Cracker, the ITV crime drama that first aired in 1993, is being rediscovered by a new generation of viewers, thanks in part to the involvement of Barbara Flynn, best known for her role in Beyond Paradise. Flynn played Judith Fitzgerald, the wife of the show's central character, Dr Edward 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane.
A Cult Classic Crime Series
Despite airing over 30 years ago, Cracker remains one of the most talked-about British crime dramas. The series follows Fitz, an eccentric criminal psychologist who works with police forces to crack complex cases. Unlike a typical psychologist, Fitz is an alcoholic, a chain smoker, and a gambler with a no-nonsense attitude. The show ran for three series before ending in 1995, though it featured a standalone special in 1996 and a two-hour special episode in 2006.
Star-Studded Cast
Beyond Flynn and Coltrane, the cast includes Christopher Eccleston as DCI David Bilborough, Ricky Tomlinson as DCI Charlie Wise, Geraldine Somerville as Detective Sergeant Jane 'Panhandle' Penhaligon, and Lorcan Cranitch as Detective Sergeant Jimmy Beck. The series is often compared to other acclaimed crime dramas such as Prime Suspect, The Wire, and Luther.
Fan Praise and Critical Acclaim
Fans have taken to social media to praise the series. One viewer wrote: 'Fantastic! Embodies the idea of criminal psychology to a T. Fantastic acting and script writing. Hugely enjoyable to watch. British television at its best.' Another said: 'Once you start watching it you can't stop. Out-of-the-box, brilliantly written story lines. Can't stop watching it. Equally as great as the best British Mysteries: Prime Suspect, Wire in the Blood, Touch of Frost and Trial & Retribution. I'm surprised this TV series isn't better known. Cracker is immensely UNDERRATED.'
A third fan commented: 'Gripping. I never saw this when it was first broadcast, don't know why, but the recent demise of Robbie Coltrane pushed me to watching, and I'm so glad I did. This is drama of the highest order with superb performances from all concerned, and it has a superb, somewhat grim, atmosphere to it that just makes it feel real somehow.' Another added: 'Simply the best television drama series yet produced. We've had the whodunnit and even the howdunnit, but Cracker is something else - it's the definitive whydunnit, a superb cocktail of wit, grit and human frailty, perfectly pitched and performed - in short: It's marvellous.'
Cracker is available to stream on ITVX.
