This procedural streaming series turns the detective drama on its head

It’s no secret that the British have mastered the police procedural genre on television. Shows how Happy valley, Broadchurch And Mandatory line are known for their complex characters, intriguing mysteries and rainy backdrops that give these shows a very special atmosphere. The BBC series Vigil, However, introduces major twists to the traditional detective series that completely turns the genre on its head.

The series, streaming in the US on Peacock, follows DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones), who works for Scottish Police. While other British detective dramas have their characters policing and solving serious crimes in the cities where they live, DCI Silva is forced to solve crimes in isolated and risky environments that are completely outside of her comfort zone. While Vigil still has the hallmarks of a great British crime series increased tension of DCI Silva’s mission gives the show a unique and fresh take on the procedural genre.

What is “Vigil” about?

Season 1 of Vigil finds DCI Amy Silva aboard HMS Vigil, a nuclear submarine, to investigate the suspicious death of crew member Craig Burke (Martin Compston). Once you’re on board, DCI Silva begins to uncover a web of liesShe can’t figure out who she can trust on the crew. The evidence she finds leads her to believe that Burke was murdered, which is an unwelcome revelation, especially from Commander Neil Newsome (Paterson Joseph), the captain of the submarine struggling to keep his crew under control. On land was Silva’s colleague DS Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) also collects evidence to solve the mystery, which reveals deep political implications that are perfectly tied to the tensions on the submarine. Together, the two discover the truth, leading to a twisted and shocking finale.

In Season 2, DCI Silva and DS Longacre investigate the tragic deaths of soldiers when a combat drone is compromised during a demonstration in Scotland. The investigation pulls the two apart again and sends Silva to the fictitious Al-Shawka air base in the Middle East country of Wudyan. Although this season is not so reserved, DCI Silva finds himself in unfamiliar and unwelcome territoryas both she and Longacre find themselves in more and more danger the closer they get to the truth.

While the mysteries in both seasons are rich and compelling, Amy Silva’s personal story ties everything together beautifully. She struggles with a tragic event in her past while trying to focus on her job. Her relationship with Kirsten is multi-layered and complex, extending far beyond colleagues, which is somewhat new territory for Amy, as shown in a series of flashbacks in Season 1. The flashbacks never feel forced and are actually refreshing, building on her character while giving the audience something different imagery away from the cold, gray submarine. Suranne Jones is great at everything she does, but most of all, she shines at it vigil, brings a vulnerability and intensity to Amy Silva’s role.

How “Vigil” stands out from other great detective dramas

What sets Vigil Unlike other detective series, the environment in which DCI Silva is forced to do her job is different. In both seasons Every place is truly disturbing and dangerousAnd not just because a murderer is on the loose. As an outsider, Silva must follow the military’s orders and solve a murder that could only have been committed by someone in the same room where she is investigating. Like any great mystery show, there are a lot of people hiding something, A dangerous tension is added to every interaction. Each episode reveals a different clue to the mysteries, ultimately leading to shocking conclusions.

Vigil also does a great job a mix of police procedural elements and more personal storylines. In Season 1, it is revealed that Amy Silva lost the man she wanted to marry in a tragic car accident, throwing her life completely upside down. The claustrophobic nature of the submarine is a perfect reflection of the accident and causes her to be physically and emotionally overwhelmed at times as she tries to do her job. Although it is not new for fictional detectives to be forced to confront their traumatic pasts when solving their cases, Vigil embodies the drama in a unique way. Survival is already a difficult task in these environments, which only raises the stakes.

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‘Vigil’ Trailer Reveals New Crime Series Starring Rose Leslie and Suranne Jones

The BBC series is coming to Peacock later this month.

Season 1 also has a different narrative style, taking viewers from the confines of the submarine into the past, showing Silva in happier times before the accident and what life has been like for her since then. When audiences first see Silva and DS Longacre together, it’s clear they have a history, but as the season progresses, more and more is revealed about the two women. Eventually we see how they grew closer and eventually fell in love, although Silva found it harder to admit her feelings after everything she had been through. The development of their romance is in many ways the beating heart of Vigil.

Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie Have Electric Chemistry in ‘Vigil’

The on-screen relationship between DCI Amy Silva and DS Kirsten Longacre is simply the best part of it Vigil. Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie have dynamic chemistry in their characters that balances their professional partnership with their love for one another. They also contrast perfectly with each other, as Jones’ portrayal of Silva is reserved and stoic while Leslie’s Longacre is passionate and warm. Their scenes together are electrifying, whether they’re discussing the future of their relationship or the details of a case.

Silva and Longacre’s love and care for each other is palpable as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and the ever-evolving cases they work on together. Their bond feels authentic and layeredwhich adds a whole different level of intensity as the characters find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. After the reconciliation in Season 1, which ends with one of the most emotional scenes of the entire series, the couple decides to have a baby together in Season 2. This leads to a whole new set of problems, as Longacre is desperate to stay home while she’s pregnant, and Silva is in the Middle East solving crimes remotely.

While it’s great for most series to have a pair of detectives working in a purely platonic relationship, Longacre and Silva’s romantic partnership is just another benefit Vigil‘s story. The great on-screen chemistry between Jones and Leslie, coupled with high stakes and complex mysteries, makes it possible Vigil the perfect show for any detective fan. Its unique storytelling approach elevates the series beyond a traditional detective drama and creates a refreshing take on the ever-popular genre.

Both seasons of Vigil can be streamed on Peacock in the US

Vigil

The mysterious disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler and a death on board a Trident nuclear submarine bring police into conflict with the Navy and British security services.

Release date

December 23, 2021

Pour

Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Gary Lewis, Orla Russell, Shaun Evans, Romola Garai, Paterson Joseph, Adam James

Main genre

crime

Seasons

2

Creator

Tom Edge

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