Ellis

This series has the potential to rival my all-time favorite British detective DCI Morse.

Like Morse, DCI Ellis is glum yet somehow likeable, probably because she is dedicated to her work and has sympathy for those whom she encounters during the course of her investigations.

Unlike Morse, Ellis doesn't seem to be snobbish though she is aloof and keeps her personal life separate from her work. At least so far in 3 episodes. I hope they don't change this too soon.

Both Morse and Ellis are aided by a dutiful Detective Sergeant. While we know a lot about DS Lewis, we don't yet know much about DS Harper. And that's ok, since probably his character will continue to be more fleshed out.

While the crimes are not very unique or all that interesting - there's nothing new under the sun - at least I wish the writers would put in more effect to have more interesting cases for the duo to solve.

After all, the conceit here is that DCI Ellis gets sent around the UK to handle difficult cases. So let's see them.

And am blown away! A cracking good yarn and strong female lead, the first episode left me wanting more. Reminds me a bit of Vera; both leads have traits in common but are enough different to be interesting. Ellis brings to the role a robustness, a kind of bold but gentle grace and dignity lacking in most police procedural leads out there, a combination I was looking for but one which is sadly rare. The development of her character both at the professional and personal will be interesting. I hope her supporting actors prove worthy and equally strong and intelligent in future episodes. I rate this a solid 9 and if follow up episodes meet this standard a 10!

DCI Ellis is teamed up with DS Harper to investigate failing Police operations, after a frosty introduction, the pair discover a common ground, and prove to be a formidable force.

We all know what Channel Five dramas can be like, from the torture of Anne Boleyn, to the high quality of Dalgliesh, so you can be forgiven for having moderate expectations. This is one of the channel's best offerings.

Will we ever get shows as good as Endeavour, Morse, Vera, Foyle's War etc, the hunt goes on, Ellis isn't on those levels, but it's still a quality drama. I can see this running for some time.

Sharon D Clarke is excellent as the title character, she possesses a lot of presence and charisma, I adore her delivery. Harper grew on me as time went on, the pair work so well together.

Channel Five, just one suggestion, move it to a Sunday night, as this is perfect Sunday evening viewing.

8/10.

I'd like to say this is the original good cop/bad cop series, but it's not. On initial viewing, I didn't find this series particularly attention grabbing. With further viewing, Ellis did began to grow on me. Ellis and Harper do make a good team. Ellis seems a bit too hard-nosed, but eventually warms up to become much more likable. Harper, played by the ever quirky Andrew Gower, definitely makes this a show worth watching. Since first seeing him on Murdoch Mysteries, playing Sherlock Holmes in the oddest way possible, his talent has never ceased to amaze. Give this series a chance. You will enjoy.

I'm surprised over the many negative reviews and comments about the "angry black woman," but I can forgive the reviewers, because this is exactly how I felt when I first watched Vera. She was a grumpy old woman, always yelling at her staff. Now, after many years, I'm addicted. If you like detectives in the style of Vera, Van der Valk, a super grumpy smart detectives with lots of quirks and sly humor, you'll like this show.... it has a lot of similarities. Give it a chance, I think it will grow on us.

Every season I worry that Vera will be canceled. She is in every scene, and given her age this could be challenging. Wish they would look to Slow Horses and give all the very interesting, smart, secondary characters more screen time.