User reviews

Quirky, breaking the 4th wall murder mystery. Living in the US Rocky Mtns, I am fascinated by and enjoy this ocean-centered police procedural, and there is no shortage here. This show sits nicely between the silly type shows (Midsomer Murders) and dreary scary murder mysteries (like Walker's own Previous show).

Funny scenes, and I love to see Walker smile... it reveals the lovely woman that she is. Love watching her deal with her quirky team and the relationship with daughter which seems positive despite Annika being very much a parachute parent.

Con: Depending on mood or episodes I love and hate this show. The breaking of the fourth wall is interesting and description of the hx and literature of Scotland that parallels the theme of the episode is educational, but sometimes can be boring. Another issue is that Annika and others can often be so deadpan I can't tell if they are funny, sarcastic and/or deadpan even with closed captions. I have a friend that's sarcastic all the time, after a while it isn't cute...just super annoying.

Thank goodness for daughter, sweet, smart, and funny, not annoyingly disrupting parent' police work....as well as a few other supporting characters. However the psychologist boyfriend is super deadpan as well. One scene between the two (season two), after they get back together, is suppose to be cute and funny but it is excruciating. My brother was stationed in Scotland and I spent a month there. Scots are funny with beautiful lilting musical voices. My brother belonged to a fishing group and said they were funny as all heck. I don't see that here.

First, to address some of the repeated complaints in other reviews - this show is based on a radio show set in Norway that also featured Nicola Walker and the breaking of the fourth wall that has upset so many is an attempt to preserve the conversational atmosphere of the podcast. For what it's worth, Scotland does indeed have a marine investigation unit tasked with investigating homicides on or in bodies of water, so no, that's not ludicrous at all, it is literally a thing.

Annika is a light, character driven show in which each episode has a different murder for the team to solve. I really enjoy Annika's reflections on literature and her dry humor as she discusses what is happening with the audience, and Walker does an astonishingly good job with the delivery as always. She's great but this may be some of her best work, as she really gets to have fun with the character. Her interactions with McGann are particularly strong as he makes an awesome straight man for her awkward character. We pretty much focus on her life and her daughter, so some of the supporting cast doesn't necessarily get the screen time they deserve.

I don't know why there are so many bad reviews. Sure, it's not Unforgotten, but why remake something that was that good? This was different and amusing. I don't mind that she talks to the camera - I found it funny. It was as though I was listening to her thoughts, and could hear the things she's like to say but didn't because it would be impolitic. Nicola Walker is fantastic, as always, and I'll definitely watch the next episode.

Sometimes you don't need Big, Serious Drama. Sometimes you just need some police work with a large side of family dynamics and humour.

The first couple of episodes were a little shaky but certainly by episodes 3 onward it was as good as any similar type of police drama. Perhaps the negative reviews were written by some who only watched the first episode and made their judgement. I hope it comes back for another series.

This series is the best acted and best Series I've seen yet. The way Annika shares with the viewer is genius on the part of whoever came up with it. Endearing and well written. I hope it lasts longer than Murdoch Mysteries and Midsommer Murders. Excellent with 10+ stars. From this posting, you can tell I really, really like this show. Well done!

Nicole Walker is one of my favorite actor. I have watched her in many series and the Annika team could have search far and wide and not found the perfection she brings.

Completing her is the team that works to solve all these mysteries. Kate Dickie is hilarious too.

Di Annika Strandhed arrives in Scotland to take charge of a team at the MHU, The Marine Homicide Unit.

It's very quirky, she talks to the camera, and has a Norwegian accent that seems to have come all the way from London.

Annika is a really enjoyable series, it benefits from the presence of Nicola Walker, who is absolutely marvellous as the central character. Paul McGann also impresses. The acting is generally very good, but it's the stories that make it so watchable.

Episode quality does vary, some of the early ones are a little average, the first, and last however are excellent I thought.

A massive success story for Alibi, I hope we're treated to more next year, all in all, a good watch, 7/10.

I've read a lot of negative reviews, but I think the way it's done is fantastic. How to get to know a character? Have her talk directly to the camera, sharing her innermost thoughts and background. Unusual. Quirky. Whatever - I think it's brilliant.

I decided to watch it because I think Nicola Walker is an amazing actress. I'm staying with it, because I think it's a good show, like the cast, and the writing and the views.

No spoiler - just this - WOW, WHAT A WAY TO END THE FIRST SEASON!!

MORE PLEASE.............

Truly don't get why this is being rated so low. OK, so a dead body in or around the water every week is perhaps a little unlikely, but some of the little quips and dialogue is both clever and witty. Nicola Walker is excellent, the brief monologues to camera are a brave and interesting way of linking things together. Perhaps people gave up on this too early or reality TV, Mrs Brown's Boys or Hawaii 5-0 is more their idea of quality entertainment? Haters have to hate I guess. Personally, I'm hoping a second series will be forthcoming.

It took me an episode to get into this series. The draw was always Nicola Walker but the writer has her breaking the 4th wall (which is stage speak for talking directly to the audience) which I found off-putting at first, and the tone of the series is rather stripped down and sterile. But, the humour, the disarming frankness of our heroine, the relationship between mom and daughter, the episodic crimes and, of course, the brilliant work of Nicola, soon won me round. Inevitably, I found myself chuckling at the final one liners her character addresses to the camera as the episode ends. I give this series a 7 (good) out of 10. {Crime Dramedy}

It's interesting to read the reviews on here. All I can think is people just don't get it.

If I could give 11/10 I would. It's the right mix of "detective" and "home life", a balance that most series of this type get very wrong.

The stories are compelling and realistic, the home life is the same. I like the pieces to camera too, again, just the right balance and done in just the right way.

Nicola Walker excels in the part and it can be clearly seen she has the ability to create as well as act. If there is a problem, then it's the 6 episodes per series, I want a lot more!

Each character has their own, well, character. Perhaps those reviewing just want blood and guts, guns and explosions, who knows? But for me it's the lack of all that that appeals, its not dark, its not fast-moving, its not heavy.....and its all the better for it.

Having just finished Series 2, the cliffhanger is a real hook, not that I needed another one. Roll on Series 3.

I'm addicted to British crime dramas, most are very good. Annika apparently is taken from a BBC radio drama that was set in Oslo, Norway. In the TV series, Annika is a newly promoted inspector heading the Marine Homicide Unit of Police Scotland though they call it Scotland Police in the series, covering the River Clyde and the Isles.

I'm a big fan of Nicola Walker who starred in "Unforgotten", "Last Tango in Halifax" and many others. The rest of the core cast are very good, drama school trained. It's lighter than many crime dramas and the characters are more relaxed.

The show has problems with the script, starting with breaking the 4th wall by Annika to discuss literature, Nordic history or her feelings on some topic. It feels like it's a time filler because the writers haven't scripted more complex stories. That technique probably worked well on the radio show, but it doesn't on TV. It seems contrived, not natural and believable. And there is the bum's rush to wrap up each episode.

It's not "Vera" or "Shetland" or "Grantchester" or "Endeavour" ... but I'll watch the last three episodes, Scotland is beautiful and I like the core cast a lot. And hopefully they fix the script for season 2, it needs better writers.

I've seen all 6 episodes, the daughter drama toned down but breaking the 4th wall to talk about Shakespeare's "12th Night" in the last episode was just stupid when viewers are trying to focus on the unfolding plot. Things are bad when what's happening in the background that we see through the glass walls of the police station or on the river, is more interesting than what's happening in the foreground.

Scotland has "Shetland" which is a great series, but all the rest of them like "Vera", "Grantchester", "Endeavour", "Silent Witness" and new ones "Grace" and "Whitstable Pearl" are set in England. Scotland deserves more quality police dramas, hopefully this gets better if it gets a season 2.

I watched season 2 and it's good, but I still haven't adjusted to breaking the 4th wall because it's not necessary. In the series "This is Going to Hurt" breaking the 4th wall works because it's related to events in the story. It doesn't work in Annika except for a few occasions. I do like the dry humor and the banter between Annika and Michael and Annika and Morgan.

Don't expect an amazing detective series. It's a bit quirky and the cases are solved pretty easily and nothing is taken very seriously. The main character isn't super likeable and I don't know why she thought for a second that dating her daughter's psychologist would be ok. I wish everyone would speak in full sentences. But if you want something easy to watch that's enjoyable then this is a good one for you.

The Scandinavian dramas are a great favourite in this house but this makes a lighter, refreshing change.

I have liked everything I have seen Nichola Walker in and this is no exception. The "Breaking the Fourth Wall" aspect might not appeal to some but I appreciate it. Each investigation being wrapped up in one episode makes a change from the series which take six or more episodes to crack the case. There is room for different length storylines in crime dramas and I hope this one runs for a long time.

Single mom with a demanding job and a troubled/difficult teen daughter.

The lead character talking to the camera threw we for a bit, but once I got used to it, it was fine - and even a bit fun. It's funniest when she doesn't talk, but just gives the camera a wry look and a shrug like, "What can you do?"

Several who reviewed this show complained about it being too woke. Obviously they haven't watched American CBS television. The wokeness there can virtually reach out and slap you upside the head - no matter which show you're watching. Personally, I find diversity refreshing as long as I'm not being bashed over the head with it.

One aspect I really enjoy about this show is that Nicola Walker's character is smart, but she stumbles and is frequently awkward. It's like watching myself at times and I find it endearing.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely worth giving it a shot.

An okay series, pretty typical except for the annoying 4th person trick when the lead talks to the camera outside of the other characters, it interrupts the story and wastes time, I lost interest several times because it made me feel as if the lead actor was just 'pretending' all the time, it removes a lot of a shows realism, in a comedy it can add to the plot but in a murder investigation police show, it's just distracting.

We love this series, but sad to see it's only 6 episodes. I didn't get the radio series but will. I think the Scottish setting is great and the script's brilliant. Sometimes the BBC can be a bit amateurish but this certainly wasn't (yes I know Alibi commissioned it but it originated on the Beeb). I like the unusual first person narration, it's different and always relevant. The settings are wonderful, I love anything maritime, add a touch of murder mystery & that's the icing on the cake. Please, please, please make some more!

I'm not a fan of "breaking the fourth wall" & the way this started nearly turned me off the show but I came back to it a few weeks later & fell in love with it. They pared back the "narrative to camera" thank goodness & it became a delightful mystery/crime/sharp witted comedy blend that really works. Largely carried by the super-talented Nicola Walker who makes you love the central character despite her flaws and good supporting actors around her particularly the young daughter. Well worth watching.

I found this show on Prime about 18 months ago. To begin with I'm a sucker for anything Nicola Walker does and had just found out she died in another show. Tried to see if there was anything I missed and up pops *Annika* . Between the 4th wall breaks and the lit reviews, this part allows Ms Walker to be her quirky best. And for a murder show it's also pretty funny.

Yes, I understand that some folks aren't fond of the 4th wall breaks. I think that Annika uses them when her mind is so full of information and connections she just has to let something out to keep the pressure in her brain at a workable level. She's a mess at work, with her colleagues, with her boss, at home, with her daughter, and just general walking through her world stuff. That being said she is outrageously intelligent and so good at her job. She loves hard, but doesn't know how to express it so that others understand her.

I can't say enough good about this show, just asking that it's given a chance.

Like many others, I am a Nicola Walker fan, and enjoyed the radio series. I am also an expat from the West of Scotland, so looked forward to seeing something set at home.

I am quite enjoying this, but in a low key way. I don't mind the fourth wall element, the ensemble is beginning to gel, though I too am tired of leads with stroppy teens and complicated backstories. But the writing here is a real letdown. In each of the three, the sudden realisation of whodunnit -- especially after episode 3 -- does not warrant the usually promising set-ups.

The credentials of this show may get it renewed, which I would rather like, but unless the writing is smartened up, it will founder.

Love this. A breath of fresh (Scottish/Nordic) air.

Some are against the asides/fourth wall breaking part of this series, but this is what freshens the new crime procedural up, there are already plenty of these about. Not that it couldn't stand by itself without it, but for me it does add to the programme rather than take away. And it fleshes out the main character too.

Nicola Walker is a well deserved acclaimed actress already, but she handles this aspect superbly, as well as putting in her normal top quality performance. Then we have an engaging supporting cast, and most importantly the fabulous setting, which somehow reflects even better the wilds of Scotland than even other acclaimed series/programmes set up there.

All in all a most enjoyable series, god I really hope we get more. The only disappointment? It's only 6 damn episodes! More!!

Nice and easy watch. Story's aren't complicated but that makes it possible for viewer to solve. Enjoyed the series. Hope there is more to come. Loved the speaking to camera.

Have so far watched three episodes and have desperately been trying to like this series. But when at every turn you have to put up with the whining and often incoherent 'breaking of the fourth wall' by Annika, it's difficult to appreciate the normally excellent Nicola Walker. It doesn't help that Annika is not a particularly likeable person with an even more unlikeable daughter. Is this relationship the pivotal aspect of the series? If so I'll not make it past episode 4.

Overall the plots so far have been pretty tepid and the supporting characters have not much to offer. Even DCI Oban, with her attempt at humorous self-deprecation, remains fairly wooden.

A number of reviewers here chastise those of us who rate this series so poorly and seem to think that the quirkiness of having Annika address the camera, the presence of the petulant daughter, the references to Nordic mythology and sea-faring characters and the general very low-key participation of almost all characters somehow make this a vibrant and fresh approach to a crime series.

Can't see how. The preponderance of the unimpressed viewers here is hard to ignore. It is indeed very disappointing.

Brilliant and clever! The stories Annika tells are echoed in the script for example bridges means the architecture that is seen and the connections that are made. I love it when everything is not spelled out for me but allows me to interpret and construct from the material which gives depth to the drama unfolding. The humour used by Annika is also enjoyable and different. The themes are explained in the stories and echoed when the crime is solved. I think many have not understood what is being used like analogies and figures of speech. The other detectives are portrayed well by the actors and provide a mix of characters to help solve each of the crimes. The setting is a bonus with great scenery. It is worth at least an eight because compared to other police procedurals it has depth and layers of meaning.

My happiest day ever to turn on prime this morning and see that season two has been added! Since first seeing Nicola Walker in Last Tango in Halifax, the Split, and then most recently in Marriage, I have to say she is by far my favorite British actress! This series, Annika, has been amazing since episode 1 as the stories and the characters evolved more and more each show. The way that the storylines intertwine Norwegian myths and poetry, etc, this English major find herself in her glory in every episode, After leaving us with such a tease at the end of season one I didn't think season two was even possible. I cannot wait to see what this season has in store for all of us! Thank you to everyone who make it possible for us to enjoy entertainment like this!