Marcella: The Crime Drama Filling the Luther Void
ITV's British Nordic noir crime drama Marcella, starring Anna Friel, has been hailed by viewers as the perfect replacement for Luther and The Fall. The series, currently streaming for free on ITVX, has garnered outstanding reviews and a devoted following.
Created by Swedish screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created The Bridge, Marcella debuted on ITV in April 2016. It ran for three seasons, with the final season premiering globally on Netflix in June 2020 and on ITV in January 2021. The show features an ensemble cast including Nicholas Pinnock, Ray Panthaki, Jamie Bamber, Jack Doolan, Amanda Burton, Sophia Brown, and Aaron McCusker.
Award-Winning Performance and Critical Acclaim
Anna Friel won the International Emmy Award for Best Actress in 2017 for her portrayal of Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland. The official synopsis describes the series: "Marcella Backland left the Metropolitan Police for the sake of her family, only to have her husband leave her. She returns to her job on the murder squad, investigating a case that seems disturbingly familiar to her."
Critics have praised the series, with one reviewer noting: "Complex, ultradark, and filled with more red herrings than an Agatha Christie novel, Marcella is a unique, powerful crime drama." Another critic said: "Marcella stands out as a show that allows its central strong female character to have flaws." A third added: "Marcella has no business being as good as it is... If you're craving an excellent weekend binge, Marcella's two eight-episode seasons are your cure."
Viewer Reactions: Addictive and Unmissable
Viewers have been equally captivated. One wrote: "I recommend it, very intriguing. Keeps you on your toes. Anna Friel's detective is a nutcase! Brilliant." Another fan described it as: "Dark, gripping, suspenseful. Basically, the female version of Luther." On IMDb, a user said: "Very good British crime... On the same level as Luther." Another IMDb review called it: "A MUST-SEE! I was GRIPPED!... The acting is superb and, heading the cast, Anna Friel totally excels."
One fan praised Season 3 as "Sublime!... Kudos to producers and writers for really changing the game in S3... And of course the incomparable Anna Friel." Another viewer wrote: "Magnificent. Seriously great series that just gets better!... Binge watched in one night. Just want more!" A devoted fan added: "I binged all three seasons in just as many days... Hands down, BEST crime show I've seen since The Killing."
Marcella is available to stream for free on ITVX and with a subscription on Netflix.
