25 Days of Crime-mas Day 14: Marcella is a hidden gem

Turn to Netflix right now for one of the hidden gems in the crime drama genre. Day 14 of the 25 Days of Crime-mas is all about Marcella.

What is it about British TV crime dramas making excellent shows? The latest on our 25 Days of Crime-mas countdown can currently be found on Netflix, although it airs on ITV in the UK. Marcella is a hidden gem, and you need to start watching right this very second.

Not sure that it’s for you? Let’s break down why it deserves a spot on our Christmas countdown list.

Three excellent seasons

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There may be only two seasons of Marcella available and one on the way, but in this case, it’s all about quality over quantity. All episodes have been well written and focused well on the setting.

Marcella takes place in London, but has a Nordic-noir setting, and is focused on a character called Marcella Backland. After leaving the force, she returns when a killer from 11 years ago seems to become active again. She needs to bring closure to this case, but it’s most definitely not going to be easy.

After all, Marcella doesn’t have the most stable of home lives, with her husband deciding to leave. Marcella suffers from a mental disorder, which is used against her on multiple occasions, including in her family life.

The Marcella cast

Anna Friel takes on the titular role. She is brilliant as the flawed but smart detective, who wants nothing more than to solve the case. While her children are important to her, figuring out the serial killer’s identity is essential.

Marcella’s husband, Jason, is played by Nicholas Pinnock, also known as Fortitude‘s Frank Sutter. Ray Panthaki plays Detective Inspector Rav Sangha, while Jamie Bamber impresses as Detective Chief Inspector Tim Williamson. Detective Constable Mark Travis is played by Jack Doolan.

Nina Sosanya and Charlie Covell had roles in Season 1, while Sophia Brown took on one of the detective constable roles in the second season.

Why you need to watch

There’s something about British crime dramas that stands out. They tend to be grittier, focused on the crime story to tell instead of side stories. While there is some humor, it’s more of one-off comedic relief instead of used throughout an episode.

Marcella brings the darkness, and not just in the terms of the season storylines. The show’s lead is a flawed and dark woman, suffering from blackouts. We’re pulled into this world of police work, and of a determined need to solve a case.

There is still some character development. We get to learn more about Marcella’s background and past, along with her husband’s actions and needs to keep his children safe.

Marcella isn’t always a woman you can agree with. She’s not always one you will support, and that’s what makes this show so refreshing. The writers aren’t afraid to give us a flawed female lead.

Which episodes to watch

Like so many shows I’ve suggested on the 25 Days of Crime-mas, this isn’t a show where you can just jump into an episode here and there. I highly recommend starting from the very beginning of the series. The eight episodes to each season tell a complete tale.

This is why I love shorter season orders. I grew up with British TV, and I love the contained stories that run for just a few episodes instead of the full 22- or 24-episode seasons.

What are you watching in the run-up to Christmas? What do you think of Marcella? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Marcella is available to stream on Netflix.