Netflix’s ‘Dept. Q’ Is an Emotionally Fraught Crime Thriller That Never Lets Up: TV Review

The show “Department Q,” produced by Netflix, centers around a complex detective character named Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, portrayed by Matthew Goode. Despite his intelligence and wit, he is often sarcastic and difficult to like. After an emotionally devastating event, he’s given a high-profile cold case that challenges him to confront his weaknesses. This series, based on the books by Jussi Adler-Olsen and adapted for television by Scott Frank (“The Queen’s Gambit”), delves into both the mystery of the unsolved crime and Morck’s internal struggles, showcasing how past traumas can unexpectedly resurface. It offers a gripping blend of suspense and introspection.

The series “Dept. Q” commences with what appears to be an unremarkable day in Edinburgh, Scotland. Detectives Carl and James Hardy (played by Jamie Sives) interact with a young police officer prior to entering a residence for a routine welfare inspection. The events unfold from the body camera of the patrol officer, suggesting that this seemingly simple task might not be as it seems. Upon entering the living room, they discover an elderly man has been brutally murdered. Carl scolds the rookie for neglecting to check another room, but before he can finish his reprimand, a gunman bursts in, shooting indiscriminately. The ensuing chaos leaves all three men wounded and bleeding.

In another part of the city, prosecutor Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie) presents her newest court case. This time she’s going after a wealthy shipping magnate, accused of murdering his wife. With what she believes is solid evidence, Merritt is confident of securing a conviction. However, as the trial unfolds, she notices the jury seems to be wavering in their belief. Moreover, she’s been receiving abusive messages and threats via email and text, hinting at danger. Despite these ominous warnings, independent Merritt, who resides an hour away from the city and cares for her intellectually disabled brother William (Tom Bulpett), typically shuns requests for assistance.

Four months later, Carl comes back to work, having recovered physically but battling mental distress. It’s revealed that the rookie cop perished, while Hardy remains wheelchair-bound due to the shooting incident. His colleagues at the police station aren’t particularly welcoming of his return, disliking his aggressive demeanor and poor bedside manner. His superior, Detective Chief Superintendent Moira Jacobson (played by Katie Dickie), assigns him to the basement, creating a new team, Department Q, for him to work in isolation. To divert public attention from their deteriorating case resolution rate, Carl is given the task of solving the mystery of a prominent figure who vanished four years ago.

Switching between Carl and Merritt’s narratives, “Dept. Q” finds Carl consumed by a single, seemingly intractable case. Instead of addressing his emotions following his brush with death, he takes out his frustration on everyone around him, from colleagues to potential witnesses. Similarly, the menacing threats against Merritt don’t abate even after the suspected murderer is found not guilty.

Merritt insists on operating independently, but finds himself unknowingly partnered with Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian immigrant who works in the IT sector of the precinct and harbors his own secrets, as well as Detective Constable Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne), a young officer who had been previously overlooked. This unusual team starts looking back at an old missing persons case, trying to identify any clues or paths that might have been missed initially. “Dept. Q” is captivating because it demonstrates the meticulousness and persistence required to complete an investigation thoroughly.

Furthermore, since the show delves into the private lives of Carl and Merritt, viewers get to experience the eerie aspect of this kind of job. Despite its lengthiness at times, the nine-episode series functions like a complicated labyrinth, gradually unveiling the enigma of the missing person, exposing the intricate web of deceit surrounding the shooting that affected Carl emotionally, and revealing who is tormenting Merritt.

As Merritt grows more isolated, suspicious, and cautious towards her co-workers and even her brother’s caretaker, Carl acts aggressively and impulsively, pushing forward relentlessly. Conversely, Akram of Manvelov displays a subtle yet dangerous calmness, frequently attacking without warning, leaving both witnesses and suspects disoriented.

The series ‘Department Q’ is richly layered and intricate, with unexpected twists that don’t always deliver, yet it remains an engrossing viewing experience. The protagonist Merritt must face her past she believed she had escaped, leading her to scrutinize the impact of her decisions on her brother. As Carl and his team edge closer to unraveling the enigma, they simultaneously grapple with the emotional toll and personal cost of their investigation. Laced with dark neo-noir aspects, the series’ central mysteries are captivating, but it’s the characters that truly set it apart.

“Dept. Q” is now streaming on Netflix.

Read More

2025-05-29 10:16