Broadchuch, a British gem

[aragarna]

I was thinking about making a post called "How to Get Away with Crap" to rant about the ridiculousness of How to Get Away with Murder, which was a real waste of my time. Sorry, Viola, as much as I love you, season 2 will be without me. I definitely won't recommand this show to anyone, unless you're looking for what *not* to do in a story.

But then, I started season 2 of Broadchurch, and I was happily reminded what a great TV show is. And I thought it'd be more useful to post about a show I want to recommand.

So here it goes. (Garanteed without spoilers)

Broadchurch is a detective story. The body of a young boy is found on the beach of the town of Broadchurch, UK. The first season resolves around the investigation, led by Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). Of course, this murder and the Police investigation deeply moves this little community, and lots of dirt is brought to the surface.
A classic story, but what makes the show really good, and worth watching, are the characters. The show takes the time to develop them, show their cracks and humanity. They're complex, real, and never over the tops. The two cops, the victim's parents, the suspects, the witnesses. And they're served by a truly solid cast. David Tennand is awesome, but so is his partner, Olivia Colman. And really, all of them.

You care for them, and you hurt for them.

The other strong point of the show is its filmography. I've rarely seen a show that is so beautiful. Literally beautiful. It highlights the charming beauty of English landscapes. There is a real work on lights and tones.

This is a show that takes it time. But it still keeps the tension high, while keeping its plot twists beliavable (Basically it's the opposite of HTGAWM).
And if you think they wouldn't know how to extend the series in an interesting way after season 1, you're wrong. Season 2, though rather different, is just as compelling as season 1, and I'm looking forward to season 3!

And on a more shallow note, who can resist David Tennant's Scottish accent?

Here is the teaser trailer for season 1:

Oh, and please, forget about Gracepoint. It's nothing like Broadchurch. It's just a very bad forgery. Watch the real thing.

Comments

[leesa_perrie]

Hmm, maybe I need to add Broadchurch to my 'catch up with one day' list? I'm not always good with shows that take their time to come to a resolution of their plots, but maybe I should give this one a try. Once I've caught up with some other shows I'm in the midst of catching up with.

I shall take your advice about HTGAWM. And Gracepoint.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

LOL well, you may want to make sure you can marathon a season at once, because they're rather mean with the cliffhangers. ;)
And they're taking their time, but lots of things happen. So it's definitely not boring. Also, a season is 8 episodes, so not that long.

[leesa_perrie]

Yeah, I've just checked and S1 is out, with S2 coming out in the next week (plus a S1/S2 boxset). As I've a lot to watch atm, I'm thinking they might make good birthday presents in June. Just need to add them to my birthday list, so hubby or family know what I'd like!

Then I can marathon the two seasons within a few days! :)

[cookiegirl]

Yay Broadchurch! I thought Eve Myles has been great this season too. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do in season 3. It makes me wish I lived closer to the coast though!

I know HTGAWM is insane, but I'm enjoying it anyway haha.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yes. And the actors playing the parents too!
Definitely looking forward to season 3.

ahaha, well, the plot and the characters are too much all over the place for my taste, and nothing makes sense to me, which is a shame, cause it had great potential. Glad you're enjoying it anyway! :)

[sg-lab.livejournal.com]

I just started watching Broadchurch this week. Watched the first episode and I am really into it. It's intense though so I don't think I can binge watch this. I need a few days in between each episode.

Personally I'm not a big Shonda Rhymes fan. I used to watch Grey's Anatomy but was sick of feeling like I was watching a soap opera. HTGAWM didn't look like it would appeal to me based on the promos. Plus I didn't think I could take an on going plot given how long US shows run their seasons. I can deal with an 8 episode arch much better.

Broadchurch season 2 is airing on BBCAmerica, but they have a tendency to edit stuff out for time. So season two I'll probably find other way to watch it.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

HTGAWM's main problem is that the arch story was never thought through. Neither in 8 or 15 episodes. It felt very much like "oh let's end this episode on this awesome twist, they won't see it coming". "Okay, so what do we do now?" ...
I wasn't into Grey's nor Scandal. I thought the idea for HTGAWM was interesting, and I really liked the cast. But that was a real waste of talents. And of my time.

Broadchurch is pretty intense, yes. I watched S1 on French TV, 3 episodes per week. And S2 on my own over the past few days. S2 is easier I think. It's less tragic, though still quite intriguing.

[joy2190.livejournal.com]

I loved season 1 and the start of season 2 looks like we are in for another great ride! And of course I can't resist the Scottish accent.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

ahah who can resist a Scottish accent?
I love that it's more apparent when he's upset.

[joy2190.livejournal.com]

Ara, watch The Graham Norton Show S15/Ep15 for a Broadchurch giggle.

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

The fanart bits? That was LOL

[joy2190.livejournal.com]

I liked the intro before the show when they were on the beach!

[joy2190.livejournal.com]

I meant the intro before the show when they were on the beach!

[aragarna.livejournal.com]

Yes that was pretty funny too!