Tina Charles belting out her 1970s disco hit “I Love to Love”
while a big old Mercedes saloon drives through the dark streets of
London during the opening credits of River – 90 seconds is all it takes to
fall this terrific show.
If there’s a better, more unexpectedly warm and engaging
opening scene to any TV series in recent memory, I’d love to see that too.
Stellan Skarsgard stars as the aloof, enigmatic and haunted Detective
Inspector John River – who plays perfectly against the more outgoing but
equally enigmatic and haunted Nicole Walker who co-stars as DS Jackie ‘Stevie’
Stevenson.
Both River and Stevie may be haunted by the past, but when
they are together there is a light in their eyes that is enchanting. When they're apart, River’s
demons feel startlingly original in a TV detective context.
In fact, all of the relationships feel genuine, with a supporting
cast of fully fleshed out characters, not just cardboard cut outs.
I won’t say much more for fear of spoilers – but this is a
most original, emotionally engaging, sometimes unsettling but altogether
rewarding TV experience.
River is a couple of years old but screened only recently
on ABC TV and is still available on Netflix. The Guardian’s review does it
justice (and I agree - 6 episodes feels far too short!)
Many of the best crime shows seem to run sweet but short
series – think Idris Elba in Luther, and Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock.
Together with River, all 3 are as much about the lead characters and their relationships
as they are about crime solving.
For me the ultimate short-but-sweet series was Deadwood, cruelly
cancelled in its prime. But that’s a story for another time. Right now, thanks
to my new love affair with Spotify, I can sing along with Tina Charles whenever
I want!
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