Dalgliesh

I should disclose that I watched the Roy Marsden Dalgliesh years ago and felt it to be fabulous and worthy of P. D. James' novels. That entire series was superlative; tender, thoughtful and often rather spooky. When I saw the ads for this new series, I couldn't imagine it would be good. The first two episodes were mediocre. Above average compared to American procedurals but nothing particularly special. I nearly skipped the third episode. Praise be that I turned it on. It is wonderful. I think from seeing it I can critique retrospectively what ails the first two episodes. Tone. P. D. James has a voice in her novels that the original series was able to translate to the screen. It is restrained but under the restraint lies both a mounting tension and an overwhelming reflection of sorrow, encapsulated and reflected to us by Dalgliesh himself. Bertie Carvel captured that perfectly in the third episode. I was touched.

Best cast Dalgleish yet. His sympathy for human frailty is more evident than earlier portrayals. Subtle, yet warm, as one would expect a poet policeman to be.

Have only watched the first episode so far but it was truly excellent. Did not expect such quality drama on 5.

The acting from all members of case is of the highest standards with some very promising new faces.

Check it out.

This is like Bertie Carvel was born to this character. He brings the depth and tormented soul of a poet while being amazingly observant of human behavior and detail around the crime.

The writing and dialogs are also much more crisp. The pace is better as they have not included too many irrelevant scenes. Just enough to move the plot forward and keep the viewer engaged.

The supporting actors are also superb and perfect for the roles.

It is a great service to PD James novels to bring such amazing work to the small screen.

Looking forward to many seasons of this brilliant series by Acorn

i must say in the last year Acorn has finally surpassed Britbox in content quality.

Having seen and enjoyed the previous Dalgleish series with Roy Madsen, I wasn't sure how this would compare. It is a different kettle of fish but just as good, if just very different in tone and execution. The acting by the two main protagonists (Miskin and Dalgleish) is spot-on and very believable, unlike the new male detective introduced in season two. Not a likeable or empathetic character at all, but a good foil for Miskin, who handles his annoying behaviour very well. Great period details, as is the norm for the better British series, and authentic dialogue and relationships give this a great feel and pace. There are some great cameo appearances by well-known and lesser-known actors, and most (though not all are equally able) convey their roles with just the right nuances. The old cars, grand houses and scenery just add to the whole atmosphere and uncommonly for most shows now, even the music is unobtrusive and very fitting. Looking forward to season 3 and hopefully the two main characters and the excellent writing stay true to the last two seasons' quality productions. Very watchable.