BBC’s exciting new crime drama has a mismatched detective duo that you won’t want to stop watching

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The new series of Lynley begins by showing us DS Barbara Havers (played by Sofia Barclay) getting scolded by her boss. It seems this is just the latest in a long line of disagreements between them, stemming from Havers speaking her mind to her colleague.

She immediately defended her actions, and rightfully so, because he clearly made a mistake during the arrest. This shows just how dedicated she is to her work.

It wasn’t long before she was assigned a new partner. He was a recent transfer, just as new to the team as she was, and their first encounter – a frustrating meeting with a man she immediately disliked – hinted at the challenges to come. This was how we were introduced to Detective Lynley (played by Leo Suter), a fresh interpretation of the beloved character from Elizabeth George’s popular novels.

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Okay, so the episode starts with a classic crime scene – a body, the whole nine yards. It immediately makes you wonder who did it, which is a good hook. But honestly, what really grabbed me wasn’t the mystery itself, but how the detectives were interacting with each other. Their relationships are way more interesting than the case, and I found myself way more invested in them than in figuring out who the killer was. It’s the dynamic between them that’s making me keep watching!

Daniel Mays plays DCI Brian Nies, and he’s clearly comfortable in the role. He’s played police officers before in shows like Line of Duty and Code 404, and even portrayed a real detective, Peter Jay, in the drama Des. Because of his experience, Mays makes Nies instantly relatable and likeable.

The show initially feels comfortable and familiar, but it quickly becomes clear there’s a deeper mystery at play. This allows actor Mays to showcase a different side of his talent than viewers have seen in other crime dramas. We also learn Nies has a past connection with Lynley and appears to harbor some resentment – and the question of what happened between them in London hangs in the air.

The series really shines when it focuses on the dynamic between Lynley and Havers. While crime dramas often feature clashing detective partners, this show distinguishes itself by exploring how their different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives influence their work and drive the story.

This installment of Lynley cleverly acknowledges its origins while still offering a fresh perspective. While some elements have been updated for a modern audience, the story still recognizes and portrays Lynley’s privileged background, though he’s presented as a more nuanced character than a simple stereotype.

Sometimes the characters state things too directly in their conversations, making it overly obvious they don’t share common ground beyond wanting to see justice served – and even their ideas of justice differ.

Even though the playful banter is silly, it’s still entertaining and keeps you hooked as the mystery unfolds.

One of the show’s strengths is that it develops both Lynley and Havers as fully realized individuals, even while exploring their strictly platonic relationship. We learn about their personal lives and see deeper layers to their personalities, brought to life by the excellent performances and believable chemistry between Suter and Barclay.

Although Lynley isn’t likely to revolutionize the crime drama genre, it’s a reliably good, self-contained mystery show. Both those already familiar with the source material and new viewers who enjoy gentle, cozy mysteries should find it entertaining.

Lynley airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

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2026-01-05 19:19