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.

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.

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.

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.

Didn't enjoy the Roy Marsden version but really enjoyed this. Great acting, loving the 70s cars and clothes hope there is a 2nd series, ignore all the Lampards on here its great.

Nearly as good as Vera.