River – the TV series that debuted on BBC One in October 2015 and arrived on Netflix a few weeks later – has one of the most interesting twists we’ve seen lately in a traditional British police procedural. It happens early in the first episode and continues to evolve throughout the six episode TV show. To say too much about it would spoil the fun, which may not be the best choice of words, since River is dark and intense, with one of the most brooding and introverted cops you will meet on television, streaming or otherwise.
Nicola Walker, Stellan Skarsgard and Georgina Rich in ‘River’
Stellan Skarsgard is DI John River, a troubled and damaged detective haunted by recent, tragic events, who also carries his own demons that make him both totally suited – and totally unsuited – for his job. Skarsgard brings an intensity to the role that takes his character far beyond the cliche of a maverick cop who plays by his own rules. He can be soft and ethereal or grumpy and manic, with waves of emotion flowing over his face as his brain carries on an internal dialogue. It’s Skarsgard’s first role in a police procedural, though he would be perfect for any number of Nordic noir type shows. (We can easily imagine him as Wallander, even though Krister Henriksson already does a fine job in our favorite version of Henning Mankell’s creation.)
The plot remains focused on one central case, a murder mystery, which, as the TV series progresses, veers in unexpected directions. There are a couple of side cases in the early episodes, but they serve mostly to fill out River’s character, making him even more complex than we originally thought.
Though the show moves at steady pace, there is little of the typical TV cop show violence and action. River has a few short chase scenes and bloody incidents, but much of the suspense and tension is psychological, even as the procedural aspects of the case continue. We start to wonder whether the murder or River, himself, is the larger mystery. A number of themes, including isolation, the nature of close relationships and how we respond to personal tragedies, are woven throughout.
River also stars Nicola Walker as Jackie “Stevie” Stevenson, River’s partner, and Georgina Rich as a patient police psychologist. Adeel Akhtar plays DS Ira King, providing under appreciated support to River during difficult times.
River, the TV show, was created by Abi Morgan, known for films such as The Iron Lady and Shame. It’s her first cop show, and she brings fresh ideas to an overworked genre. If you are a fan of police procedurals and dark drama, River should be at the top of your Netflix TV shows list. The series arrived on Netflix with little fanfare about the same time as Jessica Jones and, over on Amazon, The Man in the High Castle. Let’s hope it doesn’t get lost in the shadow of these more heavily publicized series.
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An interesting series–a little deep in psych:
I think it can best be classified as a 1)chronic depressive/anxiety syndrome characterized with a schizophrenic over ride of a development problem in early childhood or retreating to a point in life (the illusions) where the subject was more comfortable in dealing with problems. Sigmund Freud would have enjoyed this combination but it is more consistent with Eric Ericson whose interpretations were more expansive in describing development personalities in childhood. We all regress to a comfort point in our lives when faced with an overwhelming problem. In someone faced with fear of dealing with issues this is a classic mix.
dr dan
A little deep, indeed, but it sounds fairly accurate!
River(character..) himself says, “manifests”(I think)in describing the elements he interacts with. Point is that when a author creates characters or themes, they are actually “manifestations” of his persona, though appearing varied. But now River himself, it would seem, is manifesting fractions of self having to be painted on the canvas of the story as semblances which though viewed as “ghosts” are not. This explains why he was not only angry at the serial killer but hurt himself (hands) in the process. I don’t know, but the author seems to be going a step further in audience involvement.
If one is interested in an “adult” police show, one where you are drawn into the characters, than this is the show for you. What I particularly like besides the amazing writing and acting is that you are pulled into the protagonists psyche, the good and the bad. He along with most of the rest of the cast have feet of clay and have to deal with their imperfections on a daily basis. If you prefer to be a passive observer, than this show isn’t for you.
I think it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time.
Good comments!
What is the name of her “favorite song”
The song is by Tina Charles, “I Love to Love.”
Yes, I would like to know the name of the song too.
The song is by Tina Charles, “I Love to Love.”
Love this show ! It’s a hit and it should be advertised more on the American market !
Yes, it’s an excellent show that has been flying under the radar for the most part. The NY Times wrote about it, but we reviewed it first!
I will now give away the surprise ending. ..It turns out Stevie was moonlighting as a hooker and River was mad because he was actually her pimp and had her knocked off and couldn’t live with the guilt and took LSD every day to cope with his emotions .