Broadchurch is one of those rare, though maybe not so rare these days, British television shows that is so good and so captivating it gets optioned for an American remake.  The only problem in that lies the fact that the original is so good and the remake usually tends to be an inferior product such as the American versions of Shameless, Being Human and Skins just to name a few.  It is humourous to see so many shows from overseas being remade for a North American audience, as if the originals are not good enough or would not gain as many viewers.  As we live in a global community these shows should be shown in their original format and versions to let people fully appreciate the shows in their best light.  Broadchurch is one such show.

David Tennant stars as DI Alec Hardy, a disgraced cop sent to a remote town named Broadchurch where little happens until the murder of a child is reported.  It is needless to say that a horrific crime like that had never happened in Broadchurch before thereby shaking the townspeople to the core and testing their faith in one another to the fullest.  For Hardy, it is a wakeup call and a chance to redeem him more so personally than professionally.

Like many procedurals during the past number of years, both British and American, Broadchurch relies a lot upon dramatic tension to keep the story moving as it only focuses upon a single case.  Over the course of its eight episodes we are privy to the viewpoints of many of the citizens including the family, the pastor, friends, witnesses, policemen and more.  As each episode progresses it is that tension that builds within the characters and the viewer until it is almost boiling over by series end.  And like many shows of its ilk, the culprit is the least likely person one would expect.  It is good television if a show can keep you guessing until the finish.

Jodie Whittaker who played the mother of the boy who died was perfectly cast.  Performing as a woman who is torn over the death of her son and the expectation of a new baby is not a role that one could come to easily and she does an exceptional job.  Also of note in the cast is Olivia Colman who plays DS Ellie Miller as Hardy’s right hand man so to speak.  It was interesting to see her balance her family life and her career while also trying to prove herself to Tennant’s character.  It was nice to see a second Doctor Who alum in the form of Arthur Darvill who played Rory Williams (Pond) in the most recent series as a totally different character namely an alcoholic priest.  Quite a different role but one that is opposite in every way and allowed him to try something of a more serious fashion.  The most powerful performance though was from veteran actor David Bradley.  He plays a man who owns a newsstand, but through unfortunate circumstances becomes the town scapegoat and villain as parts of his past are brought to life.  The emotions he brings to the fore of his character are powerful and is a truly great piece of acting.

The directors and writer Chris Chibnall also did a great job bringing the seaside town to life showing not only its beauty but also seedy underbelly.  The consequences of the act upon all that it came into contact with were handled really well and it made the show a real pleasure to watch.  By the end of the series it seems as if there will be lasting changes to the way people act and see each other in Broadchurch, and one can only wonder if they will pull together or fracture apart.  A second series is on the books with Tennant hopefully coming back to reprise his role and we can only hope that he does.  It is a deserved reward and triumph for creator Chibnall for all his hard work.  If the American remake is half as good, it might have something going for it.