Netflix’s new series Q Department adapts the first novel of Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Nordic noir series, shifting the setting from Copenhagen to Edinburgh. The show centers on Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, portrayed by Matthew Goode, a cynical and sharp-witted officer recovering from an ambush that left a fellow officer dead and a close friend paralyzed.
Morck, frustrated by his colleagues, is assigned to lead the newly formed Q Department—an investigative unit tasked with solving cold cases that promise public relations benefits for the police force. Yet, the department is under-resourced, with Morck as its sole detective working from a cramped, dingy basement office.
Initially indifferent to his new role, Morck’s attitude begins to change thanks to the help of Akram, a Syrian refugee played by Alexey Manvelov, who supports the department with administrative tasks. Together, they reopen the five-year-old disappearance of prosecutor Merritt Lingard, portrayed by Chloe Pirrie, a sharp-minded professional with many potential enemies—from former lovers to corrupt superiors.
They soon enlist the assistance of two more team members: Rosie (Leah Burns), a young officer masking her PTSD with a lively demeanor, and Hardy (Jamie Sives), a bedridden colleague who assists through online research during physical therapy. This unlikely team dynamic echoes the British series Slow Horses, though with a more straightforward tone.
The narrative alternates between the team’s investigation and flashbacks of Merritt’s experience, gradually weaving the two threads together. The series spans nine episodes totaling over seven hours, demanding patience from viewers seeking fast-paced thrills.
Showrunner Scott Frank, known for his work on The Queen’s Gambit and Spielberg films, emphasizes character development over mystery. Goode delivers a compelling performance as the arrogant yet reflective Morck, much like his portrayal of Lord Snowdon in The Crown. The supporting cast, predominantly Scottish, brings depth and nuance, with Manvelov’s Akram standing out as a calm and resourceful intellect shaped by his past.
Despite Morck’s self-image as the smartest person in the room, it is the team’s collective effort that drives the investigation forward, highlighting a Nordic theme valuing collaboration over lone-wolf heroism. Without his colleagues, Morck’s brilliance risks being wasted on bitterness and isolation.
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