Crime drama fans missing Shetland can tune into an alternative. As you eagerly await the BBC hit show's return, From Darkness offers the ideal substitute to satisfy your crime drama cravings.
Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters) takes the lead as Claire Church, a former Greater Manchester police officer seeking a fresh beginning in the isolated Western Isles alongside her partner Norrie and their daughter Megan. However, tranquillity proves elusive when four bodies linked to her previous investigations surface, thrusting Claire back into the perilous realm of detective work.
Plot Synopsis and Themes
The BBC synopsis elaborates: "Claire Church decided to turn her back on a world of misogyny and chauvinism, where it seemed you had to think and act like a man to succeed." Finding herself ignored in the office and second place in her relationship with her married DI, Claire instead found solace in the remote Western Isles with her new man, Norrie, and daughter Megan. It continues: “As four bodies from Claire's past investigations are unearthed, she finds herself getting pulled back into a world she'd long since left behind and a case that only she can solve. Battling her own demons, Claire feels the dual pull of a vocation that sustained her and a man she once loved, but can she protect herself from the darkness this time?”
Critical Reception and Audience Reactions
Upon its initial broadcast in 2015, the programme divided opinion amongst audiences, with numerous viewers quick to praise the show as "gripping" and "very dark." On social media, one person wrote: "#FromDarkness @BBC another brilliant drama from the Beeb! Keep 'em coming," while another added: "Ab Fab TV. Dark, compelling, structured, all the things @BBC does well!!" The Guardian described the drama as "intriguing." Meanwhile, The Telegraph acknowledged that while Anne-Marie Duff delivered a "compelling" performance, the series "had to work hard to detract from familiar concept."
Cast and Availability
Starring alongside Anne-Marie Duff is Johnny Harris (Legends) as John Hind, Richard Rankin (Rebus) as Norrie Duncan, Luke Newberry (In The Flesh) as Anthony Boyce, Caroline Lee Johnson (Chef!) as Lola, Ben Batt (Toxic Town) as Chris Templeton, Lyndsey Marshal (Restless) as Lucy Maxley, Jim Cartwright (Little Voice) as Roy Marsh, Leanne Best (This City Is Ours) as Julie Hind, Naomi Ryan (Doctor Who) as Rosanna Templeton, and Cora Tsang (Outlander) as Megan Duncan. From Darkness is available to stream on U and Channel 4 now.
