Grace

John Simm is always worth watching even in something like this, it's pretty much the ITV formulaic Cop show and I did not expect too much more from it but, it just never rises above average really. One review complained about it being PC because there are black people and women in positions of power, to that reviewer I say, grow up, and accept the wonderfully diverse world we should be embracing and promoting instead of whining and being small minded (or worse) about the fact the world isn't all about white men. Two things that brought this show down were the ludicrous need to have a "medium" involved, what rational human being would have something so clearly absurd as a part of the storyline, and the poor writing in making the cliched boss standing in the way of the 'great detective', it's such a boring, overused, and hackneyed, part of the storyline.

I live in Brighton. Disclosure. Many critics don't like that the series shows Brighton as more than the sunny day trip, art house scene and stag do glamour, but I love it's portrayal of a city that has a seedy underbelly. Graham Greene said it looked like a town that was helping the police with its enquiries. And John Simm and Richie Campbell are here to take notes. Both are very engaging, and the narrative is more thoughtful than many of its rivals. Their dynamic is great, and the support cast robust. There is a glory hunting fast track superior for panto villain status, and a commendable balance of reality and sentiment. Simm is very likeable and thorough as the cop with a conscience. Well paced and consistent. An enjoyable two hours tv.

Like one reviewer said, sad detective with stupid boss who couldn't find her own ass in a line-up, and enough holes to keep me yelling suggestions at the screen!! If I didn't have the remote to just skip the drivel I'd have given up. That being said ... it has potential. Hire some people to clean up the storyline, ie, check phone records! Keep any eye on suspects. Just simple stuff that even we peons know good cops do. On the good side, we really liked John Simm & Richie Campbell. We'll watch the next part hoping for more of them, better writing and another boss!

I came across this almost by accident and watched both season 1 episodes in one sitting. There were are a few of the usual stereotypes, but overall it was quite good, and kept my attention throughout. Well paced and well acted. It's possible to make a serious, enjoyable drama without graphic sex scenes and constant unnecessary cussing (although I know there are some viewers who need those elements to make something "edgy" and "real"). I'd be happy to watch season 2 when it comes out.

With Endeavour ending, and only Vera in the arsenal for grown up Sunday night drama, ITV may just have found their new long standing hit.

The books are amazing, I truly recommend you reading them if you like a good mystery, and although John Simm isn't perhaps the character from the book that I had in my mind, but he makes it work, he is a tremendous actor.

Superb production values, it's very slick, and well made.

Credit to the team for getting it made during the Pandemic, and for making it to such a high standard.

Itv have given us a few flops in recent times, this one however, is a winner. More please. 8/10.