ITV viewers were quick to spot an issue mere minutes into the new series The Dark. The 'chilling' new thriller, based on GR Halliday's novel From the Shadows, launched on Sunday (July 12) night, but viewers raised concerns about the sound quality as they found it difficult to follow what was being said.
Plot and Cast of The Dark
Featuring Friends' Helen Baxendale and Outlander's Laura Donnelly, the six-part series charts an intense cat-and-mouse pursuit of a deranged serial killer terrorising inhabitants of an apparently tranquil town in the picturesque Scottish countryside. Laura heads the cast as DI Monica Kennedy, who joins forces with new colleague DC Connor Crawford (Mark Rowley) to track down a serial killer prowling the Scottish countryside following the discovery of a young man's body in a disturbingly arranged scene.
"As fear spreads through the rural community and secrets begin to unravel, Monica finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the killer," the synopsis continues. "But when the case becomes intertwined with her own past, she must confront whether her personal history could put both the investigation and her family at risk."
Opening Episode Details
During the opening episode, DI Monica Kennedy's family outing is brought to a sudden halt when a mysterious woman from Monica's past appears. With the menace of this reappearance looming over her, Monica is summoned to investigate a disturbing crime alongside her new partner - DC Connor Crawford. A naked body of a young man in his late teens is found, positioned in the middle of a remote Scottish glen.
Viewer Complaints About Audio
Despite all the drama unfolding, viewers watching at home were quick to notice a significant issue shortly after the programme began. Many insisted there was a problem with the sound, claiming they were compelled to switch on subtitles after struggling to make out what the actors were saying.
One viewer wrote: "#Thedark #itv I've had to put the subtitles on.. the audio is low, and I can't understand them." Another commented: "Had to put subtitles on for #Thedark." A third posted: "#thedark audio needs putting through Google translate and the unnecessary background music killing completely."
Mixed Reactions and Viewing Suggestions
Meanwhile, numerous fans appeared to be enjoying the programme but suggested it would have been "perfect" had it aired during the winter months. One fan wrote: "Would have loved this for the dark, wintry rainy cold nights in autumn/winter!" Another fan agreed: "Oh yes that would have been perfect. Proper winter series #TheDark."
The Dark is available on ITV1 and ITVX.
