Reactions: Obsessed. Hooked. Binged it.
Where to watch: Netflix

If you love true crime podcasts or cold case dramas, you’ll love Dept. Q. While it’s not inspired by a true crime, its story does unfold the way a true crime podcast would. It’s set in Edinbrugh, Scotland which gives it such a rich and unique tenor. And it starts right off with the main character DCI Carl Morck suffering a shocking and horrific shooting. From there, the show takes us on a slow build as he finds his footing solving cold cases.

I especially loved that Carl Morck is both broken and unlikeable. His stepson hates him. His therapist can’t help someone who doesn’t think he’s broken. His police boss shoves him into a basement because everyone on the force hates his stuck up attitude. And yet, there’s a glimmer of gold underneath it all. And so you spend nine episodes hoping for him to heal and for that sliver of kindness to grow.

The cold case his team is investigating is told as an alternate storyline alongside their investigation – swapping back and forth between the two storylines as the investigators piece more and more of the original crime together. This made me feel more invested in the victim and her character, even tho she’s a total arsehole who is incredibly difficult to like.

I tried to take this show slow, watching one episode per night so I could savor it. But last night I stayed up until 2am to finish the last four episodes. I was too invested and obsessed with the outcome. I kept finding myself wanting to fast forward to see how it all played out. I ended up not giving into those inclinations and, instead, I let the suspense drive me crazy.

This show is amazing. Go watch it!

Also, Scottish actor Steven Miller who plays the love interest is so damn hot. Here’s a headshot and some screengrabs from a scene in the show. If my review didn’t convince you to watch it, maybe these will. Ha!