BBC crime drama is ‘suspenseful’ and fans say it’s ‘better than The Fall’

The BBC crime drama has been dubbed ‘great and suspenseful’ by viewers, with fans calling it better than The Fall and desperate for more episodes

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The show was never given a second season (Image: BBC/Des Willie)

When it comes to BBC iPlayer, you’re guaranteed to discover a compelling crime drama, and this particular series ranks amongst the finest – superior to The Fall, viewers insist.

As a self-contained series, devotees of the programme can’t resist pleading for additional episodes, as the four-part British crime thriller keeps them gripped throughout.

Launched in 2017, In the Dark is a TV drama adapted from Mark Billingham’s novels Time of Death and In the Dark, brought to screens by Danny Brocklehurst. While it didn’t achieve massive popularity upon initial release, television enthusiasts continue to discover it and have considerable praise to share.

The opening episode sees Detective Helen Weeks returning to her Derbyshire hometown following an extended period stationed in Manchester. She quickly discovers she’s expecting but must tackle a case involving her childhood best friend’s husband, who stands accused of a grave kidnapping.

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Myanna Buring plays the lead detective (Image: BBC/Matt Squire)

The programme’s second storyline, as it’s divided into two parts, follows a heavily pregnant Helen navigating Manchester’s urban streets while confronting an unforeseen tragedy.

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Leading as the detective is MyAnna Buring, supported by Ben Batt as DI Paul Hopkins and Matt King as forensic scientist Phil Hendricks. Jessica Gunning from Baby Reindeer also features in the programme, alongside Tim McInnerny.

One fan posted a review on IMDb, commending Buring’s portrayal. They wrote: “This is a well-written, thoughtfully directed crime drama… another one; BUT actor MyAnna Buring, who made a big splash in RIPPER STREET, proves she can shift gears and deliver a contemporary role with immediacy and honesty.

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There are only four episodes to binge-watch (Image: BBC/Gary Moyes)

“Ben Batt portrays her partner Paul, and their banter sounds genuine, and the rapport between them is easy and realistic.”

Another shared: “MyAnna Buring has done some great TV, including Banished and Ripper Street, once again she is outstanding, she leads the drama with real command, adding raw emotion into her character. She is superb, particularly well supported by Ben Batt and Matt King.”

Meanwhile, one viewer drew comparisons between In The Dark and another, less favourable programme. They remarked: “I really enjoyed this show. The payoffs are with the investment, unlike other shows Cough The Fall Cough. Pregnant cop seeks murderers. Well acted, well written, no strange leaps of logic. Very well made too. Worth the time.”

On balance, the series appears to have been warmly received, with one watcher describing it as “great and suspenseful”. However, the narrative wasn’t commissioned for a second series or developed any further, leaving enthusiasts disappointed.

To view all four compelling episodes of In The Dark, you can stream them without charge now on BBC iPlayer.