Movies

Netflix’s new Scotland-set police drama just misses out on being a five-star watch – here’s why

BBG News

In a TV world already crowded with cop-centric crime dramas, it can be tough for fresh shows to stand out. However, determined to capture viewers’ interest is the new Netflix series Dept. Q, inspired by the novels of Danish author Jussi Adler.

In Edinburgh, I find myself immersed in a gripping, not to mention fiery, television series. I, as a fan, am captivated by Matthew Goode’s powerful portrayal as the deeply troubled and quick-tempered Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck.

viewers fondly recalling Henry Talbot’s charming and affable character as portrayed by Goode in ITV’s cherished period drama may find it surprising how effortlessly he adopts the grim mental state of a person grappling with the recent shock of being shot.

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As I dive into the gripping world of Dept. Q, it begins with a chilling scene – me witnessing a young police officer being ruthlessly shot during a violent gunfight, which leaves my partner, Detective Chief Inspector James Hardy (the brilliant Jamie Sives from Shetland), incapacitated.

Carl’s explosive temperament often makes him an unreliable risk, one that his supervisor, Detective Chief Superintendent Moira Jacobson (from ‘Game of Thrones’, played by Kate Dickie), tries to control by assigning him as the lone member of Department Q, a recently established unit dedicated to solving cold cases.

Carl’s latest work guideline serves a dual purpose – it functions as a strategy to draw attention away from the shortcomings of a police force lacking in resources, and can be seen as a form of public relations maneuver as well.

Even though Carl had an off-putting demeanor, he gradually built a small but dedicated team. This began with administrative staff member Akram Salim (portrayed by Alexej Manvelov) and Detective Constable Rose Dickson, who is played by Leah Byrne in the film “Nightsleeper.

They start investigating the vanishing of a notable government official. This investigation, however, turns out to be far more complicated than they initially expected, filled with unexpected turns, fractured limbs, damaged vocal cords, and an abundance of difficulties they hadn’t foreseen.

In theory, Department Q appears as a perfect 10; it’s densely packed with an unsettling ambiance that bristles with anticipation.

Although we could dust off the red pen and revert to traditional grading methods, Dept. Q would receive a commendable “B” mark. While it maintains an engaging level of intrigue, this thriller falls short of true greatness. Primarily, this is due to an overabundance of elements that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Dept. Q borrows a little from Detective Morck’s personality, in that it knows that it is clever.

The foundation of this narrative is solid, intricate, and well-linked, yet at times, it appears overly ambitious with its goals. Ultimately, certain plotlines conclude more effectively than others. The underperforming ones leave a sense of incompleteness or dissatisfaction.

To put it simply, for those who tend to multitask by scrolling on their phones while watching, be aware that this isn’t a watch you can easily do that with. This thriller has numerous intricate parts moving simultaneously, and if you want the climax (which is generally quite rewarding) to have maximum impact, it’s best to pay full attention.

In a different wording, Dept. Q excels in its diverse set of characters, particularly the dynamic between lead character Carl and his reluctant partner Akram.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say if Carl’s character is as tangled as his bushy beard, then Akram is the gentle, steadfast brush that can smooth out Carl’s rough edges.

In a captivating display, Goode delivers an outstanding performance that keeps you hooked, but it’s Manvelov who truly steals the spotlight in this production. Akram’s actions exude a calm, composed demeanor, yet beneath this facade lies a rich tapestry of character nuances.

On the outside, there seems to be a good-cop-bad-cop dynamic, yet it’s the instances where Akram’s determination emerges that prove intriguing, as these moments hint at deeper implications.

In Carl’s world, there are various individuals who reveal distinct aspects of him, such as his son Jasper (Aaron McVeigh), closest friend James, roommate Martin (Sanjeev Kohli), and therapist Dr. Rachel Irving, portrayed by Kelly Macdonald from ‘Line of Duty’.

Each character copes differently with the inner turmoil they face, yet each is distinctly individual and fully fleshed out.

In a way that won’t give away too much of the plot, Chloe Pirrie delivers an exceptional performance as Merrith Lingard in “The Queen’s Gambit”. Even when certain storylines connected to her character might become repetitive or less engaging, Pirrie manages to keep viewers hooked.

Tom Bulpett delivers an impressive portrayal as Merritt’s brother, William Lingard. Despite being often misinterpreted, undervalued, and ignored, William proves to be shrewder than his circumstances might suggest.

Besides boasting a powerful ensemble, the crime thriller, “Dept. Q,” skillfully incorporates a subtle yet significant political dialogue that runs throughout the narrative. While not overwhelming the plot, this element is intentionally included and adds depth to the storyline.

Still, despite all its strengths, the show suffers by feeling overstretched.

Ultimately, what remains is an exceptional ensemble who have transformed a narrative brimming with promise into a vibrant reality, elevating the series to its current status as mostly engaging television.

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2025-05-29 10:49

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