ITV viewers have expressed disappointment with the broadcaster's latest crime drama, Winter, with many voicing the same complaint on social media. The new series stars Richard Armitage as Dr Ethan Winter, a gifted forensic pathologist who collaborates with DI Lauren Bell (Annabel Scholey) and DS Ellis Daldry (Jamie Kenna) to unravel intricate and disturbing murder investigations.
While each instalment of the ITV programme centres on a particular case requiring resolution, there is a continuous narrative thread concerning Dr Ethan's deceased fiancée, who appears and communicates with him as an apparition throughout the series.
Latest episode plot
In the latest instalment (October 7), audiences watched Dr Ethan charged with determining what befell a man whose remains were discovered at a construction site, brutally assaulted and mutilated, reports the Daily Star. It emerged that the deceased had concealed his past from his wife, having previously killed children on a school bus after colliding with them while intoxicated.
While police initially suspected revenge from one of the bereaved parents, they quickly established this wasn't the situation. Tragically, ITV audiences learnt that it was his daughter from his first marriage who discovered him with his new sons. Subsequently, when he was attacked and sought her assistance, failing to recognise his own daughter, she became enraged and murdered him.
Viewer complaints
Dramatic scenes unfolded as Dr Winter and DI Lauren Bell pursued the daughter, who held DI Lauren Bell at knifepoint before stabbing herself, determined to avoid imprisonment. Nevertheless, it appears viewers have been less than enthusiastic about the programme.
Writing on X, one viewer remarked: "Winter on ITV is a bit far-fetched tonight." Another commented: "So far, this is the same as a million other super clever pathologist/detective dramas. Predictable." A further viewer stated: "I'm at the end of episode 3 and thinking of giving up altogether. I was so looking forward to this as well."
While someone else noted: "A bit too many cliches here so far. Husband having an affair, moody teenagers, older cop out of touch with modernity and then the intense pathologist who seems to spend too much time out of the lab."
Mixed reactions
Though some audiences appreciated the programme, with one viewer commenting: "I thought it was excellent." While another posted: "I thought it was amazing." Winter is available to watch on ITVX.
