Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Mathew Goode, returns to his job in Edinburgh after surviving a traumatic shooting that left his partner, Detective Hardy, in a wheelchair. Morck, whose return is not well received by his colleagues, faces his own demons as he leads a new cold case department, in a context that combines crime drama and personal exploration.
Dept. Q is one of Netflix’s big bets
The series, adapted from the novel The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen, delves into grief and redemption, as Morck struggles with guilt over Hardy’s disability. Morck’s interpersonal skills issues escalate after the shooting, adding a layer of tension to the dynamics of the team he is starting to form. His challenge is to assemble a cohesive team with Hardy, Akram, a Syrian investigator, and Rose, a police officer dealing with her own trauma. Together, they embark on the investigation of a cold case that tests their personal and professional limits.
The premiere episode, which lasts 65 minutes, is a journey credited for its ability to surprise the audience, presenting unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Scott Frank’s direction manages to balance Morck’s personal pain with the tireless work of his team, in a format that stands out for its narrative intensity and character development. Goode delivers a complex portrayal of Morck, a character that reflects a sharp mix of bitterness and humor, while also addressing serious themes such as guilt and empathy.
The resolution of the mystery in this inaugural episode, although somewhat complicated, leaves the door open for future explorations of the intertwined lives of these flawed yet deeply human characters. In the end, Morck breathes a sense of satisfaction, indicating that his work as a police officer may have found a new meaning. The series Dept. Q promises more dark and humorous adventures in the future.
