Is Breaking Bad star’s UK crime drama worth a watch?

Patience spoilers follow for episodes 1-3.

In a different phrasing, the newly released crime drama on Channel 4 featuring Laura Fraser from “Breaking Bad” and Ella Maisy Purvis from “Heartstopper” might not be the edge-of-your-seat thriller you’re hoping for, but it doesn’t mean that “Patience” is entirely without charm.

In this detective series, the character Fraser is portrayed as a dedicated yet seemingly neglectful mother and a police detective named Bea Metcalf. Over time, Bea forms an unusual maternal bond with Patience Evans, a police archivist with autism, who is also part of the team. (This character, Patience Evans, is from the book “A Kind of Spark.”)

The show “Patience” maintains a weekly narrative format typical of its genre, without significantly deviating from the established norms in this regard.

Indeed, viewing events as they transpire through Patience’s perspective invites a deeper exploration into the nuanced aspects of neurodivergent experiences within professional settings.

Is Breaking Bad star's UK crime drama worth a watch?

In a recent interview with The Big Issue, Purvis, who is both autistic and has ADHD, expressed his excitement over the fact that the character Patience exhibits a significant degree of independence.

Typically, people with disabilities are often treated as if they’re still children or overlooked, yet she embarks on an intriguing voyage.

As a follower, I find myself pondering deeply about the societal assumptions we all unwittingly bestow upon each individual, and it’s Patience that provides the space for such contemplation.

Instead of assuming that everyone’s life experience is typical for a neurotypical person unless explicitly stated, it would be more inclusive and respectful to consider individuals as unique entities who can express themselves authentically without being defined by a preconceived notion of normalcy.

Is Breaking Bad star's UK crime drama worth a watch?

Patience, while straightforward, might come across as blunt at times – it certainly doesn’t have the finesse or subtlety of a character like Professor Jasper Tempest from the series, who has been confirmed to have autism, as portrayed by Ben Miller.

Professor T’s examination of Jasper’s neurodiversity is subtle and not overly obvious. On the other hand, Patience encourages us to delve deeper into various life experiences, which is one of the primary benefits of diverse representation.

Patience also delves into an often overlooked aspect of motherhood in mainstream media, which highlights instances where the woman is not the main caretaker in the family.

Bea’s strong work ethic sometimes makes her question her abilities as a parent, a concern that is fueled by her husband’s skepticism about her devotion towards their child.

Is Breaking Bad star's UK crime drama worth a watch?

By shifting the storyline, it raises intriguing queries about the bias faced by working mothers who prioritize their careers, a topic I’m eager for the series to delve deeper into.

Regarding this matter, Bea finds a way to alleviate some of her guilt by acting as a mentor towards Patience.

Fraser and Purvis share an organic connection that adds a touch of warmth to their performance, with their characters influencing and complementing each other’s perspectives on life.

Fraser mentioned to The Big Issue that he has played around seven detectives so far, but this particular character stands out as being a bit unique.

The bond between Bea and the young woman, Patience, seems to be strengthening, and I must say, it’s heartwarming.

It’s the development of that bond that is most interesting.

Is Breaking Bad star's UK crime drama worth a watch?

The entire series of “Patience” is now streaming online on Channel 4. Tonight, at 9 PM (Thursday, January 9), episode 2 will air, and episode 3 follows a week later on the same time, Wednesday, January 15.

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2025-01-09 20:49

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