Taken as a whole (3 series), Broadchurch is a high watermark of television. Riveting, thoughtful, superbly written and acted.
It seems unfair to nitpick its various faults, but it did suffer some inevitable lapses - though mostly confined to S2 and S3.
S2 was never going to hold a candle to S1, which unfolded with nerve wracking precision leading to an unparalleled buildup and discovery.
S2, the aftermath, was still an incredible effort. The bubble had burst and the pace was more measured. The court scenes felt a bit rushed; there was very little rebuttal. There's only so much you can do in under an hour, and it wasn't going to get bogged down in legal arguments, so it's understandable.
I wasn't entirely convinced with the actress from Fleabag as the defense comic relief.
Complaining that S2 dragged or felt wholly unnecessary is a bit unfair. It was still gripping and expertly developed.
The parallel case for Hardy wasn't always clear to follow, but it was still wonderful to watch.
S3 was almost a victim of the shows greatness, as if the template was struck. The familiarity was right there. You were prepared for how the case would unfold.
A few moments seemed a bit cheesy; the old school journalist looking to start a vlog and Trish's ex making nice.
Regardless, it was very well done and produced two standout scenes;
1/ Mark confronting Joe - grateful this scene wasn't a predictable showdown. Mark was no better off for it and Joe Miller remained the despicable, self-serving, manipulative person he always was.
2/ Mark and Beth's conversation on the couch. Very well written and acted without resorting to sentimental or maudlin cliches. Truly heartbreaking seeing Mark's inability to move on and feeling his pain, knowing he's drifting toward sheer solitude and loneliness. You don't really know whether he gets the help he desperately needs (though he acknowledges he has to get himself back together). It's almost cruel thinking Beth never empathized enough with him. Credit to the writers for giving enough space to explore grief and how two people experienced it differently.
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I loved everything about it and was genuinely affected by some of the smaller nuanced moments. Top notch performances all around, intriguing, careful, and unforgettable.
It seems unfair to nitpick its various faults, but it did suffer some inevitable lapses - though mostly confined to S2 and S3.
S2 was never going to hold a candle to S1, which unfolded with nerve wracking precision leading to an unparalleled buildup and discovery.
S2, the aftermath, was still an incredible effort. The bubble had burst and the pace was more measured. The court scenes felt a bit rushed; there was very little rebuttal. There's only so much you can do in under an hour, and it wasn't going to get bogged down in legal arguments, so it's understandable.
I wasn't entirely convinced with the actress from Fleabag as the defense comic relief.
Complaining that S2 dragged or felt wholly unnecessary is a bit unfair. It was still gripping and expertly developed.
The parallel case for Hardy wasn't always clear to follow, but it was still wonderful to watch.
S3 was almost a victim of the shows greatness, as if the template was struck. The familiarity was right there. You were prepared for how the case would unfold.
A few moments seemed a bit cheesy; the old school journalist looking to start a vlog and Trish's ex making nice.
Regardless, it was very well done and produced two standout scenes;
1/ Mark confronting Joe - grateful this scene wasn't a predictable showdown. Mark was no better off for it and Joe Miller remained the despicable, self-serving, manipulative person he always was.
2/ Mark and Beth's conversation on the couch. Very well written and acted without resorting to sentimental or maudlin cliches. Truly heartbreaking seeing Mark's inability to move on and feeling his pain, knowing he's drifting toward sheer solitude and loneliness. You don't really know whether he gets the help he desperately needs (though he acknowledges he has to get himself back together). It's almost cruel thinking Beth never empathized enough with him. Credit to the writers for giving enough space to explore grief and how two people experienced it differently.
--
I loved everything about it and was genuinely affected by some of the smaller nuanced moments. Top notch performances all around, intriguing, careful, and unforgettable.