![]() ![]() The crimes are brutal, yet not portrayed too graphically, the writing sharp and humorous, and Blethyn is a national treasure, so it’s not surprising the series is soon rolling out its 13th season. Her partner Joe Ashworth is played by the handsome David Leon in the first few seasons, which revolve around solving various murders presented episodically in a seaside setting. But she makes up for her temper with vast reserves of empathy and the sort of practical wisdom only learned after decades in the field. In the grand tradition of cantankerous, disheveled detectives, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope of the (fictional) Northumberland and City Police in Northern England is as crotchety as they come and not above lashing out at her coworkers when she’s frustrated by lack of progress in a case. After all, you wouldn’t want to get the gaffer confused with the grass! Here’s a guide to some of the terms used on “Line of Duty,” while this glossary can help with general police slang terms.īritish detective series have provided some meaty roles for middle-aged women, from Olivia Colman on “Broadchurch” to Sarah Lancashire on “Happy Valley,” and before that, Helen Mirren on “Prime Suspect.” Brenda Blethyn has had amazing staying power as the lead in “Vera,” based on the Ann Cleeves mystery novels. After finishing “Happy Valley,” check out this interview with Norton about filming the intense final episode.īut first, you might need to bone up on your British crime vocab. Strike” has been released, it’s time to get up to date on all these shows. Now that the third season of “Happy Valley” has dropped and the fifth season of “C.B. (Lovers of “cozy” crime shows, however, will find this list skews toward the darker, adults-only side of the spectrum, and most of these series have been released in the past decade.) These series range from a tight six or eight episodes (“River,” “The Stranger”) to several satisfyingly bingeable seasons (“Line of Duty”), and from the pulse-pounding suspense and violent action (“Bodyguard”) to more sedate procedural pleasures (“DCI Banks), so whatever flavor of crimes you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be something new to discover on this list. American audiences were first introduced to the perfection of Olivia Colman in “Broadchurch” and “The Night Manager,” and Richard Madden impressed in “Bodyguard” and “Game of Thrones” before moving into the Marvel world as Ikaris in “Eternals.” James Norton starred in “Happy Valley” before starring in “Grantchester” and “Rogue Agent.” And they’re a great place for spotting talent that’s about to get a bigger profile. With generally top-flight production values, clever writing and crackling casts, these series are as well-made as they are fun to watch. The combination of the bowler hats, the checked cravats and the baffling lingo along with pulse-pounding tension and clever sleuthing proves there’s nothing like a British crime series for sheer bingeing delight. ![]() There’s something about watching Detective Inspectors and Chief Constables go about their jobs that’s simultaneously engrossing and comforting. ![]()
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