Is this any good?

I've just watched series 1, and I'm having serious trouble working out if this show is any good or not. Cos my instinct is that it's mediocre, with okayish plots that often get wrapped up very quickly and conveniently, and fairly obvious over-familiar plot elements.

So, I should think it's average, no question. Except...

Ken Stott keeps getting in the way. This is just a barnstorming performance by the great man, lifting the show WELL above its natural condition. I'm not sure there are many popular ITV drama series that have benefited from such an outstanding lead performance. I'm reminded of Cracker in the extent to which the leading man dominates the whole exercise.