Netflix Summary:
A brash but brilliant detective (Matthew Goode) leads an Edinburgh cold case unit in this tartan noir by the writer and director of “The Queen’s Gambit.”
FYA Summary:
After getting shot during an investigation, gruff and grumpy Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) returns to his job as a Detective Chief Inspector with the Scottish police to find that his boss wants him to lead a new unit dedicated to investigating cold cases—and to get out of her hair. He sets out to do as little as possible, but then an assistant is foisted upon him, and together they find a case that neither of them can stop thinking about.
Familiar Faces:
Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck and Kelly Macdonald as Rachel Irving
Matthew tends to frequently play roles in which he’s a bit standoffish at first and slowly warms (or we warm to the character). As Morck, he’s even more standoffish than usual, and his gruffness is nearly a turn-off. (I know, I know!) He’s a total dick to his colleagues, he talks down to his assistant and another police officer who joins the team, and his reaction to the therapist he’s “forced” to meet with is anything but kind. But he’s as smart as everyone gives him credit for, and he cares more than even he realizes.
I adore Kelly Macdonald in everything she does, from Merida to Carla Jean Moss. She’s got a fragility that belies her actual strength, and it’s always shocking to hear her be brazen, even though you’ve heard it before. Rachel is Morck’s therapist, and she’s his perfect foil, even when he’s frustrating her beyond the normal realm of the therapist-patient relationship.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Lone Wolf
I didn’t know what a “tartan noir” was until writing this review, but if any series embodies the idea, it’s Dept. Q. I don’t typically enjoy watching British drime dramas because of how bleak they can be, but there were some moment of lightness amongst all the grey. That said, this isn’t a show that I think would make for a fun communal watching event. Unless you all want to feel depressed together.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Grab a Pint
Or, you know, whatever might take the edge off of a mystery with a resolution that seems too far away to be finished in nine episodes. But don’t take it too far, especially if alcohol makes you sad.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Case Closed
I was feeling a bit somber the night I started watching Dept. Q, and wasn’t sure if the show would make it worse or better, but I was soon caught up in the mystery at the heart of the story—and the characters who were figuring it all out. Particularly Morck’s assistant, Akram, a man from Syria with a mysterious background he’ll speak nothing of. (His calm demeanor contrasts with Morck’s rage nicely. And they’re far more similar than they first realize.) I’m very satisfied with the way it all shook loose, and I’m hoping for more of this raggedy crew in the future. There are many more cold cases to solve!
I just watched the first two episodes last night and I’m intrigued so far! I also enjoy seeing them walk around places I’ve been before in Edinburgh, especially so recently. Akram is definitely my favorite character right now, and the therapist too.
Oh, I bet that’s a blast! And I have no doubt that Akram will rtemain your fave. He’s brilliant.
I finished the entire show this weekend and yes, Akram continued to be my favorite. I really enjoyed it!