Annika

Di Annika Strandhed arrives in Scotland to take charge of a team at the MHU, The Marine Homicide Unit.

It's very quirky, she talks to the camera, and has a Norwegian accent that seems to have come all the way from London.

Annika is a really enjoyable series, it benefits from the presence of Nicola Walker, who is absolutely marvellous as the central character. Paul McGann also impresses. The acting is generally very good, but it's the stories that make it so watchable.

Episode quality does vary, some of the early ones are a little average, the first, and last however are excellent I thought.

A massive success story for Alibi, I hope we're treated to more next year, all in all, a good watch, 7/10.

Single mom with a demanding job and a troubled/difficult teen daughter.

The lead character talking to the camera threw we for a bit, but once I got used to it, it was fine - and even a bit fun. It's funniest when she doesn't talk, but just gives the camera a wry look and a shrug like, "What can you do?"

Several who reviewed this show complained about it being too woke. Obviously they haven't watched American CBS television. The wokeness there can virtually reach out and slap you upside the head - no matter which show you're watching. Personally, I find diversity refreshing as long as I'm not being bashed over the head with it.

One aspect I really enjoy about this show is that Nicola Walker's character is smart, but she stumbles and is frequently awkward. It's like watching myself at times and I find it endearing.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely worth giving it a shot.

First, to address some of the repeated complaints in other reviews - this show is based on a radio show set in Norway that also featured Nicola Walker and the breaking of the fourth wall that has upset so many is an attempt to preserve the conversational atmosphere of the podcast. For what it's worth, Scotland does indeed have a marine investigation unit tasked with investigating homicides on or in bodies of water, so no, that's not ludicrous at all, it is literally a thing.

Annika is a light, character driven show in which each episode has a different murder for the team to solve. I really enjoy Annika's reflections on literature and her dry humor as she discusses what is happening with the audience, and Walker does an astonishingly good job with the delivery as always. She's great but this may be some of her best work, as she really gets to have fun with the character. Her interactions with McGann are particularly strong as he makes an awesome straight man for her awkward character. We pretty much focus on her life and her daughter, so some of the supporting cast doesn't necessarily get the screen time they deserve.

I don't know why there are so many bad reviews. Sure, it's not Unforgotten, but why remake something that was that good? This was different and amusing. I don't mind that she talks to the camera - I found it funny. It was as though I was listening to her thoughts, and could hear the things she's like to say but didn't because it would be impolitic. Nicola Walker is fantastic, as always, and I'll definitely watch the next episode.

Sometimes you don't need Big, Serious Drama. Sometimes you just need some police work with a large side of family dynamics and humour.

I've read a lot of negative reviews, but I think the way it's done is fantastic. How to get to know a character? Have her talk directly to the camera, sharing her innermost thoughts and background. Unusual. Quirky. Whatever - I think it's brilliant.

I decided to watch it because I think Nicola Walker is an amazing actress. I'm staying with it, because I think it's a good show, like the cast, and the writing and the views.

No spoiler - just this - WOW, WHAT A WAY TO END THE FIRST SEASON!!

MORE PLEASE.............