Ridley

It's a smallish point, and I've only watched episodes 1 and 2, but Adrian singing, really, come on. It really niggled me to the point where I got up and made a cup of tea. I like Adrian Dunbar as an actor, and that's how I like to see him. Rant over.

It's a good TV police drama, and apart from the singing, well worth watching. Good plot(s), excellent cast, convincing acting and very down to earth - perhaps too close to home for some maybe. So it's a bit sad to think that - at least story 1, is how the UK is these days.

I enjoyed series 1 (except for the singing) and I'm sure I will enjoy the rest of series 2.

Newly promoted DCI Carol Farman, calls on the help of retired Detective Alex Ridley, who operates as a consultant Detective.

ITV continue to look for another Sunday night drama, one to fill the slot that Endeavour, and eventually Vera will leave, I feel with Ridley, that they have a real winner.

Something almost a little old fashioned about it somehow, old fashioned in a good way, it's less glossy than recent shows like McDonald & Dodds and Van Der Valk, it's slightly more gritty.

It's an excellent show, tightly written, beautifully produced, well paced, and unlike so many recent shows, it's got a bit of grit.

Adrian Dunbar is awesome as Ridley, he has a huge presence, his character is so interesting, he's smart, but haunted by a tragedy from his past. Bronagh Waugh is excellent also as Farman, who'd believe she's not from Lancashire with that accent.

Well done ITV, this is a winner, 8/10.

I see mixed reviews for this which just shows how many different kinds of people with varying opinions and taste there are. For me, I enjoyed Ridley a lot. It wasn't violent and full of hyped up graphic grossness. It was just a good story that didn't need to rely on a dog and pony show to sell it. For people who like grisly horror, move along, nothing to see here.

I particularly liked the jazz, which was a refreshing change in a British drama, and who knew that Adrian Dunbar could sing. It thought that was cool. I'm usually an armchair sleuth, and figure out whodunit half way, but not in episode one. It kept me guessing right until the end, which I like.

The scenery was a bonus - fog, snow, rain, autumn colors in the woods. I won't watch a detective series unless it takes place somewhere that has some of the features. No city dick shows for me anymore. They're too depressing and ugly. This is a beauty!

I enjoyed this series and found some of the storylines genuinely moving (especially the first episode) and was in tears several times. I love UK crime dramas and have watched many others and thought this was a worthy effort.

I also enjoyed the musical aspect. The songs were chosen well and enhanced or reflected the storylines. I also enjoyed the mellow performances in contrast to other reviews.

This may appeal more to older viewers (like me ;)) as it deals with life and loss of mature characters.

There are many familiar and reputable faces in the cast.

I hope there is a follow up series and would happily watch further episodes.

Adrian Dunbar plays a police consultant who also is part owner of a jazz bar, which unfortunately, he feels compelled to serenade us from through his nose. This show otherwise fits the bill as a good nearly noire detective murder mystery. Ridley always gets his man or woman as the case may be. His costar is a good in her role as the detective chief inspector sidekick and conscience for Ridley. The rest of this review is filler because IMDB never learned about "brevity is the soul of wit", and demands an essay when a sentence will do. Mind you, i don't consider myself the soul of wit, but if forced to keep jabbering on, I may show myself as the soul of nitwit.