Fans of crime dramas may not have heard of this hidden gem. The series is currently streaming on ITVX and has been described as "one of the best" British detective series. Above Suspicion is a British crime drama that first aired in 2009. It is based on the series of Anna Travis novels written by Lynda La Plante. The series stars Kelly Reilly and Ciarán Hinds as the protagonists Anna Travis and James Langton. Four series were broadcast over a four-year period on ITV.
Series Synopsis and Cast Insights
The series synopsis reads: "Above Suspicion follows the work of D.C. Anna Travis, a rookie detective determined to prove herself in the male-dominated police department by solving a trail of gruesome murders left by an unknown serial killer."
Reilly said of the part: "Well, she's not a political character like Jane Tennison; she's not fighting her ground, and it's almost like she just doesn't care. She has an insouciance… she wears those skirts and those heels, and while I don't think she uses her femininity or anything like that, she just doesn't hide it." She added: "There's a dilemma for the audience, because normally your prejudices would invite you to dismiss a woman like her who seems a bit awkward and wears tight skirts. But she brings something fresh in among those hackneyed male detectives."
Viewer and Critic Reception
Viewers have taken to IMDb to share their thoughts on the crime drama. A viewer described the series as "one of the best", adding: "VERY well made. Nice twists, not too predictable. Suspense.... and the attraction between Langton and Travis... Love this. Too bad there were only four seasons."
Another said: "For those that have read Above Suspicion, the TV series is very true to the book. And I think the book was very good to excellent. I also think reviewers are making an unfair comparison with Prime Suspect and Helen Mirren. This is clearly unique and Lynda LaPlante's masterpiece - both the book and the TV series that closely reflects the book. The Detective Tennison books and series are not only superb but unique. Yet it is very different from the Detective Travis books and series, which is also very well done and very, very good."
Above Suspicion is available to stream now on ITVX.
