Dalgliesh

Having seen and enjoyed the previous Dalgleish series with Roy Madsen, I wasn't sure how this would compare. It is a different kettle of fish but just as good, if just very different in tone and execution. The acting by the two main protagonists (Miskin and Dalgleish) is spot-on and very believable, unlike the new male detective introduced in season two. Not a likeable or empathetic character at all, but a good foil for Miskin, who handles his annoying behaviour very well. Great period details, as is the norm for the better British series, and authentic dialogue and relationships give this a great feel and pace. There are some great cameo appearances by well-known and lesser-known actors, and most (though not all are equally able) convey their roles with just the right nuances. The old cars, grand houses and scenery just add to the whole atmosphere and uncommonly for most shows now, even the music is unobtrusive and very fitting. Looking forward to season 3 and hopefully the two main characters and the excellent writing stay true to the last two seasons' quality productions. Very watchable.

I should disclose that I watched the Roy Marsden Dalgliesh years ago and felt it to be fabulous and worthy of P. D. James' novels. That entire series was superlative; tender, thoughtful and often rather spooky. When I saw the ads for this new series, I couldn't imagine it would be good. The first two episodes were mediocre. Above average compared to American procedurals but nothing particularly special. I nearly skipped the third episode. Praise be that I turned it on. It is wonderful. I think from seeing it I can critique retrospectively what ails the first two episodes. Tone. P. D. James has a voice in her novels that the original series was able to translate to the screen. It is restrained but under the restraint lies both a mounting tension and an overwhelming reflection of sorrow, encapsulated and reflected to us by Dalgliesh himself. Bertie Carvel captured that perfectly in the third episode. I was touched.

Love this mystery show. I've never watched the previous iteration or read the books, but I feel that this show follows the feel, spirit, grit, and the time period of the source material. The British and PBS, etc. Are always great at this. Carvel...fantastic..as Dagliesh and as both of his side kicks mention he makes for a great detective and mentor.

But, for me, this show suffers from two issues:

1. It is so dark (visually)!! Seems like they've filmed all the episodes in the middle of a British winter. I live in Santa Fe, NM, (super high altitude sunshine), and I literally have to close all my curtains so I can see what's going on. It was very noticeable in this current episode (a couple of murders in a seminary/church/boys school). In one scene, a protagonist runs by some daffodils. They are so bright they look like they are fake. When the flowers are brought in, they seem to glow, and the entire background fades into grey/black.

2. Dagliesh is so deadpan!!! If there were a drinking game about taking a shot any time anyone in this show smiled or laughed, the bottle would never crack open. OK, so this show is not a funny, laugh-a-minute procedural a la "Murder in Paradise," or "Harry Wild," or "Shakespeare and Hathaway," but even the darker show, "Vera," has a handful of laughs and smiles per episode.

Have only watched the first episode so far but it was truly excellent. Did not expect such quality drama on 5.

The acting from all members of case is of the highest standards with some very promising new faces.

Check it out.

I wasn't convinced by the first couple of episodes but as the series continued it got better and better. On the whole the acting was excellent although the female officer was a bit wooden. The first story felt a bit rushed and muddled at the end but the other 2 were much better.