burning question, who and why. Series one was fabulous, and gained the show a massive following, getting over 10 million viewers. I enjoyed Series two, although it faced criticism, the third series got the show very much back on form, with a very dark and gritty story.

Dark, complex engaging stories, that have kept the nation guessing for weeks, will we see the like of this again for some time? A credit to the writer.

Dorset provided a stunning backdrop to the grief stricken town. The show always managed to look so good. Well acted throughout, Tennant and Coleman made a fantastic duo. I will never forget the impact of seeing Matthew Gravelle (Joe Miller) in my then place of work after the first series, talk about chilling.

I am glad that it ended with the third, when Chibnall finally decides to leave Doctor Who, he could revisit the show, maybe a spin off, maybe a new series? A brilliant series overall, 9/10

Drama of the year.

[tgagbradley · 10/10 · 2 August 2013]

The most extraordinary story ever, written & produced by Chris Chipnall, one of the top British writers today. A Brilliant cast, featuring the cream of British actors. The best drama of the year, keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire film. The locations for this film are beautiful.

The body of a 11year old boy is found on the beach in Dorset, England. The murder and following investigation create a chain reaction that will tear this small seaside town apart. A town wrapped in secrets, like most small towns anywhere in the world, and they become known as the investigation proceeds. The Murderer remains veiled until the final episode and a surprise and more importantly the reason. The two investigators, DI Hardy a harden, efficient, and blunt outsider with the reputation for failure - played brilliantly by David Tennant - and DS Miller a sensitive and friendly local - played by the extraordinary Olivia Coleman. The interactions between these two is amazing - some of the best dialog and zingers - like when Miller tells Hardy "leave me alone or I will p--- in a cup and throw it on you." - Or when Hardy tells Miller "I pray nightly that you will leave me alone." The remaining Cast is spectacular - you can actually feel the grief and suspicion coming from their characters. The film is well worth watching if you love great drama and great acting.

A good British mystery drama

[donita51 · 8/10 · 8 June 2013]

I have just finished watching this drama at two sittings. Tense it was, indeed, but its real strength lies in the portrayal of a small, closely-knit community and the explosion/implosion when disaster strikes. It takes place in a southern, sunlit town in Dorset, but the mood is sombre, with hardly a smile breaking the gloom.

The performers are uniformly good, but I have one reservation. As much as I like David Tennant as an actor and a comic (as seen on QI), I could barely comprehend his talking (mumbling would be more correct). I don't know whether it's his pronounced Scottish accent (I can't understand Sir Alex either) or the fact that he clenches his teeth whenever he speaks. Maybe it's because I am not a native speaker of English...

Apart from that picayune point, I enjoyed the show tremendously and am looking forward to seeing more British-made dramas such as this.

Outstanding

[nathangmercado · 10/10 · 20 July 2020]

Just finished Broadchurch. The writing, the performances, the cinematography were all simply spectacular. Each season was as brilliant as the last. It was so enjoyable and had perfect tempo. Outstanding.

Good Show, Well acted, anti-male agenda in third season.

[unhived · 6/10 · 24 April 2018]

Pretty much what the title says. The first two seasons are fantastic. Well acted, compelling, interesting. Third season feels like someone decided that men are weak, selfish, bad parents and so on. Every male character falls into that category, including the male lead. Women tend to be more victims who persevere despite all the wrongdoings of the males.

Literally, not a single male character is safe. Even the child (teen) characters tend to be portrayed in negative light. This wouldn't have been noticeable if at least one or two characters wouldn't fall into this category, but no.

Don't misunderstand. I'm all for strong female characters, female-centric shows and so on. I loved The Good Wife, Resident Evil, Game of Thrones, The Americans and Into the Badlands. But any show that wants to make female characters appear strong by making all the males extremely flawed, is not my cup of tea.

great ugly-secrets-in-small-town show

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 17 September 2014]

Broadchurch is a small British coastal seaside town. One morning, Beth Latimer (Jodie Whittaker) discovers that her son Danny is missing and the police finds his body on the beach. Detective inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) has recently arrived trying to get away from the big city and a previous case. Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) is bitter that Alec got her promotion. Her son Tom knows Danny personally. Her nephew Olly is an ambitious cub reporter willing to do what it takes to get a job on a big paper. As the investigation proceeds, the murder and the uncovered dirty secrets bring a media circus to town. The first series ends with a shocking arrest.

The show starts with a matriarchal primal scream. The small seaside town has an idyllic veneer but underneath is a hidden ugliness. It's the well worn genre of the secret small town life. The beautiful locations contrast perfectly with the sickening investigation. The three lead actors Olivia Colman, David Tennant, and Jodie Whittaker are all terrific. The first series is only 8 episodes long which keeps the story tight and compelling. There are loads of dark secrets revealed. The second series deals with the trial. There are good additional characters but the main mystery tension is gone. Any new twists become a little tired. The quality remains high but the tension is lower. The third and final series follows some new and old characters. There is a new case but the old case continues. The initial episode has a different digital camera feel and it loses the cinematic feel. The later episodes look better. The story is a good investigation which hearkens back to the first series.

Wow!

[laurenhawkins-55367 · 10/10 · 23 June 2020]

This series was just full of surprises! I loved the twists and turns along the way. The two main characters make the show great with their dynamics together.

Just felt all emotions

[savas-arikan · 10/10 · 8 May 2020]

Literally one of the best series in this type I have ever seen. Great drama, excellent music, fabulous acting...

Hooked on this show and wish there were more seasons...

[Bebegirlto · 10/10 · 15 October 2022]

I am just now seeing this show for the first time ('22) and I'm devastated that there are only 3 seasons. I found it on PBS and I loved it so much after the first episode that I couldn't wait a whole week to watch another episode so I had to buy all three seasons on dvd. I really love that this show is set in a gorgeous little seaside town and each character is perfection. I loved that each character seemed to be hiding their own little secrets making everyone a possible suspect. Brilliantly written and beautifully acted. I haven't enjoyed or looked forward to a show like this in a long time so I'm very happy I found it. I also loved it so much that I purchased Gracepoint too. (The American version) Even though it is almost word for word I enjoyed it just as much and really liked that they gave the ending a little twist. Some people will say it might be a little slow but I REALLY enjoy shows that show everything and don't just speed through where I'm left wondering how they got there or what happened in between. With this show I'm never left with questions. The ONLY negative thing I could write about it is that there aren't more seasons. I would love if this were still filming. One of my top five favorite shows of all time now.

Getting worse...

[grnhair2001 · 7/10 · 18 May 2016]

The first season was a 8.0 for me, though like many others here I thought the revelation of killer was a bit of a cheat.

I was excited to see season 2 and happy that they managed to keep the two main leads in the story.

But I had a lot of problems with season 2 and probably wouldn't rate it as high as a 5. The courtroom bits didn't seem realistic to me, though with my not being English, maybe your courts are run that badly and I didn't know it.

The weird couple who wasn't part of the town broke both the power of the insularity of the town...and they were dull and weird and unreal, and I think the writer thought making them a little kinky made up for the lack, but it didn't.

The final scenes with what happened to the murderer from season 1 made me laugh, they were so ridiculous. And how does his kid turn on a dime like that? Bad character writing.

And finally, as a viewer, I realized a couple of pieces of emotional detachment were happening to me. There was resolution to season 1, and season 2 removed it, so I thought "Well, no reason to believe any of the plot developments here are going to stick beyond an eyeblink, either." That is, whatever emotional investment I had was gone. Moreover, the beauty of the landscape had worn on me too. As with beautiful art you buy and hang on your walls, you quit seeing it after a couple of months.

Do not trust the positive reviews

[jagadeesh892 · 2/10 · 22 May 2021]

Started with a good preface then the plot got deviated, more details about the families which were unnecessary for a mystery genre, all they do is grieving throughout the episodes and it was painful to see the characters, gripping in some places but the climax ruined entire episodes, meaningless to watch 8 episodes and only to find some uncompromising ending, detectives were sleeping all over the episodes until the suspect comes forward and confess... It's neither a mystery nor a drama.... Disappointed.

Beautiful and Heartbreaking

[Kelli-kimi-kk-260-202786 · 10/10 · 27 April 2015]

I do not like writing reviews, but Broadchurch is a show that demands it. What I love about Broadchurch is that in essence it does not have a lead character. It is not about Miller or Hardy or the Latimers or even the town itself. It is just an extremely compelling story about the human instinct to survive, even if you have to lie or cheat or murder for it.

What separates it from other shows in the genre is that it is packed to the brim with talented actors, stunning scenery, powerful dialogue, and a haunting background score. You will believe and sympathize with every character, but you will also doubt them and wonder what their secrets are.

The only other show that I can compare it to is Fargo, only that Fargo did not make me bawl like a child at the end. This is a show that will make you question every relationship you have, may that be your spouse, your neighbour or even your children!

I wouldn't change anything about this show, every episode is better than its previous one.

a lot will go down

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 5 May 2021]

My parents told me about "Broadchurch", and so I spent a lot of free time during COVID isolation watching it. What a show! This clever look at the investigation of a child's death in a coastal English town deftly mixes mystery, grief, and the potential for the media's lapse of ethics.

The stars are Olivia Colman and David Tennant. I only learned of her a few years ago when she won an Oscar for playing Queen Anne in "The Favorite" (more recently she played Queen Elizabeth on "The Crown"). He more recently starred on the coronavirus-themed "Staged". Both put their all into the roles of the detectives investigating the death. I don't know how such an investigation would actually work, but the show plays everything out with such nuance that it doesn't matter. If you have free time, definitely check this show out.

Tennant and Coleman lead an excellent mystery trilogy

[batmanjokercatwoman · 10/10 · 9 May 2017]

This is a great trilogy of mysteries set in a coastal town in Dorset.

The series stars David Tennant as Alec Hardy a detective who just arrived in town following a failed murder case and Olivia Coleman as Ellie Miller a local officer with close connections to many town residents. This show became an instant hit due to the excellent chemistry between the leads and how they contrast each other.

Other cast and characters include - Andrew Buchan and Jodie Whittaker as Mark and Beth Latimer the parents of a murdered boy, Arthur Darvill as Reverend Paul and Caroline Pickles as Maggie editor of the local paper.

Season 1 An 11-year-old boy is found dead at the local beach, Danny the son of the Latimer family who are close friends with Ellie and her family.

Besides the appeal of the two main leads, this season presents us one of the greatest murder mystery stories on television. The mystery itself is pretty Agatha Christie style – body found, a handful of suspects each with something to hide, red herring after red herring etc. What keeps the mystery intriguing, besides the whodunit element, is the effect it has on the characters and not just the boy's family but also the residents of the town the local media and even the police. The revelation of who the killer is incredibly shocking and is pretty devastating for everyone.

It's also the story arcs for the two leads, Alec is the more experienced detective however has a lot to prove after messing up his last case, Ellie is desperate to be a great detective but she's out of her depth as she's forced to treat her friends and neighbours like suspects. Both David Tennant and Olivia Coleman work off of each other perfectly, they bicker a lot but they also bring out the strengths in each other.

Besides Tennant and Coleman, Andrew Buchan and Jodie Whittaker deliver emotionally raw performances as Danny's grieving parents. Other standouts include David Bradley as an owner of a newsagents and Pauline Quirke as an observant woman both with mysterious past and come off as quite creepy.

Season 2 There are two main story arcs; the trial of Danny's killer and the re-opening of the Sandbrook murder case Hardy had failed to solve before coming to Broadchurch.

This season received a mixed reception compared to Season 1 and it's understandable why. Really no follow-up season could've matched the bar that was set so high. The court case itself was pretty engaging, I don't know how accurate it is to the legal system but it does present a lot of consequences from Season 1, such as the lies the witness and moments Hardy and Miller went against procedure. It's also great to see the conflict between the two lawyers and their story arcs, played excellently by Charlotte Rampling and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The Sandbrook mystery however wasn't so interesting, the problem was it felt kind of shoehorned in and it makes Hardy look incompetent that he could be so easily mislead. Eve Myles and James D'Arcy are great additions and help keep the mystery plot going. But it seems their characters are being written as they're going, as their motivations are pretty difficult to identify what they're doing.

This was a good season for Ellie's character however, as she never seems to catch a break and it's great to see her fight back after everything she's been through. Olivia Coleman does an amazing job portraying Ellie's suffering and evolution without sacrificing her quirky sense of humour.

Season 3 Three years later, an unknown attacker at a party has raped a middle-aged woman Trish Winterman.

The final season kind of acts like a new starter, where Season 2 sets to look at the consequence and resolve plot lines of Season 1, this gives us a new mystery and new characters. This works for the best as Season 2 tried too hard by doing too much at once while this starts afresh and is allowed to breathe.

That's not to say there's no continuation from the first two, Alec and Ellie seemed to learn from their past mistakes and realise how well they work together while still butting heads. We also still follow Mark and Beth, three years on and Mark no matter how much he tries, even helped write a book, can't find closure for Danny's death which is causing him to be kind of self destructive. Beth on the hand utilises her time to help others, she is assigned to help Trish, it's great to see how she evolved as a character. I like watching Beth and Trish bond, as these two broken women give each other strength and it was great to see Beth have an active role in the mystery.

The mystery is structured very similar to Season 1, however the revelation is not as shocking but does deliver a unique message about rape.

Julie Hesmondhalgh delivers a brilliant performance as the victim Trish, she's very sympathetic but she's also an enjoyable not just a self-pity or bitter victim. Other standout additional cast include Sarah Parish as Trish's best friend Cath, Lenny Henry as Trish's boss Ed and Sebastian Armesto as a creepy taxi driver.

Conclusion Overall this is a great series, each season delivering an unexpected turn of events that keep you hooked. While neither Seasons 2 nor 3 couldn't match the quality of Season 1, they are still worthy continuations with great acting from all the cast. It has been confirmed that Season 3 is the last ever, which is perfectly fine as it's best to end on high note.

Ultimate denial

[medecindurein · 10/10 · 1 June 2023]

In the standard mythology vampires need to be invited into a home in order prey on the people living there. And to be invited in, they must, of course, look innocent. In this story the innocent look guilty and the guilty look innocent aided by denial at the highest level. The innocent are persecuted by the mob and those closest. The guilty are protected by subconscious denial at the highest level. To anyone who has studied the psychology of abuse this will ring all too true. The acting is most excellent and believable adding to the pathos. This series is highly recommended but unfortunately only three seasons. The evidence points in many directions until the very end.