Watch now! 3 reasons why you absolutely need to give ITV’s gripping return detective drama your time

In the second season on ITV, Karen Pirie, played by Lauren Lyle, returns with the same edge, intelligence, and captivating storytelling as before. This time, Detective Inspector Pirie is tasked with solving the mystery of Catriona Grant’s disappearance along with her two-year-old son Adam.

Across an exhilarating trilogy of episodes, I found myself completely hooked on the thrilling journey of Karen Pirie right from the start. Her story kept me on the edge of my seat, refusing to let go until the very end.

Instead of rushing through this drama series set in Scotland, we suggest you savor it slowly. It’s more rewarding to spread your viewing over several days rather than consuming all at once. Showrunner Emer Kenny has carefully crafted each of the three episodes, so take time to appreciate the intricate plot developments without gulping them down all at once.

What to Read Next

Despite the abundance of crime dramas on television today, and the constant flow of new mysteries to keep you hooked, give the series “Karen Pirie” a try. Here are three compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on this show:

1. Engaging storyline – The plot is captivating and will keep you guessing until the very end.
2. Strong characters – The main character, Karen Pirie, is well-developed and relatable, making her a compelling protagonist to follow.
3. Exceptional production values – The show boasts high-quality writing, directing, and cinematography that will immerse you in the story.

Karen Pirie is a first-class TV detective

Karen Pirie isn’t the only crime series to showcase a strong female protagonist. Over time, we’ve witnessed an increase in female detectives, such as Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) from the new “Return to Paradise” series, who made her debut as the first woman lead in the franchise. Additionally, there are the honorary detectives maintaining peace in the chatty town of Marlow, as seen in “The Marlow Murder Club.” Of course, we can’t forget DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) from “Unforgotten,” Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) in “Happy Valley,” and Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) in “The Fall.

Despite these wonderful examples, the number of men leading crime dramas still heavily

Exceeds gender balance is a better way to phrase it. It’s always rewarding to encounter a robustly developed and skillfully crafted female detective, particularly when she exudes such self-assuredness and determination in her investigations.

In the second season, DI Pirie’s expanded authority provides a deeper insight into her predicament.

Lead actress Lauren Lyle portrays Pirie as determined, bold, and ardent. Her self-assuredness is evident yet not overly confident, but there are instances where she oversteps the boundaries of her self-confidence.

Lyle skillfully portrays Pirie’s weaknesses, revealing glimmers of uncertainty that give depth to the character, making it more complex.

The characters

In this drama, it’s not just Karen Pirie who’s making a significant contribution. The series boasts an array of complex characters, skillfully brought to life by talented actors.

James Cosmo delivers a captivating performance as Sir Broderick Grant, just as John Michie impresses in his portrayal of Fergus Sinclair on Holby City. Julia Brown shines brilliantly as the kidnap victim Catriona Grant, while Zach Wyatt’s character, DS Phil Parhatka, adds complexity to Karen’s life as they explore love amidst their professional lives.

Karen Pirie excels at presenting characters to the reader, allowing us to understand their personalities and empathize with them. However, she skillfully shatters these initial impressions by unveiling one surprising truth after another.

This story, Karen Pirie, seems to delve into the intricacies of human character, revealing the various shades of gray we all possess. The labels of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ can often feel too simplistic here, as characters are pushed to act in ways that deviate from their normal behavior due to factors such as betrayal, pain, desperation, and a host of other emotions that lead to tragic outcomes.

The unexpected twists

Instead of a crime drama with a surprise, it’s a classic element that’s common within this genre.

In the realm of crime series, Karen Pirie isn’t alone in preferring a long-running case over individual mysteries; shows like Bergerac and Trigger Point share this trait. However, similar to those mentioned, the plot twists in Karen Pirie are skillfully executed.

The unfolding of information follows a pattern similar to Detective Inspector Pirie’s mental journey. Just as she uncovers something new, so does the viewer, and this knowledge seems indisputable until fresh evidence emerges, rendering our previous assumptions obsolete.

Engaging with it makes you feel like a participant instead of just an observer, drawing you into the heart of the action.

In Karen Pirie’s second season, you might guess who the culprit is before the climactic revelation, but rest assured, it’s bound to offer unexpected twists and turns in the finale.

Beginning this Sunday at 8 PM, you can catch the second season of “Karen Pirie” on ITV1. If you missed the first season or want to rewatch it, both seasons are currently streaming on ITVX.

The latest print issue from Digital Spy, titled “Oasis – Live in ’25”, is available for purchase! You can find it at your local newsstands or buy it online for only £8.99.

Read More

2025-07-20 22:49

Previous post Superman Flies High At The Weekend Box Office Again And Crosses A Big Milestone
Next post Jennifer Garner reunites with daughter Violet Affleck, 19, MONTHS after teen detailed their blow up argument