ITV's crime drama Marcella, which first aired in 2016, has been hailed as one of the best British shows and is perfect for fans of Unforgotten. The thrilling series, created by Hans Rosenfeldt of The Bridge fame, follows troubled detective sergeant Marcella Backland, played by Anna Friel, as she returns to work after a career break.
Plot and Twists
The series begins with a decade-old serial killer case resurfacing after more bodies are discovered in a similar manner to the case Marcella previously investigated. However, a shocking twist leaves viewers questioning whether Marcella herself could be the killer, as she suffers from violent blackouts with no memory of her actions during those episodes.
The synopsis for series one states: "Anna Friel stars in the lead role of Marcella Backland, a British police detective working in contemporary London. Set in Rosenfeldt's unique style of 'Nordic noir,' the body of a missing child is discovered inside a wall, and a task force is assembled to catch the killer." It adds: "A complex set of characters from all walks of life and interweaving storylines take viewers on a dark and emotional journey with turns at every corner."
Three Series of Success
The eight-part first series was followed by two more. In 2021, the third series aired, with Marcella working undercover in Belfast under a new identity. Creator Hans Rosenfeldt has stated that the show was always planned to have three series, with no current plans for a fourth, though fans remain hopeful.
Critical Acclaim
Over the years, Marcella has received widespread praise. One IMDb user commented: "One of the best British crime shows. Amazing. Defo worth a watch." Another wrote: "A MUST-SEE! I was GRIPPED! If you love thrillers, awesome plot twists, and who-dunnits, then this is 100% for you!" On Reddit, a fan said: "Loved it. Phenomenal acting," while another called it "a fantastic and underrated show." When someone asked for suggestions similar to Happy Valley and The Gentleman, a user recommended Marcella, calling it "brilliant."
Where to Watch
All episodes of Marcella are available to stream on ITVX.
