This new British crime thriller, Dept. Q, sounds like a gripping addition to the genre with its distinct slow-burn style and deep character exploration. The adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s noir novels, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, adds a rich, moody texture that crime drama fans often love.
Matthew Goode’s portrayal of Carl Morck is especially intriguing — a sharp, rude, and complex detective who isn’t your typical hero. His layered performance, mixing sharp intellect with emotional scars and moral ambiguity, offers something fresh compared to more straightforward crime leads. Pairing him with Alexej Manvelov’s Akram Salim, who’s calm and thoughtful, creates a dynamic contrast that fuels the team’s chemistry.
The narrative choice to focus entirely on a single cold case instead of multiple weekly cases is a clever twist, offering more emotional depth and allowing viewers to really get under the skin of the characters and the impact of the crime over time. The show’s pacing, deliberately measured and patient, might test the attention of fast-paced thriller fans but promises a rewarding payoff in storytelling and atmosphere.
Also, that opening scene—viewed entirely through a rookie cop’s bodycam—sounds like an intense, immersive way to plunge viewers right into the danger and chaos of police work, setting a gritty tone right from the start.
If you like character-driven mysteries with a noir edge and a cerebral vibe (think Sherlock meets The Crown in tone), Dept. Q seems like a must-watch. It’s definitely one to savor rather than binge, giving space for its rich narrative and emotional layers to develop.
Are you thinking of starting it soon? Or want recommendations for similar shows with that slow-burn, atmospheric thriller vibe?
