Ma Karen's Favorite Things: British Crime Dramas Edition

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Hello, my name is Karen, and I am addicted to British TV dramas, specifically crime shows.  After the kids are tucked in, after the chores are done, and after a long day of teaching, tutoring, grading, lesson planning, test writing, assignment discussing, cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, and connecting with God, hubby, and kids...I really enjoy snuggling in to watch a well written and well acted crime drama.  A little side note...The subject matters cover the whole of the human condition...there are affairs, homosexuality, treachery, child murders, war, and on and on, but I find the treating of all topics to be balanced and in line with the stories.  You will also find compassion, integrity, honesty, justice, and faith.  My favorites....

1.  Foyle’s War

The description from the IMDB site…”As WW2 rages around the world, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front as he investigates crimes on the south coast of England. Later series sees the retired detective working as an MI5 agent operating in the aftermath of the war.” 

Foyle is honest to the core, thoughtful, and compassionate, and his driver, Sam Stewart, is a breath of fresh air.   This one is probably my all time favorite, and I was sad to come to the end of the series.

2.  The Bletchley Circle

From the IMDB site…”In 1952, four women who worked at the wartime code-breaking center, Bletchley Park, reunite to track down a serial killer.”  


I enjoy shows that features smart, really smart, women.  This is it. These women think outside the box, display incredible tenacity and perseverence in the face of pure evil.  They solve crimes when the police don’t even have a clue.

3.  Broadchurch

From the IMDB site…“The murder of a young boy in a small coastal town brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.”  


This one was a hard to watch, lots of disturbing thoughts and ideas, and I did have to take a break from the crime dramas after I finished this series.  But, the acting was masterful and who doesn’t love to watch David Tennant?  


4.  Grantchester

From the IMDB site…“A Cambridgeshire clergyman finds himself investigating a series of mysterious wrongdoings in his small village of Grantchester.”  


Unlikely (unofficial) partners and eventually best friends, Sydney and Geordie are both struggling with flashbacks and nighmares from their time in the war. 

 The characters are so human and real.  

5.  Father Brown Mysteries

From the IMDB site...“Series inspired by the stories of GK Chesterton; a Catholic priest has a knack for solving mysteries in his English village.”  

Father Brown is the flip side of Sydney Chambers...love his crime-fighting style.  


And, a bonus...

6. Poldark

From the IMDB site…”Ross Poldark returns home after American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it.”


This one is not a crime drama but more of a historical romance.  I actually have only watched one episode, and it was excellent.