The BBC police procedural drama Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie, has been described as a "brutal" and "chilling" thriller that is perfect for fans of Prime Suspect and Happy Valley. The series, which first aired in 2021, may have slipped under the radar for some television viewers but has won widespread praise from both critics and audiences.
Setting and Plot
Created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions, Vigil is set predominantly aboard a ballistic missile submarine of the Royal Navy, HMS Vigil. The claustrophobic environment intensifies the tension as the story unfolds. The first series, comprising six episodes, debuted on BBC One in August 2021. It stars Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans, Paterson Joseph, Gary Lewis, and Martin Compston.
The plot focuses on a death occurring on board shortly after the puzzling disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler. As police investigations commence, they come into conflict with the Royal Navy and MI5, escalating the drama.
Critical and Viewer Reception
On the review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, critic Rachel Cooke said: "Vigil comes with a certain uncanny documentary streak, brutal and indubitably chilling." Viewers were equally eager to express their opinions. One said: "Wonderful gritty British crime drama with a twist." Another was enthusiastic about the forthcoming series: "Love the character. Love the suspense. It just keeps getting better. Hurry up and announce season 3 so we have something to look forward to!"
A third viewer said: "Fascinating show! The story unfolds with two lines of the investigation taking place simultaneously on land and onboard." While a fourth concurred: "Good suspense, excellent characters, I liked the use of flashbacks to dive into Amy and Kirsten's relationship, those two characters are really the heart of this show."
Further Seasons
A second series of Vigil arrived in December 2023, and the show was commissioned for a third in early 2025, with filming commencing in September 2025. The series continues to build a dedicated fan base.
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. One viewer noted: "The ending got a bit strained and melodramatic, but the rest was excellent." Another commented: "It would appear that some audience reviewers were uncomfortable with a same-sex relationship thread in the story so if that bothers you, perhaps give it a miss. Otherwise, Vigil is an excellent production."
Conclusion
For those seeking a gritty and fascinating story, Vigil offers a compelling watch with its unique setting and strong performances. With three seasons in total, it remains a standout in the BBC's crime drama lineup.
