I am in Wales, so get this as standard. It is too good to be shown in Wales only and on i-player. Hinterland is one of the best dramas to come out of the BBC for many years. If you love the wave of scandi dramas you will absolutely love Hinterland, filmed in the same way, it is naturally dark and moody, with gritty story lines, and a level of acting that will surprise you and make you want to come back for more. Richard Harrington is massively charismatic as lead character DCI Mathias, and the supporting cast are always equally as good. A word on the filming, it is top notch, beautifully done, but then they were never going to fail with the glorious mid Wales setting.
183 Reviews
Surprisingly good murder series
arthurlally116 January 2014
Well I have to say that the title of the show did not initially grab me and I was guilty of thinking it may be a bit parochial and low key, as compared to some of the blockbuster series around these days but I am glad to admit that I misjudged that badly. Its really captivating to watch as the stories have a real edge to them and the plots are quite involved, as real life can be. I am a big fan of the new run of Swedish and Danish crime films, and this certainly matches them in terms of character development, intrigue and a haunting background that keeps the viewer glued to the screen. I also like the way the first two episodes involve murders with a murky history, similar to the style employed in the award winning Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. It also had a building story presence reminiscent of the excellent Broadchurch series, so I am now a big convert of what they have achieved with this....excellent drama, so please keep the stories going. Watch and you shouldn't be disappointed
Partly cloudy (S3 update)
Bantam21 January 2015
I just binge-watched the first season of the show. Not because it was gripping, or exceptional. Mostly because the episodes (mind you, all have proper movie length) have a drilling undertone to them,that grows on you like the moss on those Welsh rocks you see all over the place.
The set-up is, I would guess, the new neo-noir (at least I would place them there). It kinda sombre, somewhat depressing, especially when you look at the bleak landscape and the crap weather. And it seems all the 'movies' take place in autumn or even winter. The Welsh title is "Y gwyll", the dusk. So, even the colours are kinda dim and gone. That is a real plus.
What really bugs me (and at the same time kept me watching it) are the hints given concerning the characters, both the protagonists, as well as the antagonists, but mostly the protagonists. Little will be told about their motives or the background, and much (much TOO much) will be left to the imagination. However, the characters that suppose to drive the show are, as is the land around them, somewhat bleak and dull, too. Tom Mathias strikes me as a fully-functional, yet utterly depressed. In terms of acting all characters look very real, it's almost like talking to you neighbour.
The movies lack action and purely draw their power from the fact that all involved are somewhat 'broken'. So, if it's some gloomy and depressing real-life crime-drama you want, watch this. And since it's winter in the northern hemisphere, they fit in quite nicely. It's like listening to Norwegian Black Metal, whilst driving through the snowy and desolate peaks of northern Scandinavia. Then you know how this music came about or what kind of mood it is supposed transport. The movies work employing the same tactic, IMO.
One big plus is the slow pace, paired up with nice suspense. Something most movies (or shows) seek to avoid by bright colours, action and flashy detectives. All in all it kind of reminds me of a rural, Welsh/British "True Detective". And the use of Welsh yields some credibility. I am hoping for a second season, and I hope for some more insight into the minds of the protagonists. I'd also like to see some more character development (towards bad or good, I do not care).
(S2 update)
So I finished the second series and I am rather taken with it. The character development is still rather slow, but there is enough to work with in order to get a good read on the characters. Also, I am rather surprised that there is so much crime in such a small community. By now the population of the region it is set in should have dropped significantly ;) We're talking some 70k in the region surrounding Aberystwyth. The filming and directing has improved slightly, IMO. There are, however, some plot strands that feel a bit 'forced'. But it's not terribly bad or outlandish. Especially the tie-ins with older cases. I would have expected something like that much earlier (and on a greater scale) considering the small community (see above). All in all a good and worthy continuation of the series- still dark and depressing. And I've found myself enjoying the Welsh parts; a very interesting language.
(S3 update)
The good news is that the pace of the series has not been changed. Pretty much everything that made it great is still there. The writers did a really good job of both coming up with new cases, as well as weaving those past cases and some new plot twists into the overall arc. I also liked the steady, yet moderate, progression of the character development. It might be just me, but I would say that overall acting has slightly improved - maybe because the supporting roles were fleshed out a bit, not sure though and it just might be a gut feeling. The landscape is still dreary, desolate and depressing - like most people who inhabit it. I really like this about Hinterland!
I have actually increased my rating after season 3 and I hope that I will be able to see more of this. Bravo, BBC Cymru!
The set-up is, I would guess, the new neo-noir (at least I would place them there). It kinda sombre, somewhat depressing, especially when you look at the bleak landscape and the crap weather. And it seems all the 'movies' take place in autumn or even winter. The Welsh title is "Y gwyll", the dusk. So, even the colours are kinda dim and gone. That is a real plus.
What really bugs me (and at the same time kept me watching it) are the hints given concerning the characters, both the protagonists, as well as the antagonists, but mostly the protagonists. Little will be told about their motives or the background, and much (much TOO much) will be left to the imagination. However, the characters that suppose to drive the show are, as is the land around them, somewhat bleak and dull, too. Tom Mathias strikes me as a fully-functional, yet utterly depressed. In terms of acting all characters look very real, it's almost like talking to you neighbour.
The movies lack action and purely draw their power from the fact that all involved are somewhat 'broken'. So, if it's some gloomy and depressing real-life crime-drama you want, watch this. And since it's winter in the northern hemisphere, they fit in quite nicely. It's like listening to Norwegian Black Metal, whilst driving through the snowy and desolate peaks of northern Scandinavia. Then you know how this music came about or what kind of mood it is supposed transport. The movies work employing the same tactic, IMO.
One big plus is the slow pace, paired up with nice suspense. Something most movies (or shows) seek to avoid by bright colours, action and flashy detectives. All in all it kind of reminds me of a rural, Welsh/British "True Detective". And the use of Welsh yields some credibility. I am hoping for a second season, and I hope for some more insight into the minds of the protagonists. I'd also like to see some more character development (towards bad or good, I do not care).
(S2 update)
So I finished the second series and I am rather taken with it. The character development is still rather slow, but there is enough to work with in order to get a good read on the characters. Also, I am rather surprised that there is so much crime in such a small community. By now the population of the region it is set in should have dropped significantly ;) We're talking some 70k in the region surrounding Aberystwyth. The filming and directing has improved slightly, IMO. There are, however, some plot strands that feel a bit 'forced'. But it's not terribly bad or outlandish. Especially the tie-ins with older cases. I would have expected something like that much earlier (and on a greater scale) considering the small community (see above). All in all a good and worthy continuation of the series- still dark and depressing. And I've found myself enjoying the Welsh parts; a very interesting language.
(S3 update)
The good news is that the pace of the series has not been changed. Pretty much everything that made it great is still there. The writers did a really good job of both coming up with new cases, as well as weaving those past cases and some new plot twists into the overall arc. I also liked the steady, yet moderate, progression of the character development. It might be just me, but I would say that overall acting has slightly improved - maybe because the supporting roles were fleshed out a bit, not sure though and it just might be a gut feeling. The landscape is still dreary, desolate and depressing - like most people who inhabit it. I really like this about Hinterland!
I have actually increased my rating after season 3 and I hope that I will be able to see more of this. Bravo, BBC Cymru!
Hinderland Brilliant series
pnsd30 October 2016
Hinderland is brilliant- many American murder shows pale in comparison. But you have to like beautiful moody landscapes that mirror the people in them. Too many American shows are all about sex,shooting and cute chummy buddy scenes and pretty tourist places. If you don't want to think or be engaged you won't like it. But I find the series viscerally moving and thought provoking-so I love it and can't wait for the next one. The layers of personal history the series unravel and peel back, reveal truths about humanity we sometimes like to forget. The series does not trivialize the flaws and broken parts of the characters, rather the story line uncovers where things went wrong in the first place. True to life, it shows you how easy it can be to go off the rails.
Stunning, gripping, dynamic
madelaine-899-35611116 January 2014
Stunning, gripping, dynamic - excellent acting with gripping plot lines against the backdrop of a beautiful but bleak Wales.
The weather with all it's moods, a tumultuous seascape and vast barrenness of the Welsh landscape, this series achieves it's aims of the stories that emerge from the land and it's people; new views of the places and faces of Wales - and it's bilingual - to listen to the cadence of the Welsh accent alongside English enhances cultural understanding.
The cinematography is wonderful, testament to the commitment to a visual expression of culture, time, place and it's people. Outstanding.
Why is there not more?
The weather with all it's moods, a tumultuous seascape and vast barrenness of the Welsh landscape, this series achieves it's aims of the stories that emerge from the land and it's people; new views of the places and faces of Wales - and it's bilingual - to listen to the cadence of the Welsh accent alongside English enhances cultural understanding.
The cinematography is wonderful, testament to the commitment to a visual expression of culture, time, place and it's people. Outstanding.
Why is there not more?
Slow and insightful
agatamielcarz27 February 2017
Many crime stories show police / detective work as something exciting, the cops are on a quest to solve a puzzle, and with guns, technology, intellect or even superpowers, they manage to find the culprit, point a finger at the guilty, and pat themselves on the back for doing a great job. There's none of that here.
Police work as shown in Hinderland is a mix of frustrating conversations that get you nowhere and hours of research (done by supporting leads) coupled with some lucky breakthroughs. If you are nit-picky about police procedures or a fan of CSI-type of story telling, you might be bored and annoyed by this show.
If you like shows about detectives unraveling the master plans of highly intelligent super-villains you might be a bit disappointed as well - the crime in this show is very down-to-earth and true to statistics (no Hanibal Lecter type of stuff).
Even if initially the series seems slow, and not your usual cup of tea, it's worth to give it a closer look, as it just might make you a better person.
Each episode (the length of a standalone film) tells a different story of 'who's done it', yet the finger never seems to be pointed at a particular person. The show offers a fuller picture and helps you understand the motivations and circumstances that lead to the crimes.
The show is really compassionate, there are no bad guys and good guys, like many of the cop-stories out there would have you believe, everyone is broken and suffering, and oh so human. A true lesson in empathy.
I love how Tom Mathias (the main character) treats the people he arrests - even when tackling them to the ground he still sees them as people, seems to understand their pain and even (gasp!) tries to comfort them.
When the stories come to an end, there is no patting on the back, solving of a case does not feel like a victory of justice, there are no moral lessons to learn, other than "suffering creates more suffering".
It's a slow, beautifully shot show which by offering you an escape from reality throws you knee-deep in it's slimy gutter instead.
Police work as shown in Hinderland is a mix of frustrating conversations that get you nowhere and hours of research (done by supporting leads) coupled with some lucky breakthroughs. If you are nit-picky about police procedures or a fan of CSI-type of story telling, you might be bored and annoyed by this show.
If you like shows about detectives unraveling the master plans of highly intelligent super-villains you might be a bit disappointed as well - the crime in this show is very down-to-earth and true to statistics (no Hanibal Lecter type of stuff).
Even if initially the series seems slow, and not your usual cup of tea, it's worth to give it a closer look, as it just might make you a better person.
Each episode (the length of a standalone film) tells a different story of 'who's done it', yet the finger never seems to be pointed at a particular person. The show offers a fuller picture and helps you understand the motivations and circumstances that lead to the crimes.
The show is really compassionate, there are no bad guys and good guys, like many of the cop-stories out there would have you believe, everyone is broken and suffering, and oh so human. A true lesson in empathy.
I love how Tom Mathias (the main character) treats the people he arrests - even when tackling them to the ground he still sees them as people, seems to understand their pain and even (gasp!) tries to comfort them.
When the stories come to an end, there is no patting on the back, solving of a case does not feel like a victory of justice, there are no moral lessons to learn, other than "suffering creates more suffering".
It's a slow, beautifully shot show which by offering you an escape from reality throws you knee-deep in it's slimy gutter instead.
Cannot wait.
showmaster-934-98551926 February 2014
For those asking, yes the series will continue, not least because the Scands want it to after it was sold to Denmark. The actors say it was the hardest thing they have done, filming it back-to-back in Welsh and then English, but was well worth it.
Hinterland not only refers to the setting in the hills and sea coasts around Aberystwyth and Mid-Wales but to the plot lines where all the crimes have a backstory or hinterland of their own. It also refers to each individual character and not just the leads. There is no cardboard cut-out anywhere and all have motives and biases deeply rooted in the unknown, thus far, past which has made them who they are. I know a real-life person just like every character portrayed so far, got them spot on.
If you like shoot-em-up all-action fantasy this is not for you since scenes can be silent and slow, revealing emotion and thought processes but if you have any liking for fringe cultures such as Scandinavian noir then dig in. The tension is often unbearable not least the tension waiting for the next series.
Hinterland not only refers to the setting in the hills and sea coasts around Aberystwyth and Mid-Wales but to the plot lines where all the crimes have a backstory or hinterland of their own. It also refers to each individual character and not just the leads. There is no cardboard cut-out anywhere and all have motives and biases deeply rooted in the unknown, thus far, past which has made them who they are. I know a real-life person just like every character portrayed so far, got them spot on.
If you like shoot-em-up all-action fantasy this is not for you since scenes can be silent and slow, revealing emotion and thought processes but if you have any liking for fringe cultures such as Scandinavian noir then dig in. The tension is often unbearable not least the tension waiting for the next series.
Flawed - but still great in my eyes...
wilkinsonalan25 December 2015
I cannot help but love this series.
It is taciturn and bleak - and must have been derived from Scandi-noir. There are some duff episodes, but it continues to redeem itself. Patently, they never film in summer - I cannot imagine that Aberystwyth labours under a perpetual gloom - but like 'The Killing' it always seems brooding and gloomy.
I would like it to be a little more shocking in effect, but suspect it has to be aimed at a mainstream audience so can't tread that path.
It could be more expansive in the intricacies of the plot, and build the relationships of the protagonists - the latter appear to be much the same as episode one regardless of the passage of time.
Whatever, I really, really like it.
It is taciturn and bleak - and must have been derived from Scandi-noir. There are some duff episodes, but it continues to redeem itself. Patently, they never film in summer - I cannot imagine that Aberystwyth labours under a perpetual gloom - but like 'The Killing' it always seems brooding and gloomy.
I would like it to be a little more shocking in effect, but suspect it has to be aimed at a mainstream audience so can't tread that path.
It could be more expansive in the intricacies of the plot, and build the relationships of the protagonists - the latter appear to be much the same as episode one regardless of the passage of time.
Whatever, I really, really like it.
Dreary Beyond Words
drednm6 July 2019
I gave up on this one. It's nowhere near as good as VERA or SHETLAND. The major downfall is the cast. There's not an interesting or likable character in the lot. The two leads are especially dour and grim.
VERA boasts an explosive and unpredictable yet wily character played by Brenda Blethyn. SHETLAND has Douglas Henshall as the stern yet vulnerable Perez. HINTERLAND has nothing.
As the locals would say: Mae'n stinks.
VERA boasts an explosive and unpredictable yet wily character played by Brenda Blethyn. SHETLAND has Douglas Henshall as the stern yet vulnerable Perez. HINTERLAND has nothing.
As the locals would say: Mae'n stinks.
So Good!
chickinabimmer21 April 2017
Excellent. Intriguing. Haunting. Beautiful and bleak. Strong characters and performances. So different than the shoot 'em up, soft core ridiculousness of US cop shows.
Perfect to binge. I'm having a tough time turning it off. I want to see what happens next and why. Interesting that they shoot in Welsh and English, takes a moment to get attuned to the accents and cadence.
Check it out! It really is good.
PS if you like this, take a peek at "Shetland". another BBCgem.
Perfect to binge. I'm having a tough time turning it off. I want to see what happens next and why. Interesting that they shoot in Welsh and English, takes a moment to get attuned to the accents and cadence.
Check it out! It really is good.
PS if you like this, take a peek at "Shetland". another BBCgem.
Casting is flawed
swati48911 November 2019
Dull
bthwaithe11 March 2016
I get that it's supposed to be all glum and noir and bleak, but nothing about this show interested me. The detective characters were barely one dimensional. The lead detective mopes around staring at people, staring at photos, staring out at the landscape. The murders themselves are dull and no matter how hard I tried to care, I just didn't. I didn't care about the gloomily uptight detectives or about the victims and ultimately didn't care to continue watching episodes to find out who killed them and why. There isn't much story to any of this; there's a lot of cinematography padding. I didn't find the landscape interesting enough to warrant all the scenery padding. Maybe it's because I live in a more beautiful area that empties out at the end of summer, so I'm used to autumnal and wintery open space. The lead detective sure does try hard to resuscitate people, though. He seems to pound on chests a lot out in damp fields.. If you like inexplicably tormented detectives with a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, fields, reeds and lots of outdoor birdsong (without ever seeing a bird), you'll like this series. Otherwise, it's almost a bad parody of ScandNoir.
Brilliant. At least on par with the Scandinavian dramas but home-grown makes it even better.
cooperhilary31 January 2015
Dark, brooding, atmospheric, haunting, understated Beautiful hauntingly appropriate music. The magnificent landscape is a major player as it always is in Welsh life. The characters are at one with their surroundings deeply moulded by the dark forebidding landscape. The use of Welsh is as it is. Welsh interspersed with English or English interspersed with Welsh. I love this touch of realism. All the people involved in the making of this series are home-grown and all due credit to them. Matthias lives in a caravan on the mountainside. How does he come to be living there? What is his unknown past? I live in a caravan myself in the north-west of England and spend several weeks of the winter tucked away in a cottage somewhere in Wales. Am I as dark, melancholy and troubled as Matthias? Probably. The stories and characters are complex and closely interwoven. Always maintaining tension and anticipation and achieving this within one self-contained episode rather than a whole series. Limiting this series to BBC2 Wales is to do it a dis-service. It should be more widely available for general viewing. I don't usually write reviews but I absolutely love this series. But don't overdo it and do it to death as happens with so many series. I only saw a couple of the episodes first time round so am looking forward to catching up with the ones I missed.
Oh wow - the BBC CAN make dramas as good as the Scandis! Well, BBC Wales anyway...
johnbirch-229 January 2014
Stumbled across this on iPlayer, as its only been shown in Wales so far, remembered reading about, so gave it a go. And boy was I rewarded!
Obviously having been to university in the town it is set helped - and this series captures perfectly Aberystwyth and its surrounding area - but even without that this is a class above the repetitive formulaic usual British crime dramas. Someone has been watching The Killing and Wallander and even The Bridge and been taking notes...
Just wonderful, involving drama with a superb cast of unknowns (to me anyway), plus the remote and achingly beautiful mid Wales coastal landscape that makes me want to go back there - now - even though it also shows have remote Aber really is, and how actually most people living there want to leave...
When this comes onto the main networks - as it must - do not miss it.
Obviously having been to university in the town it is set helped - and this series captures perfectly Aberystwyth and its surrounding area - but even without that this is a class above the repetitive formulaic usual British crime dramas. Someone has been watching The Killing and Wallander and even The Bridge and been taking notes...
Just wonderful, involving drama with a superb cast of unknowns (to me anyway), plus the remote and achingly beautiful mid Wales coastal landscape that makes me want to go back there - now - even though it also shows have remote Aber really is, and how actually most people living there want to leave...
When this comes onto the main networks - as it must - do not miss it.
Stumbled upon a gem
sgh-4046529 April 2017
I literally stumbled on Hinterland while home sick with the flu. A few reviewers commented how they didn't care for the dark undertones. While I'll agree it's dark, it isn't the darkest show I've seen on TV. I love the plot twists and turns. It seems just when I'm certain I've figured out who the bad guy is, new evidence pops up and my theory is in the wind! For me, personally, what is most interesting about Hinterland is seeing the cultural differences between the U.S. and Wales, England. Every little nuance is fascinating to me; I find myself intrigued by the word choices for commonplace things, and the phrases the actors use. I'm also fascinated by the police are portrayed and how they operate. The detectives who don't carry any weapon (and isn't DCI Mathias always chasing a bad guy on his own?) or do police radios/walkie-talkies, but use their cell phones to call for backup. I've found myself researching the Welsh people and the area where HInterland is filmed, hungry to learn more. Love the show! A refreshing break from the ridiculous crap on TV in the U.S. I will be so disappointed if I start to see the worn out plots I've seen a thousand times. Love Mathias' character. Yes, we've all seen the troubled cop, but there's a different twist to his darkness that is fresh, I'm still trying to figure him out. :-)
Atmospheric palaver
redinnevada1 July 2023
Came for the quality detective series that the UK offerings usually provide, stayed for the scenery and sets.
UK Detective series are my #1 genre. Smart, intelligent, provides good storylines without relying on a lot of useless fight scenes or car chases. All in all good storytelling.
This one doesn't quite live up to it. The mysteries aren't really all that engaging. And it's hard to tell if it's the story or the dull delivery of it all. I'm sure these actors are terrific in other gigs, but here the whole thing seems dimmed and not because of the gloomy atmosphere.
They all feel like they're bored. With their life in Wales, with their jobs, even with the mysteries they're charged to solve. The only character on the show who has a spark of life is Hannah Daniel. The character of DI Mared Rhys isn't very likable. She seems to go around judging people and finds everyone wanting. Even the main character, DCI Mathias isn't compelling because we're left too long wondering what his whole moody deal is. With no answers, after a while, we stop caring.
But the scenery, the sets inside big old Welsh mansions, the cobbled streets headed down to the sea, all of that will keep me watching if only to feel like I'm visiting home (in a way as some of my family comes from Wales).
Even that's not enough to keep it going forever though.
UK Detective series are my #1 genre. Smart, intelligent, provides good storylines without relying on a lot of useless fight scenes or car chases. All in all good storytelling.
This one doesn't quite live up to it. The mysteries aren't really all that engaging. And it's hard to tell if it's the story or the dull delivery of it all. I'm sure these actors are terrific in other gigs, but here the whole thing seems dimmed and not because of the gloomy atmosphere.
They all feel like they're bored. With their life in Wales, with their jobs, even with the mysteries they're charged to solve. The only character on the show who has a spark of life is Hannah Daniel. The character of DI Mared Rhys isn't very likable. She seems to go around judging people and finds everyone wanting. Even the main character, DCI Mathias isn't compelling because we're left too long wondering what his whole moody deal is. With no answers, after a while, we stop caring.
But the scenery, the sets inside big old Welsh mansions, the cobbled streets headed down to the sea, all of that will keep me watching if only to feel like I'm visiting home (in a way as some of my family comes from Wales).
Even that's not enough to keep it going forever though.
Don't miss this four part series made by BBC Wales
hughesjeff28 January 2014
One of the best crime series of the last 12 months and that includes imported as well as home grown TV.
Every episode is beautifully crafted and written with human story lines that are not only engrossing, but genuinely moving. The occasional use of Welsh (English subtitles provided) actually adds to this giving you a sense of place. The quality of filming is exquisite taking in the majestic scenery around Aberystwyth, but this never detracts from the cleverly drawn characterisation. Each of the main protagonists is intriguing and you want to know more about them and their relationships, but the writers keep you guessing about the individual just as much as the plot. I found each episode captivating as it unfolded complemented by a great soundtrack that never once intrudes. Above all though, the acting is superb and this is as true of the smaller parts as the main ones.
Having now watched each of the 100 minute long episodes I am going to miss this programme and can't wait for a second series.
Every episode is beautifully crafted and written with human story lines that are not only engrossing, but genuinely moving. The occasional use of Welsh (English subtitles provided) actually adds to this giving you a sense of place. The quality of filming is exquisite taking in the majestic scenery around Aberystwyth, but this never detracts from the cleverly drawn characterisation. Each of the main protagonists is intriguing and you want to know more about them and their relationships, but the writers keep you guessing about the individual just as much as the plot. I found each episode captivating as it unfolded complemented by a great soundtrack that never once intrudes. Above all though, the acting is superb and this is as true of the smaller parts as the main ones.
Having now watched each of the 100 minute long episodes I am going to miss this programme and can't wait for a second series.
Good stories with flawed direction.
Franklie3 November 2014
We've enjoyed this series and hope that it continues for a very long time w loads of episodes every season. The plots are great and the actors are great and the location is great and the wardrobe is great (practical rather than heels and suits; LOVE the red coat). BUT there are a few things we're not so keen on...
...The slow pace art-film-like gets in the way. We find ourselves wishing we could hit fast-forward every other scene. Though the conversations that overlap with events help.
...Secrets aren't intriguing, they're annoying and detract from the viewer being able to empathize.
...The detectives are so moody and snarky and shouty and overly dramatic that we laugh rather than feel their anguish. And Richard is always leaning on a wall like he's trying to keep it from falling over. Sian and Lloyd are much more interesting because they're more real.
...The closed captioning is below par.
...And the language is often crude rather than clever which always ruins the experience.
Either way, we're eager to watch the next season and the next and then next. And hopefully they choose to show the beautiful side of Wales. The tourism board might appreciate it. Somewhere in Wales, there have to be people who smile.
...The slow pace art-film-like gets in the way. We find ourselves wishing we could hit fast-forward every other scene. Though the conversations that overlap with events help.
...Secrets aren't intriguing, they're annoying and detract from the viewer being able to empathize.
...The detectives are so moody and snarky and shouty and overly dramatic that we laugh rather than feel their anguish. And Richard is always leaning on a wall like he's trying to keep it from falling over. Sian and Lloyd are much more interesting because they're more real.
...The closed captioning is below par.
...And the language is often crude rather than clever which always ruins the experience.
Either way, we're eager to watch the next season and the next and then next. And hopefully they choose to show the beautiful side of Wales. The tourism board might appreciate it. Somewhere in Wales, there have to be people who smile.
A drama to be proud of
Alf0d23 January 2014
Having spent three memorable years as a student in Aberystwyth, I was compelled to catch this series on the BBC iPlayer if only to gaze lovingly upon familiar territory. What I found was Wales' answer to the Nordic Noir dramas that have proved so popular recently. The environs of Aberystwyth, in their rugged majestic beauty, are an ideal backdrop for a gritty murder drama and I must say that the three episodes of the first series all exceeded my expectations. A second series has been commissioned and I cannot wait. In years to come the character of DCI Tom Mathias should be as revered in British drama as DCI Jane Tennison if the first series of this is anything to go by. Thanks BBC for making this available on the iPlayer to viewers outside of Wales.
Nice scenery and music, badly directed.
spyrosfykas15 October 2020
Some issues I kept noticing, forgive my English.
The characters do not talk to each other! Not even a simple thank you or a basic hello!
Also, all people interviewed continue their work and noone stops to talk to the cops. They just talk and continue paint the boat or cook or whatever and they always look elsewhere.
So badly directed.
I'm obviously in the minority
liz_hogben22 January 2019
I've now watched six episodes of this series and have finally lost the will to live. Wales is without a doubt a beautiful country but the characters are all so darn miserable, moody and I can find nothing likeable about any of them. I am not daft, murder is not a happy joyous event but I find the whole series incredibly depressing. Not for me.
Must Watch
sonivipul21 August 2017
I liked this TV series from the first episode itself. The best thing about it is the awesome location and camera shooting. The story and the acting is also very good. The lead actors have done a very good job. For a fan of Crime Drama with added Mystery this TV Series is highly recommended.
Magnificent crime series
ketil_duna24 January 2015
Only three episodes along, I am totally caught. The only negative part is the frequent sound effects that will give a healthy person tinnitus, and one already suffering from it an exercise in jogging the volume buttons. Nearly real people, well thought out stories and a pleasant progression. Complicated enough to require attention, short and small enough to make each episode self contained. Even for a foreigner the welsh names and references are cool seasoning. Richard Harrington is a bit of an archetype lone alpha-male policeman with a heart beating within his armor, and likely carrying a troubled past. The lack of fatal car chases, hails of bullets and botox babes also makes this a pleasant counterweight to mainstream Hollywood junk. Would recommend :)
Unrelentingly Bleak and Humorless
juliekcreel19 January 2019
Excellent
debbiedoo-8603217 December 2016
I absolutely love this film noir series. There is not a lot of dialogue. However, the dialogue is expressed through facial expressions and long looks. The stories are brilliant and are not obvious in any way. The ending always has an interesting twist that you did not suspect. The music score is beautiful and is icing on the cake.
The scenery fits right in with the noir aspect of the series. It is stark but beautiful, quiet but expressive.
Love this and can't wait to watch Season 3!!
The acting is very well done but Richard Harrington is brilliant and totally steals the show.
The scenery fits right in with the noir aspect of the series. It is stark but beautiful, quiet but expressive.
Love this and can't wait to watch Season 3!!
The acting is very well done but Richard Harrington is brilliant and totally steals the show.
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