Viewers have labelled the cop drama as a ‘sublime and magnificent’ series(Image: ITV)
Luther, featuring British heartthrob and formidable acting powerhouse Idris Elba, captivated television audiences for the best part of nine years.
During that period, the British detective drama cultivated a fiercely loyal following, and since its final episode aired in January 2019, devoted fans have been desperately searching for another gripping cop drama worthy of their time and devotion.
Fortunately, we’ve got just the recommendation for anyone left with a Luther-shaped void in their lives.
British Nordic noir crime drama Marcella is being hailed as the ideal successor to Luther, with audiences simply unable to get enough of the compelling detective series.
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Written, directed and produced by Swedish screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt — also the creative force behind The Bridge — Marcella has drawn glowing praise from both critics and viewers in equal measure, reports Wales Online.
The ‘magnificent’ detective drama is being hailed as the next Luther(Image: ITV)
The crime drama’s debut series premiered on ITV in April 2016, followed by a second run in February 2018. In June 2020, the third and final season was released globally on Netflix — and on ITV in the UK in January 2021 — after which both the show’s creator and its lead actress hinted that a fourth series was highly unlikely to materialise.
Available to stream for free on ITVX, the series features Anna Friel as Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland, alongside Nicholas Pinnock, Ray Panthaki, Jamie Bamber, Jack Doolan, Amanda Burton, Sophia Brown, and Aaron McCusker across its three seasons, forming an impressive ensemble cast. Filming for Marcella took place in London and the Port of Dover.
In 2017, Friel scooped the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her role in the detective drama, with the series going on to firmly establish itself amongst the finest offerings in the crime drama genre.
The official synopsis reads: “Marcella Backland left the Metropolitan Police for the sake of her family, only to have her husband leave her. She returns to her job on the murder squad, investigating a case that seems disturbingly familiar to her.”
Critical acclaim for Marcella has been overwhelming, with one reviewer saying: “Complex, ultradark, and filled with more red herrings than an Agatha Christie novel, Marcella is a unique, powerful crime drama.”
Another critic said: “Marcella stands out as a show that allows its central strong female character to have flaws.”
Anna Friel bagged the International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the show(Image: ITV)
While one reviewer said: “Marcella has no business being as good as it is….If you’re craving an excellent weekend binge, Marcella’s two eight-episode seasons are your cure.”
Viewers have been equally captivated, with one writing: “I recommend it, very intriguing. Keeps you on your toes. Anna Friel’s detective is a nutcase! Brilliant.”
Meanwhile, another fan characterised it as: “Dark, gripping, suspenseful. Basically, the female version of Luther.”
Sharing similar views, a viewer said on IMDB: “Very good British crime. Typical British modern time crime , and for who like this is brilliant. On the same level as Luther.”
While another IMDB user review added: “A MUST-SEE! I was GRIPPED! If you love thrillers, awesome plot twists and who-dunnits then this is 100% for you! The acting is superb and, heading the cast, Anna Friel totally excels and is always totally believable all the way through! I was hooked after the first episode and simply couldn’t turn it off! ! A MUST-SEE!”
It’s the perfect crime drama series to binge-watch next(Image: ITV)
One enthusiastic fan review of Marcella praised it as ‘sublime’: “Season 3… Sublime! Wow started S3 and it’s already better than 1and2 combined… Catch-up and fall in love. Can’t get enough of this genre.. not that many made anymore.
“Kudos to producers and writers for really changing the game in S3- tone, pace, story telling. But you’ll love all 3 seasons for different reasons. And of course the incomparable Anna Friel, I hope this is her award year. Always compelling, captivating actor.”
While another viewer said: “Magnificent. Seriously great series that just gets better! Literally starts out fantastic viewing and each season gets better and better. Unreal, didn’t want it to end. Anna Friel is outstanding and I cannot fault the whole show. Last season is so intense and addictive viewing. Binge watched in one night. Just want more!”
One fan of the show simply couldn’t tear themselves away from the gripping police drama: “I binged all three seasons in just as many days and then wondered why I hadn’t found this show sooner!
“There are few shows I’ve seen that have the ability to evolve a character so perfectly, as well as change up each season in a completely new way. Anna Friel is absolutely brilliant in this and the writing is incredible. Hands down, BEST crime show I’ve seen since The Killing.”
Marcella is available to stream for free on ITVX and with a subscription on Netflix.
