DCI Ellis (Sharon D. Clarke) is a formidable cop who takes over the most challenging unsolved cases across Northwest England. Armed with integrity and razor-sharp instincts, Ellis steps in with unyielding determination as the last hope for failing investigations. Her unflappable demeanor disguises a deep-seated compassion for the victims, fueled by her complicated past. Amidst lies, secrets, and neglect, Ellis seeks justice for victims and truth for survivors.
What We Thought:
Inspector Ellis: Series 1 is perfectly fine, it just feels like so many other shows out there especially other British crime procedurals. This Series 1 DVD release features 2 discs containing three episodes. Each episode is a little over 90 minutes with a crime that is solved by the end.
Episode 1 involves the death of a high school swimmer and his missing girlfriend. DCI Ellis is brought in to the small town and immediately butts heads with the local police inspector who believes the #1 suspect is the stepfather. We are introduced to DS Chet Harper who would go on to team up with Ellis in the next episodes after telling his police chief to “F-off”.
Episode 2 involves the death of a cop. Ellis and Harper go to that town to investigate and don’t know who they can trust on the force. Episode 3 involves the disappearance of a honeymooning couple which brings in the press and podcasters.
My biggest issue with the show is that the characters feel one dimensional. The lead inspectors of the small towns come across as bumbling fools and Ellis is always smarter than them. You get bits of her backstory as the show goes along, but we’ve seen this type of character before. The small town backdrops have been done before in countless British shows as has the nerdy tech type that gets all the information from cell phones and emails.
I binged Inspector Ellis: Series 1 over two nights. With each episode as long as the average movie, there is plenty of material to get through. I didn’t love the show because I’ve seen so many shows like it, but if you need a new British crime drama to watch it will fit the bill.
The Nerds Templar 