Another big week in the crime drama world, the headline being that True Detective is back, and we couldn’t be any more excited. Along with that we have new Norwegian series The River on Channel 4 (and then all episodes on More4), series 12 of Murdoch Mysteries, and continuing series of Vera, Escape At Dannemora (we’ll be doing a series review of that) and Silent Witness, as well as the final episodes of Black Lake. Enjoy!
1 True Detective *NEW UK PREMIERE SERIES*
S3 E1/8
The third series returns and follows a retired detective as he revisits a case that has haunted him for 35 years.
UPDATE: Monday 14th January, 9pm, Sky Atlantic
2 Escape At Dannemora *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODE*
S1 E3/8
Matt and Sweat run into walls and other obstacles as they search for a way out, but the power of positive thinking helps keep them on track. Tilly begins to feel guilty about her mounting indiscretions, but she has a funny way of showing it.
Tuesday 15th January, 9pm, Sky Atlantic (or all episodes NOW TV)
3 Vera *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODE*
S9 E2/4
The detective investigates the discovery of an unidentified teenage boy’s body in a coastal town’s shipyard, who is revealed to be listed as a missing person, having absconded from the care of his support worker. Vera discovers that the quiet community where he was found is plagued by a serious drugs problem – despite the fact that the only known dealer in the area has turned his back on crime. The victim could be the answer to the mystery, but a wall of silence surrounds his death.
Sunday 20th January, 8.10pm, ITV
4 35 Awr *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODE*
S1 E3/6
Sunday 20th January, 9pm, S4C
5 Silent Witness *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODES*
S22 E3&4/10
After a teenage boy is killed in a meth lab explosion, his inspirational head teacher Noah Taylor resolves to confront the drug dealers preying on his community. Dangerous batches of new drugs are hitting the streets, and the effects are evident to Nikki, Jack, Clarissa and Thomas as they deal with the rise in both violent and accidental deaths linked to the narcotics, while tragedy strikes at the heart of the Taylor family.
Monday 14th and Tuesday 16th January, 9pm, BBC One
6 Black Lake (Series 2) *UK UK PREMIERE EPISODES* *LAST IN SERIES*
S2 E7&8/8
Oscar has vanished, but Uno does not want to inform the police right away, as it might threaten the enterprise on the island.
Saturday 19th January, 9pm, BBC Four
7 The Crimson Rivers *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODE*
S1 E2/8
Another corpse is found with the same mutilations as the first victim. It is that of Ludwig von Geyersberg, a cousin of Jurgen and Laura. As Niemans and Camille proceed with their inquiries, they are put on the track of a curse that is rumoured to be placed on the sons of the Von Geyersberg family. The detectives also find some parallels between the killer’s modus operandi and the ritual of Pirsch, or hunting by stalking. They have to contemplate whether the Von Geyersbergs are really the victims or if there a killer among them.
Friday 18th January, 9pm, More4
8 The River *NEW UK PREMIERE SERIES*
S1 E1/12
Norwegian crime drama set in a town on the Russian border where Cold War tensions still simmer. While out playing near the river, a young girl finds a severed hand, and her family anonymously informs the authorities. Less than 24 hours later, the girl mysteriously disappears. Police detective Thomas Lonnhoiden, who is new to the area, begins an investigation into her disappearance, but faces reluctance and disapproval from his superior officer.
Tuesday 15th January, 10.35pm, Channel 4 (and then all episodes on ALL4)
9 Grantchester *NEW UK PREMIERE EPISODE*
S4 E2/6
With Violet gone, Sidney loses himself in drink. After a heavy whiskey session leaves him without his jacket – and little memory of the night before – he discovers to his horror that he was the last person to see a young woman alive. As he struggles to remember her final words, Geordie grows concerned – both for the murdered girl, so callously abandoned outside a local slum, and for his friend’s troubled state of mind.
Friday 18th January, 9pm, ITV
10 Murdoch Mysteries *NEW UK PREMIERE SERIES*
S12 E1/18
The Murdochs’ housewarming party is cut short when a man is cooked to the point of exploding in a closet-sized microwave prototype.
Monday 14th January, 9pm, Alibi
The Killing Times 