At the beginning of every episode Annika ( Nicola Walker ) will speak into camera confidingly, usually about a subject, so far its been Captain Ahab, the Valkyre and Ibsen. And somewhere in the middle of this ramble through mythology or drama will emerge a theme to the crime she will be investigating this time. The 'to camera' confessional continue throughout each episode,as she ruminates about ideally the best things she could do to better support her daughter Morgan, just before she ploughs into it with all the subtlety of a bulldozer. The dialogue is snappy, constantly full of these little verbal quips and literary witticisms. Combined with a really solid crime drama I just love this show.
I also renew my love and devotion to the work of Nicola Walker. An actress who is just the bees knees as far as I'm concerned, I can't see anyone else doing what she does with the character of Annika. Its magical to behold, able to emotionally turn on the head of a pin, with just an intake of breath, or a sly look. Its a masterclass in how to break up phrasing and silences within sentences to tell you so much more than what she is often speaking. She is supported by a very solid crew of actors in the background, including the inestimable Kate Dikie, who so far has only had about five minutes screen time but has already communicated that Annika's boss, is a bit of a stern mischievous minx. Think Michelle Gomez in Green Wing.
All six episodes available on BBC I Player
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