Van der Valk made its long-awaited return to ITV on Sunday 2 August, launching its fourth series with Marc Warren and Maimie McCoy back in the lead roles. The detective drama has been a hit with viewers, some of whom are already calling it "better than the original".
The show, which first appeared on ITV in 2020, is based on Nicolas Freeling's crime thriller novels and follows Warren's detective Piet Van der Valk as he investigates murders in and around Amsterdam. It serves as a reboot of the original programme that ran from 1972 to 1992, which starred Barry Foster.
What happens in the new series?
ITV teased the new run ahead of broadcast, saying: "The return of Van Der Valk sees the Dutch detective and his team solving three more homicides in the city."
In the opening episode, the death of a whistleblower under police protection prior to a court hearing means Van der Valk and his team are called in to make sure the second witness makes it to court. The case is complicated by the fact that the protection officer in charge of the first victim is Kalie Tenkers, a former flame of Piet's. As the network put it: "Fair to say there is no love lost between the two, especially when he suggests she might have been involved in the killing…"
Viewer reaction
Viewers welcomed the drama back, with one saying: "A long wait for this detective series return but welcome back to cast and crew. Enjoyable new episode with plenty of twists." Another added: "Great episode of #VanDerValk welcome back." A third commented: "It's good to have a two hour detective drama back on a Sunday night. They're so rare now and much missed."
Better than the original?
Some fans have previously praised the reboot as "better than the original", which starred Barry Foster. "The remake. I love Marc in the role," one person said, while another wrote: "Difficult to choose. An originally successful tv show is always remembered a favourite. I loved Barry and Marc is a good challenger." A third added: "I’ve seen both, but honestly prefer Marc."
Marc Warren on Amsterdam
Discussing filming in Amsterdam, Warren said: "I love being in Europe and I love working in Europe. I just love the feel of Amsterdam and I’m very happy there. I’ve also been fortunate enough to work in Prague a few times." He added that he still does not speak any Dutch, although he does speak a little Czech, and has learned the phrase "sneller en beter", meaning "quicker and better".
The actor described himself as a creature of habit, saying: "Well, I never go out, so I am incredibly boring. My Amsterdam is always the same. I walk the same routes; I eat in the same places. I just go to this little soup shop. I’m a real creature of habit." He also said he has not used his bike this year because he prefers walking, and loves the canals: "As long as you know the canals you don’t get lost although you might have to walk a long way round." He revealed he was based in the Jordaan area this season.
Van der Valk is available to watch on ITVX.
