Dept. Q (Netflix) takes us to Edinburgh, Scotland, where law enforcement is about to launch a new cold case unit that will soon be assigned to the top-notch detective that’s least likely to choose it. Enter DCI Carl Morck, played by the superb, British-born Matthew Goode. In this series, Goode is not the scrubbed, boyish guy we recall from previous roles in Downton Abbey and The Crown. As Morck, he sports a sweatshirt and scruffy beard that suggest his rebellious nature, as if he were born right there in the precinct with a bad attitude. He’s a cocky guy who insists on delivering the last word in any conversation, which is always a zinger and as witty, dry, and funny as it is sarcastic. Yes, Morck is hard to get along with. But thanks to the series’ exceptional writing, he fascinates us with his razor-sharp smarts, his good looks, and his keen power of observation. Once we start watching these nine episodes, we’re instantly hooked by the power of the cast and the dialogue. You’ve been warned: Prepare to binge.
Dept. Q swings back and forth between timelines, but logic guides us in following the sequence. The bigger challenge is the ever-expanding roster of characters, including good guys, sort-of good guys, not-so-good guys, suspects, and certified criminals. Had I known how big the cast would grow, I would have noted each name and identity as they occurred, for instant reference. Sure, go ahead and laugh, but you’ll thank me later. And please send me a copy of your list in case I missed anyone.
Meanwhile, Morck is setting up his new office, or at least thinking about it. Good news—the workspace is huge. Bad news, it’s in the storage basement, another reason Morck envisions himself reading novels instead of tackling hopeless cases. But thanks to his assistant, whom you’ll read about below, the first case is about to become official. Through flashbacks we meet Merritt Lingard, played by Chloe Pirrie (The Queen’s Gambit), a member of Edinburgh’s prosecution team and caregiver for her compromised brother. Merritt becomes the center of the series because she disappeared four years ago. She will become Dept. Q’s first revisited unsolved case.
One of the memorable characters includes a therapist named Rachel, played by Kelly Macdonald, whose film credits include Gosford Park and TV’s Boardwalk Empire. Rachel is not intimidated by Morck’s rebellious manner. And while he doesn’t let down his guard, Morck wonders if he’s met his match. Morck is enduring mandatory therapy sessions because he’s a recent gunshot victim, along with his partner James (Jamie Sives), in a harsh scene that we witness as the series opens. But James’s injuries are more serious, and Morck’s frequent visits to his partner, whom he includes in his cold-case research staff, adds plenty of heart to this wild story.
Eventually Morck acquires two assistants to share his workload, which injects energy into the project and sharpens the focus. Scottish actor Leah Byrne (Call the Midwife) plays DC Rose Dickson, a roll-up-your-sleeves worker who annoys Morck (but who doesn’t?) and convinces him to take her on. Rose puts her persistence to good use, researching potential suspects and charming the witnesses into volunteering information.
And then there’s the amazing Akram, the precinct’s new hire, who becomes Morck’s assistant. Akram is a Syrian refugee and a huge asset, perfectly portrayed by Alexej Manvelov (Chernoble, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan). A refined, understated man of resourcefulness and common sense with experience in law enforcement, Akram is the best thing that could have happened to Morck, not that Morck would admit it. Akram reminds us of those superhero characters that monopolize Hollywood studio rosters, but he’s more credible.
Dept. Q is adapted from the Danish crime novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen, which were previously adapted into four Danish movies and later translated into English novels. Now, director-creator-writer Scott Frank (writer-director of The Queen’s Gambit) brings this series to the screen. The result is this one-season crime drama that seems exceptionally well received. While these nine episodes offer a satisfying sense of finality, the enthusiastic reception of Netflix viewers suggests the series has plenty of happy viewers to justify at least a second season, especially since there are more Dept. Q books to adapt for the screen.
Now, some final mentions on a very good series from an opinionated writer. First, the writers could have shortened the character list to fit the series. There, I’ve said it. And for the role of Merritt, someone a little older would have substantiated her reputation as a hard-nosed, seasoned prosecutor. And finally, a mini-warning: Be prepared for some violent scenes.
My job is done. Your job is to watch this unique series. Kudos to Matthew Goode, the filmmakers, the book author, and the entire cast. Dept. Q will grip you from the first scene all the way to the end.