REVIEW: DEPT Q
By Janna Wong
Streaming on Netflix
As a Matthew Goode fan (before A Discovery of Witches, Downton Abbey…and even before Leap Year!), when I learned that he had signed on to star in this British crime drama, I couldn’t wait for it to air.
I binged the 9 episodes of Dept. Q quickly and loved every second of it. Yes, the show is heavily dramatic, even difficult to watch sometimes, but it’s a clever murder mystery powered by excellent writing and directing and fueled with fantastic performances by everyone in the cast, especially Mr. Goode himself. This is a different kind of role for him; he’s neither the handsome stud nor the wealthy upper crust tuxedo-wearing man. In Dept. Q, he portrays a police detective who experiences a life-changing moment when shot on duty. He must work to become physically and mentally healthy at the same time as he investigates a woman who’s been missing for four years and is feared dead.
It’s a great premise, based on a book series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The series is created by Scott Frank, known for such gritty dramas as Minority Report, Out of Sight and the thought-provoking Netflix hit, Queen’s Gambit, working beside co-creator Chandni Lakhani who created Vigil and Dublin Murders. With such high-end creators, there was every chance this series would soar to heights…and it does.
As far as crime dramas are concerned, this one is at the top of the list. It’s gritty, violent, dark, and dramatic…not for the faint of heart. But it is also well-written, well-directed, smart, complex, and highly engaging…and extremely well-acted. Most appealing is the fact that the drama is unpredictable. You may think you know where the plot is going but the twists and turns will have you ruminating about what the heck you just watched and why couldn’t you figure out that plot point?!
Those who are uncomfortable watching violence might watch with eyes closed as some scenes are brutal (but which I would argue are necessary to the story). Those who like gritty, violent, and emotional crime dramas will watch every moment with attention to details and will not be disappointed.
The show is a hit, scoring 85% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an astounding 93% Rotten Tomatoes from viewers.
No word yet from Netflix if this show is moving to a second series. Let’s hope the streaming site is smart enough to greenlight several more series.
