Netflix has launched a new crime thriller series called “Dept. Q,” which premiered on May 29. The show is based on the Danish book series by Jussi Adler Olsen and adapted for television by Scott Frank, known for “The Queen’s Gambit.”
The story centres on Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode. Morck is a sharp but difficult detective haunted by a traumatic shooting that left his partner paralysed and another officer dead. His emotional struggles and sharp wit make him a complex lead character.
After the shooting, Morck is assigned to lead a new cold case unit called Department Q. The unit operates out of a dingy basement in Edinburgh and is made up of misfit officers. Together, they tackle unsolved cases that others have abandoned.
Morck’s team includes Akram Salim, a Syrian immigrant and former cop played by Alexej Manvelov, and Rose, a young officer recovering from PTSD, portrayed by Leah Byrne. Morck’s paralysed partner, Hardy, played by Jamie Sives, also remains involved despite his condition.
The series follows two main storylines. One is Morck’s obsession with solving the disappearance of Merritt Linguard, a ruthless prosecutor who vanished four years ago. Merritt is played by Chloe Pirrie. The other storyline revolves around the shooting incident that changed Morck’s life and the mystery behind it.
Merritt’s case is complicated by threats to her life and the integrity of the trial she was prosecuting before she disappeared. The show explores the psychological toll these investigations take on both Morck and Merritt, delving into their traumas and struggles.
“Dept. Q” blends elements of Nordic noir with British crime drama, creating a dark, intense atmosphere. The series is praised for its complex narrative, strong character development, and suspenseful pacing. It reveals how personal pain and professional duty collide in the world of cold case investigations.
Scott Frank directs every episode, maintaining a consistent tone that balances detective work with emotional depth. The show highlights how broken people find healing through solving cold cases, bringing closure to victims and themselves.
The Main Cast Includes
- Matthew Goode as Carl Morck
- Chloe Pirrie as Merritt Lingard
- Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim
- Leah Byrne as Rose
- Jamie Sives as DS Hardy
- Kelly Macdonald as Dr. Rachel Irving, the police therapist
- Kate Dickie as Chief Superintendent Moira Jacobson
“Dept. Q” is now streaming on Netflix. It offers viewers a gripping crime drama filled with mystery, psychological depth, and a strong ensemble cast. The series promises to keep audiences engaged with its twists and emotional storytelling.