TV Series: Four (4) BBC Mysteries That Are Binge-Worthy

Binge-watching a BBC British murder mystery is one of my guilty pleasures. My first introduction to BBC mystery was BBC Masterpiece Mystery which aired Sunday evenings via America's PBS stations.  (PBS - Public Broadcasting Service.)  That was during the 70s.  Fast forward to the year 2000 and the marvels of online streaming enabled me to find the complete series of mystery programs to watch.  Just set aside a few hours of “me time”, grab a bowl of popcorn, and watch as many episodes as possible.   If you have never watched a British mystery, these 4 shows will get you hooked.

1. Midsommer Murders
2. Inspector Morse
3. George Gently
4. Broadchurch

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Midsommer Murders:  This show started airing in 1997. It's based on the Chief Inspector Barnaby book series written by Caroline Graham. First, there was Tom Barnaby. Then he retired and his cousin John Barnaby picked up where he left off. Can you believe it? As of January 2020, there have been over 120 episodes and it's still going! This show has a huge fan base. “As of 2016, Midsomer Murders has been sold to more than 200 countries around the world.” [2]

Midsomer Murders - S01, Ep01 - The Killings at Badger's Drift

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Inspector Morse:  An awesome series produced between 1987 and 2000; 33 two-hour episodes. Yes. 2 hours and you are so engrossed in what's happening you don't even notice the time. This show was so good they made a sequel (Inspector Lewis) and a prequel (Endeavour).  The fans just couldn't get enough.

Inspector Morse - S01E02 The Silent World Of Nicholas Quinn

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George Gently:  Not only is the inspector an excellent detective, but he would have made a “really good dad”.  The fact that the setting was in the 1960s is what got me interested.  The 60s were my pre-teen and teenage years so I was curious to know what it was like in Britain during that time period.  The program is adapted from the Inspector Gently novels written by Alan Hunter. I loved the throwback vibe.  20+ episodes (including a pilot) that lasted from 2007 to 2017.


Inspector George Gently - Trailer 


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Broadchurch:  Quite frankly I was only interested in watching this murder mystery because I saw that one of the main characters was played by David Tennant.  He's my favorite Doctor Who.  But from the very first scene in the very first episode, they had reeled me in like a fish on a hook.  24 episodes; 2013 - 2017.  Watch all of the episodes in one sitting.  It was nominated for seven BAFTA awards.

Broadchurch Official Trailer

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Hope you put these programs on your Watch List. If you have already watched I'll bet these shows are on your RE-Watch list.

TV Movie: BBC Masterpiece Contemporary: Page EIght (2011)

Do you fancy BBC Masterpiece Contemporary Mystery movies or television series?

The BBC political thriller titled “Page Eight” is about a British intelligence analyst who refuses to compromise his integrity.

What happens to him is what usually happens when civil servants will not budge on their principles and ideals of Right versus Wrong, and their principles and ideals do not line up with their boss, i.e., the chief executive leader who says: I know what is best for our country and I am the one in charge, with the authority!

In his case, Mr. Worricker (the character masterfully played by Bill Nighy) butts heads with the British Prime Minister. He found some real information on page 8 of an intelligence report that points a finger in the direction of the Prime Minister and … Oh dear!

He has to leave his job? No. Rather he chooses that it is time for him to resign from the MI-5 service and move on. To spice up this not “atypical” political thriller plot, he meets a young woman (played by Rachel Weisz) that he has the power to help because of his access to confidential official government secrets. Does he help her? But of course! She helps him as well. In his line of work, it’s really hard to find someone you can trust.

This BBC political thriller is “Page Eight” is actually part of a trilogy. If it hooks you, you’ll probably want to watch the entire triology: Masterpiece: Worricker Trilogy Collection (Salting the Battlefield; Turks & Caicos; Page Eight)

Page Eight

Worricker: Page Eight

Worricker: Turks & Caicos

Worricker: Salting the Battlefield

Original source