Binge Watch Review: Department Q Season 1

Back in May of this year, Netflix released a crime thriller drama with dark edges, witty banter, lots of blood, and language not everyone is keen on. The nine-episode series, Department Q, is based on a series of books by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen. The books are already being brought to life as movies in Denmark, but this take on the series moved the stories to Scotland with Scottish actors and an English lead actor, Matthew Goode.

You might remember Goode from his short stint on Downton Abbey as Henry Talbot, Lady Mary's husband in season six or as Matthew Clairmont, the 1,000+ year old vampire in A Discovery of Witches, which was also a series based on books. Goode also broke new ground when he portrayed Robert Evans, the head of Paramount for the Paramount+ miniseries, The Offer.

But none of those series will prepare you for the character Goode portrays in Department Q—DCI Carl Morck. An acerbic, perpetually grumpy cop, Morck is about as friendly as a porcupine, and somehow, Goode manages to make this character likeable.

As a detective, he's insanely good, even helping out with a case he shouldn't be on—his own shooting. But in his new department, he has the help of a former Syrian police officer, Akram Salim, played wonderfully by Alexej Manvelov, Rose, a young constable who is easilly excited, played by Leah Byrne. These are Scottish actors you might never have heard of before. I know I hadn't. I certainly learned what I'd been missing.

This series is set in Edinburgh, which, because of its overcast skies and grey moodiness, helps to lend credence to the mystery of a woman who has been missing for four years.

Morck is helped by his best friend and fellow DCI James Hardy (Jamie Sives) and hindered by his commanding officer, Moira Jacobson (Kate Dickie) who considers Morck a pain in the behind and doesn't hesitate to tell him so.

With two major cases playing out over the course of nine episodes, Department Q keeps you guessing. The first case involves the shooting that severely injured Morck and Hardy, who was paralyzed) and killed a young officer who'd only been on the job for three months.

Because of the trauma, Morck is mandated to go to counseling, but he's not very good at it. His therapist, Rachel Irving (Kelly MacDonald) is, at times, indulgent of his surly nature, but she has no problems telling him what he doesn't want to hear. Their back and forth in and out of sessions is a highlight of the series.

Mixed in with these characters are Morck's stepson, Jasper (Aaron McVeigh) and Martin (Sanjeev Kohli), both of whom manage to work on Morck's last nerve as they both live with him.

The mystery Morck is seeking to solve unfolds in flashbacks of a prosecuting attorney who hasn't been seen in four years. Chloe Pirrie takes her part as Merritt Lingard to the next level as we witness the trauma she endures at the hands of her captors. It's harsh and brutal and riveting.

For the first season, Department Q sets itself high above other crime dramas and deserves every ounce of high praise it's currently been earning. Fans have already begun demanding a second season, and with the ratings as good as they are, it would be unfeasible for Netlfix to cancel this one. I give this show a ten out of ten and am looking forward to the return as well!

All nine episodes of Department Q are streaming now on Netflix. Let's hope the streamer doesn't make us wait too long for news of a renewal!