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REVIEW
May 1, 2023
Dalgliesh (2021-2023 series)
Dalgliesh is a compelling crime drama series that brings PD James' iconic detective to life.
Story: Adapting three of P.D. James' international best-selling and much-loved Inspector Dalgliesh Mysteries, the series stars Bertie Carvel as Inspector Adam Dalgliesh. Starting in the mid 1970's England, the exciting new crime series is told from the perspective of P.D. James' uniquely enigmatic detective and follows Dalgliesh's career to present day as he solves unusual murders and reveals buried secrets.
Length: The series contains 3 seasons, each consisting of 6 x 60 Mins episodes
Cast: Season 1 is directed by Jill Robertson, written by Helen Edmundson, and produced by Georgie Fallon.
Season 2 is directed by Andy Tohill, Ryan Tohill and Geoffrey Sax, written by Helen Edmundson, and produced by Brendan Mullin.
Season 3 is directed by Jon Wright and Geoffrey Sax, written by Helen Edmundson and Stewart Harcourt, and produced by Georgie Fallon.
The series stars Bertie Carvel as DCI Adam Dalgliesh, Carlyss Peer as DS Kate Miskin, Jeremy Irvine as DS Charles Masterson, David Pearse as Miles Kynaston, and Alistair Brammer as DS Daniel Tarrant.
Review: Dalgliesh is a crime drama series that follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Adam Dalgliesh. The character has been presented on TV before, notably by Roy Marsden on ITV and Martin Shaw on the BBC. This latest series, produced by New Pictures, sees Bertie Carvel taking on the role of the titular character. The show draws inspiration from the PD James novels, presenting a series of standalone episodes centred around intriguing and complex cases.
Each episode of Dalgliesh presents a self-contained story, showcasing the intricate webs of deceit and suspense that surround each case. The series follows DCI Dalgliesh as he navigates perplexing murders, twisted conspiracies, and the darkest aspects of the human psyche. With attention to detail and a commitment to staying faithful to PD James' source material, the show captivates viewers with its intricate narratives and complex character dynamics.
For example, in Death of an Expert Witness, the season 2 opener, viewers are drawn into a tale of murder and mystery. A biologist in a Home Office lab is found battered to death with a mallet, raising questions about the connection between his murder and the death of a young woman in a chalk pit. As the investigation unfolds, a myriad of suspects emerges, including a disaffected lab assistant, a financially focused boss, a disgruntled cousin, and a tempestuous lover. The episode immerses viewers in a tense and atmospheric narrative with supernatural undertones reminiscent of Wicker Man.
Bertie Carvel's portrayal of Adam Dalgliesh continues to impress, capturing the character's private and reserved nature, as well as his analytical approach to crime-solving. Dalgliesh's personal journey intertwines with his professional duties, adding emotional depth to the series. The chemistry between Carvel and Carlyss Peer, who portrays DS Kate Miskin, Dalgliesh's devoted partner, further enhances the richness of the narrative.
The period setting of the 1970s provides a distinctive backdrop for the series, allowing viewers to immerse themselves into the world of the series. The production team expertly recreates the era, from the hairstyles and fashion choices to the props and overall ambiance, evoking a sense of nostalgia while enhancing the authenticity of the storytelling.
Dalgliesh excels in maintaining the suspense and intrigue that made PD James' novels so beloved. With its meticulous attention to detail, engrossing narratives, and strong performances, the series offers a captivating viewing experience for fans of crime dramas and admirers of PD James' work. The show stays faithful to PD James' novels while delivering engaging storytelling that will keep viewers enthralled and eagerly anticipating each new episode.
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