Hidden

Yes, I agree that the writing is great and the setting for Hidden makes for an entertaining and interesting show. The use of lighting combined with the beautiful exterior and sometimes brooding interior scenes are so artful and play an important part of the story. My wife and I really like the show. (I still can't get over the beautiful, artful direction and cinematography ...repeating myself; I know)!

Series Two has some excellent cinematography, placing grim housing estates against a timeless Welsh landscape. The use of Gaelic, too, gives the viewer a feeling that they're observing a foreign world (and I'm from the UK!). Series One, however, is burdened with a clichéd script, and is stretched out far too long. Rather than the seductive bleakness of Scandi-Noir, there's an atmosphere of unappealing drearyness. Series Two proceeds the same way (I was prepared to give up!), then makes a remarkable turnaround near the end. The conclusion presents a chillingly accurate depiction of a sociopathic youth. There's also a genuine sense of pathos and tragedy - in the way that deprived neighbourhoods can breed this criminal type, and in the devastating effects of their behaviour on the immediate community.

Frankly, I don't understand why this is getting bad reviews. I too, watch a lot of British drama, and although the pacing is a little slower than most, it's an extremely well-done series. It does start out slowly, but by the third episode I was totally invested in the story and the characters. The photography and set design was superb, as was the setting. But what I found most compeling was how natural and real the actors all seemed. Everyone seemed to fit their roles perfectly and the lead actress who plays the lead detective is a joy to watch.

Don't pass this one by. No, it's not frenetic. But it has a rare depth and realism that makes it even more enjoyable.

Low key police drama well produced and directed with fine cast.

1. It was lovely to hear the Welsh language spoken. 2. Wales is beautiful. 3. The show was an interesting unfolding of the story. 4. Some of the episodes were so dark that they were hard to watch.

If you like these things ^, this is the show for you. If you don't like a dark, slow story, then skip it.