Ellis

My husband and I enjoy this series very much. We hope to see more. We finished the third episode and very disappointed that there's no more to watch So many shows that we watch have ended and may never have any more episodes to watch.

It's not predictable. The show has subject manner that you don't see in other shows. We like the challenge of trying to guess who the killer is. There's usually some unexpected twist and turns that are surprising.

We make sure that we watch this show together. It's the type of show I'd watch a second time.

It is my hope that there will be more episodes of this show to watch in the near future.

A nice way to spend an evening. The main character, DCI Ellis doesn't suffer fools gladly, but she can also be empathetic; she's also enigmatic and has some past baggage that is slowly revealed while she solves mysteries around the country. Since every episode takes place in a new town, the audience gets to meet a fresh cast and setting - usually one where the motivations or competence of the local force are in question. The mysteries are intriguing and I like the cinematography, it really draws you in.

It's funny that other commentators are upset by literally 2 minutes of an hour and half show - but one that's actually nuanced and balanced.

Its kind of pathetic that people will take a couple of small instances of something they don't appreciate (no handshaking) after one single broadcast episode, and exaggerate and extrapolate that into an entirely false persona. Early reviewers were just cribbing each other's words to beat the drum of "wooden," "wooden," "dull," "dull." So lame! The acting for the Ellis character is just fine, as is much of the other acting in this production, though not all.

The main character is black and middle-aged, is serious, direct and plain-spoken, is practical, asks for exactly what is called for, is very capable, and it seems like maybe the first two characteristics might be the main problem for some individuals... is she supposed to be deferential, congenial, giggly and tap-dancing? She's thoughtful and compassionate in her interviews, jokes around in a very low-key manner with her colleagues, smiles when significant progress is made in the investigation, and expresses gratitude. Is the problem that she's not a total suck-up?

At first, she has an overly needy colleague who is petulant, and a bit desperate for social connection. I don't think the main character is the issue, here. Some people aren't interested in fluffy getting-to-know-you stuff, and it certainly doesn't influence the outcome of an investigation, nor does pointless over-sharing of every thought, as if everything needs to be a collaboration. This relationship evens out to be more functionally cooperative.

The main boss-dude on home turf is overly defensive, territorial, jealous, and he's both sexist and racist, while under-performing at his job. It hardly seems unusual, and looks to be a fairly realistic portrayal. The main character wastes no time at all trying to get him on side, or bothering to aim to correct his wrongheadedness. What would be the point? He's totally shut down and thoroughly unfriendly, and depicted as spending too much of his time being undermining, gossipy, and angry, while taking sloppy shortcuts.

In Ep 2, the out-of-town boss and his toadie are even more off-putting! Much of the episode shines a harsh light on the injustices women suffer both in the workplace and as community members affected by crimes. The investigation is intriguing, if a bit sloppily presented.

In the 2nd Ep, Ellis' tone has somewhat changed, and not for the better. Although, the reasons are pretty clear: being accused of something one isn't guilty of, being treated with smarmy insincerity and false cooperation, being manipulated, lied to, and obstructed. There's no reason to be 'friendly' under the above circumstances.

Still solidly average and watchable.

DCI Ellis is teamed up with DS Harper to investigate failing Police operations, after a frosty introduction, the pair discover a common ground, and prove to be a formidable force.

We all know what Channel Five dramas can be like, from the torture of Anne Boleyn, to the high quality of Dalgliesh, so you can be forgiven for having moderate expectations. This is one of the channel's best offerings.

Will we ever get shows as good as Endeavour, Morse, Vera, Foyle's War etc, the hunt goes on, Ellis isn't on those levels, but it's still a quality drama. I can see this running for some time.

Sharon D Clarke is excellent as the title character, she possesses a lot of presence and charisma, I adore her delivery. Harper grew on me as time went on, the pair work so well together.

Channel Five, just one suggestion, move it to a Sunday night, as this is perfect Sunday evening viewing.

8/10.

I'm surprised over the many negative reviews and comments about the "angry black woman," but I can forgive the reviewers, because this is exactly how I felt when I first watched Vera. She was a grumpy old woman, always yelling at her staff. Now, after many years, I'm addicted. If you like detectives in the style of Vera, Van der Valk, a super grumpy smart detectives with lots of quirks and sly humor, you'll like this show.... it has a lot of similarities. Give it a chance, I think it will grow on us.

Every season I worry that Vera will be canceled. She is in every scene, and given her age this could be challenging. Wish they would look to Slow Horses and give all the very interesting, smart, secondary characters more screen time.