There’s a reason Edendale doesn’t welcome outsiders. The local pub, fittingly called The Slaughtered Ram, is not exactly “Cheers,” but is a place where everyone knows everyone else. A recent arrival like Diane raises eyebrows, especially because her career seems to be going in the wrong direction. What she’s running from is an abusive ex, but she keeps that information from Ben and all the other detectives.
Diane is smart and observant and quickly sizes up that the town is frozen in time with myths and superstitions holding fast and controlling relationships. Not since Shetland has a British detective series looked as gray and foreboding. (Shetland is filmed in Scotland, while Cooper and Fry, in Dublin.) The landscapes are bleak, the buildings look ready to crumble. Even the people dress as if they are attempting to blend into the background.
While Cooper welcomes Fry he also carries a lot on his shoulders. His father, Joe, a respected detective, was murdered ten years ago. The case is still open and Ben is committed to finding his father’s killer. But the trail is as cold as the solo mug of beer Ben and others leave on the bar whenever they gather.
Charlotte Bradley as Isobel
The eight two-part episodes are based on the mysteries by Stephen Booth. Even a place like Edendale can’t avoid present day crimes so drugs, trafficking, and gambling are woven into the plots. Cooper and Fry must constantly avoid going down rabbit holes when locals claim curses like the Black Dog, the Devil, or the Seven Virgins are responsible for the crimes. Cooper’s mother, Isobel (a marvelous Charlotte Bradley), tries to help her son solve cases using her tarot cards. While he’s quick to reject her predictions, her knowledge of Edendale’s people and history makes her a good source of information.
Robert James-Collier as Ben Cooper and Mandip Gill as Diane Fry
Cooper and Fry make a good team. The admiration the other detectives have for his father carries over to Ben. Joe was seen as an honest cop and a team player and Ben exemplifies those characteristics. While Detective Sergeant Todd Eland (Barry John O’Connor) uses his rank to taunt Fry, Ben treats her with respect, never dismissing her theories, but gently educating her about the quirks of Edendale’s people.
James-Collier will, of course, be recognized as Thomas Barrow, the gay butler in Downton Abbey. As Ben, he adds another impressive performance to his growing resume. (He’s also known for his roles in Coronation Street and Ackley Bridge.) He develops a nice rapport with Gill, who can take as well as she gives.
In the eight episodes, Diane’s stalker, David, turns up, his identity a surprise to Ben, who nonetheless warns the bully to stand down. By the end of season one, it’s clear David is not ready to give up, setting up a compelling plot line for season two.
Photo Credit: BritBox
