Broadchurch Season 1 (2013)

I've become quite a fan of BBC television as of late. It's been more my speed maybe, I don't know. But all around, I find that I really enjoy the pacing, the characterization, the acting, the way people and places look...there's a reality to it American TV often lacks, a bit of imperfection to make it beautiful.

Broadchurch nails that perfectly. The first season is like watching a motion painting. Gorgeous scenery, awesome actors, plenty of drama. I would argue that the mystery was perhaps too oblique. There were not enough viewer clues to indicate who committed the crime so that by the time of the reveal, you would likely be surprised but not necessarily in a good way.

We watched the first 8 episodes of Broadchurch in 4 days. I remember it pretty well and there were not nearly enough hints or clues to indicate the killer. A couple TINY shreds of evidence made it seem possible but there's also something that throws it all for a huge loop.

Getting there was the battle though. That's what made the show entertaining and engaging. It was brutally stressful for the characters. They did a great job of making you feel this insane level of tension for what was happening to them. A constant state of emotional bouncing made it tough.

I'm about to watch Gracepoint, which came out the very next year. Hell, as far as I can tell, they were still filming Broadchurch Seasons 2 and 3. I hear the ending is different so I look forward to seeing how they changed it. I'm surprised the writer/creator would walk away and not do a Season 4.

It seemed like it could've gone on for a long time. But then that's the beauty of British TV. With few exceptions, they tend to tell a story and get out before it wears out its welcome. I'm happy I saw this season and the best part is you don't HAVE to keep going. The story ended in Season 1.

I recommend Broadchurch Season 1 for sure. It was definitely my favorite detective show in a long time. Felt like all the best parts of the Killing and Twin Peaks (sans supernatural stuff).

Rating: 5 out of 5.