Fleming Rutledge

This series stands out from the pack. I am in the midst of watching the whole thing for the second time, and I admire it even more now. The low-key but growing depth of the main characters is impressive especially because it is so subtle. Tosh begins as a comical figure and grows into a deeply lovable one. Sandy is endearing and decent almost to a fault, but has his relatable problems. Cora and Billy are always welcome appearances. I am less enamored of the daughter and her annoying non-father, but that is a mild complaint compared to my admiration for Douglas Henshall and his deeply intelligent, still-waters-run-deep, compelling interpretations of the main character. And then there's the mystique of the Shetland Islands, which are main characters in themselves! Listen to the accents long enough and you won't be able to pronounce "Shetland" in the American way again. Of all the British offerings, this one is close to the head of the list...and I have watched a great many of them.

Many critics and viewers have compared the new "Mare of Easttown" to "Happy Valley," quite unfavorably. "Mare" is another cop show with a similar lead character--a female cop with a messed-up family life--but beyond that the similarities are few. Catherine is infinitely more interesting and likable than Mare, partly because of the screenwriting and even more because of Sarah Lancashire in the role. Mare is a flat, rather dreary character. Catherine is infinitely watchable, afflicted with recognizably human pathology, but brimming with irresistible wry humor and warmth. Her scene with the therapist in Season 2 should become a classic. The Yorkshire accents are an added treat (subtitles really help!), and the views of Yorkshire--the beautiful hills and dales plus the ugly working-class towns--are splendid too.