The Long Call

Yes the first episode is kinda slow but it seems to me as if it's intentional. Each episode peeled back the layers of lies and secrets. Even exposing Matthew to how he hid his own shame and even he had to tearfully acknowledge that. I hope there's a second season where the characters can be further developed.

Having just binged on Shetland (all in 2 weeks), Broadchurch and Hinterland plus a few others ..... this one is again very similar to those just mentioned. Lead man in charge is slightly damaged due to life in general and all with a strong woman being his second. Above titles in order of best first etc.

This series doesn't pick up any speed and just makes it way through the 4 episodes slowly and methodically. Really not much real action .... what you should pay attention to is the writing and the acting. I would unfortunately be placing this show at the end of above list. Watch the others first if you have a chance ... but the scenery is as usual ... awesome.

Casting is very well done, love Juliet Stevenson but major kudos to Anita Dobson .... wow does she shine in the drab and harried portrayal of Grace. Also one character that kept drawing my attention and not sure why. I then checked her name .... Aiofe Hinds .... ahhh Ciaran Hinds daughter another up and coming actor in family.

Wonderful acting and beautiful scenery. Took a while to get into the story but really enjoyed it.

Anita Dobson is tremendous especially in the closing scenes.

I read the book first. I'm glad some things were cut, however, some background was glossed over in the series which should have been emphasized.

The lead detective is too low key, even in the book. He lack the spark Vera has. It's like he's muddling through. The book had too much background on the character s private lives. The series does as well, although to a lesser degree. Mystery fans want a clever puzzle. The puzzle MUST be front and centre, not the private lives of the cops.

In North Devon, a body washes up on a beach, on trj case is DI Matthew Venn, who's battling demons past and present.

This is very much a drama of two halves, my advice would be, stick with it. I wasn't exactly in raptures over episodes one and two, but it does improve, it builds well to an exciting snd dramatic finale.

It's not the typical crime drama you expect nowadays, no conspiracies, car chases or guns, it's all very measured, some may fairly argue slow, but the drama comes from control and fear.

It should have been 3 episodes at most, in parts it is dull, plain and simple dull. However it's almost worth sticking with just for the ending.

The locations are beautiful, that was never going to fail, some of the views are incredible.

The best element for me is the acting. Ben Aldridge is good, he's well cast, and certainly very handsome. Martin Shaw, Juliet Stevenson and Neil Morrissey at all very good, for me it's Anita Dobson who steals the show, I always knew she was good, I wasn't aware that she was tbis good.

Stick at it, 7/10.