ITV's newest dramatic offering, the highly anticipated thriller Coldwater, has landed with a resounding thud, provoking a wave of fierce criticism from disappointed viewers who have taken to social media to voice their frustrations.
The central point of contention appears to be the performance of its lead star, Andrew Lincoln. Best known for his beloved role as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead, Lincoln's portrayal of a retired detective drawn back into a complex case has been branded as 'insufferable' and 'painfully overwrought' by those who tuned in.
A Torrent of Viewer Discontent
The backlash was swift and merciless on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One exasperated viewer lamented, 'Five minutes of Andrew Lincoln’s insufferable, whispering, tortured performance in #Coldwater and I’m out. Absolutely dreadful.' This sentiment was echoed across the digital sphere, with many criticising his 'pantomime' acting style.
Common complaints described his character as a 'poor man’s Luther', a seemingly derivative attempt to capture the brooding intensity of Idris Elba's iconic detective without the necessary depth or nuance.
More Than Just a Performance Problem
While Lincoln bears the brunt of the criticism, the show's problems seem to run deeper. Audiences also reported significant issues with the programme's convoluted plot and muddled storytelling.
Many found the narrative unnecessarily confusing and difficult to follow, with one viewer succinctly summarising the premiere as 'rubbish'. The combination of a disliked central performance and a perplexing storyline proved to be a recipe for disappointment, turning much of the initial audience against the series within its first hour.
A Blow to ITV's Dramatic Ambitions
The negative reception for Coldwater represents a significant setback for ITV, which had heavily promoted the series as a major new addition to its drama slate. The public's rejection underscores the immense challenge networks face in launching new franchises and pleasing a discerning, vocal modern audience that is quick to share its verdict online.
Whether the show can recover from this disastrous start and win back viewers remains to be seen, but the initial reaction has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over its prospects.
