Ellis

I'd like to say this is the original good cop/bad cop series, but it's not. On initial viewing, I didn't find this series particularly attention grabbing. With further viewing, Ellis did began to grow on me. Ellis and Harper do make a good team. Ellis seems a bit too hard-nosed, but eventually warms up to become much more likable. Harper, played by the ever quirky Andrew Gower, definitely makes this a show worth watching. Since first seeing him on Murdoch Mysteries, playing Sherlock Holmes in the oddest way possible, his talent has never ceased to amaze. Give this series a chance. You will enjoy.

This wonderful actress has a mystical aura about her. She captures so many different and relatable emotions throughout each episode. I also greatly appreciate the different story lines. A bit different from other crime series (which I so love BRIT series and binge on often).

The two primary actors have also created a lovely balance of experience and yearning for more experience. She shows what a great mentor should look like and be like in many ways, yet open to her own journey of amassing knowledge. LOVE it. Then the various locations offer a glimpse into UK life and the scenery is so enjoyable as well. A series should make you want to go there for yourself.

We are used to many police shows but this one is quite different. From the first episode, this series shows how issues in the police force (racism, sexism and bullying etc) plays out. I find it very telling by some of the other reviews but as a POC I believe this series has great potential. Yes it is not overly acted and could need a bit more in terms of drama but I was glued to my screen ( laptop and then finished it off now ). The first episode does have some twists but nothing overly major. People's discomfort with racism in the episode is quite funny because such things whiles they happen regularly, make others uncomfortable. I find it touched many subjects and subsequent episodes will hopefully look at other issues. I'm extremely excited about episode 2 and fingers crossed it gets better.

This series has the potential to rival my all-time favorite British detective DCI Morse.

Like Morse, DCI Ellis is glum yet somehow likeable, probably because she is dedicated to her work and has sympathy for those whom she encounters during the course of her investigations.

Unlike Morse, Ellis doesn't seem to be snobbish though she is aloof and keeps her personal life separate from her work. At least so far in 3 episodes. I hope they don't change this too soon.

Both Morse and Ellis are aided by a dutiful Detective Sergeant. While we know a lot about DS Lewis, we don't yet know much about DS Harper. And that's ok, since probably his character will continue to be more fleshed out.

While the crimes are not very unique or all that interesting - there's nothing new under the sun - at least I wish the writers would put in more effect to have more interesting cases for the duo to solve.

After all, the conceit here is that DCI Ellis gets sent around the UK to handle difficult cases. So let's see them.

Ellis has strong lead characters and complicated mysteries. I have seen every murder mystery I can get my hands on and I know the formula, and Ellis refreshingly does not follow a formula. I didn't guess the endings, and it didn't have the exact same usual suspects who turn up on every series. It has already been great watching Ellis and Harper's characters develop over just three episodes. Hopefully the first three will lead to another season.

Sharon D. Clarke's work is new to me, as I'm not British or a theater fan, but I'm looking through her filmography to find episodes of other shows she's been on.