Grace ITV Drama: DI Branson's Sartorial Elegance Steals the Scene
In the world of television detectives, iconic looks have always defined characters. Vera wears her shabby hat, Strike sleeps in his greatcoat, and Columbo has his rumpled trench coat. However, DI Glenn Branson from ITV's police procedural Grace breaks this mould entirely. As the sidekick to John Simm's Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, Branson, played by Richie Campbell, is never going to headline his own show with such a polished appearance—his attire is consistently immaculate.
A Fashion Statement in Crime Solving
Branson's wardrobe is a masterclass in sartorial precision. In a recent episode, he arrived at a property developer's modernist home to investigate a missing wife, dressed in a moss green three-piece suit straight from the dry cleaners. Every button was neatly fastened, complemented by a crimson shirt and a jewelled tie. Later, he switched to a mauve ensemble, likely from the same designer, showcasing his dedication to style.
This attention to detail has sparked curiosity among viewers, leading many to revisit past episodes just to admire his fashion choices. One standout includes an understated camel three-piece paired with an oxblood shirt, though a grey check suit with a Paisley tie remains a personal favourite for some fans. It's easy to imagine his tailor presenting rolls of cloth, urging, 'Never mind the serial killer, sir, feel the quality.'
Influences and Team Dynamics
Branson's dapper style may be influenced by his superior, Det Supt Roy Grace, who hasn't forgotten Brighton's history as a haunt of the dandy Prince Regent, George IV. Grace insists his entire team carry sunglasses, slipping them on whenever they exit vehicles—perhaps a precaution against cataracts or simply a nod to cool detective aesthetics. In one dramatic scene, the whole team wore natty shades aboard a police boat as they pursued Eden, played by Tamla Kari, who was escaping her abusive husband on a hired mackerel trawler.
Eden's flight took a violent turn when her ex, Neel (Rishi Nair), emerged from hiding among lobster pots. As Grace's launch raced to intercept, Eden struck Neel with a boathook twice, sending him overboard. Brighton's police officers watched approvingly, with DS Bella Moy (Laura Elphinstone) nearly cheering as Neel floated face down, beyond saving.
Moral Dilemmas and Practical Concerns
Later, Grace fretted, 'Nobody should take justice into their own hands,' though he couldn't help nodding when Branson remarked, 'You've got to respect Eden, though, right?' This raises secondary questions about police tacitly condoning vigilante actions against abusive spouses. Yet, for many viewers, a more pressing worry was Branson's suit after his seafaring adventure—surely reeking of fish and in need of urgent dry cleaning.
Ultimately, DI Glenn Branson's fashion-forward approach adds a unique layer to Grace, blending crime-solving with haute couture in a way that captivates audiences and sets this Brighton copper apart from his rumpled counterparts.
