Upended expectations

I thought this would be the typical British police drama in the vein of or "Luther" or "Broadchurch" or "The Fall." From the moment that we see the back of detective Stevenson's head showing a gaping blast hole, I perked right up and though, "Oh, this is really different."

I can't think of enough superlatives to praise this wonderful series.

Stellan Skarsgard is simply magnificent as the truly hardened inspector hiding such profound vulnerabilities. I spent nearly every scene wanting to reach out and hug the man, haunted and hurting in near every frame of the series. And with his new partner Ira in support, the show was not without its moments of startling humor. And certainly not without its compassion for those who are mentally ill but still have professional skills to offer.

The slow methodical and heart-breaking unfolding of the mystery behind Stevie's death was the best that television has to offer.