SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers for Lynley Episode 1, now streaming on BritBox.

The first episode of BritBox‘s Lynley is something of a unicorn. Writer Steve Thompson and stars Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay deliver a premiere that doesn’t feel like a premiere; instead, it seems like a well-oiled machine already. While there’s still exposition to deliver and a world to establish, the audience never gets hit over the head with this new version of Elizabeth George’s characters.

The way that Doctor Who alum Thompson introduces Lynley is a stroke of genius, because it establishes who both Lynley and Havers are in one fluid scene, while also setting the tone for their partnership. And on top of that, it’s genuinely entertaining. Audiences know once Havers starts criticizing her future teammate that he’s going to come into the scene—and the comedic timing and line delivery from both Suter and Barclay is perfect. That scene then becomes emblematic of what propels Lynley forward.

A great comparison for Lynley is another BritBox mystery series, Grace, starring John Simm and Richie Campbell. Both shows are based on books, but the bigger similarity is the excellent casting of the two leads. On its face, the dynamic between Lynley and Havers is the usual contrasting, banter-y type, but the way that Suter and Barclay work together shows a mutual respect that gives their characters’ relationship more depth. Even as they push each other’s buttons and Thompson shows their different approaches to crime-solving, Lynley and Havers feel like a team that ought to be together, rather than one that’s just been thrown together because TV.

It’s also a pleasure to see Daniel Mays appear as the duo’s boss, DCI Brian Nies. The supervisor role in most crime dramas can be incredibly thankless, as the character often exists largely to set up stories or react to whatever trouble the detectives have gotten themselves into. Mays, who’s played far more serious cops in Line of Duty (for not long enough) and Des, injects so much personality into Nies. He does have to provide exposition, but he does so in such a way that makes it fun.

That’s also a good way to describe Lynley Episode 1 as a whole. It may not be the most twisty mystery, but it’s entertaining and easy to follow along with. Delving into the secrets and misdeeds of the rich and powerful is a tried and true plot, and this one checks off all the boxes (money, sex, drugs, family drama). Thompson makes a decent effort to give the guest characters actual detail, so they don’t come across like mere pieces of the puzzle. Along the way, further details about the two main characters are peppered in organically.

Another aspect worth noting is the conclusion. Viewers are so used to the scene where the heroes confront the real villain; British TV shows in particular have that “here’s what happened” moment where someone explains the motivation behind the crime pretty much nailed down. Lynley Episode 1 ends on a dramatic note without overdoing it. Watching Lynley throw a grenade into the water is a strong last story beat, but the suspense isn’t dragged out and the orchestration isn’t painfully obvious; it conveys the emotion necessary and that’s it.

There is something to be said for a crime drama that isn’t trying to make everything massively dramatic. Lynley‘s series premiere sets the table for the rest of the season, with no fuss and a strong cast—this is one to follow.

Lynley streams Thursdays on BritBox. Photo Credit: Courtesy of BritBox.

Article content is (c)2020-2025 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.