Netflix Releases Scottish Crime Drama Dept Q Starring Matthew Goode

Netflix's new crime drama "Dept. Q," starring Matthew Goode as Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, adapts Jussi Adler-Olsen's Nordic noir novels into a Scottish setting, offering a fresh take on cold case investigations. Goode's portrayal of the snarky, sarcastic, and rage-filled Morck marks a departure from his usual period drama roles, providing him a liberating opportunity to play a complex, prickly character who often annoys those around him. The series, created by Scott Frank, who also worked with Goode on "The Lookout," assembles a team of misfit detectives working from a basement cold case unit, with the plot focusing on a four-year-old missing persons case. While the show shares some elements with similar British thrillers like "Slow Horses," including a ragtag investigative team and a darkly comic tone, it distinguishes itself with a lower-stakes narrative and moments of sentimentality. Critics have praised the show's compelling opening sequence and strong supporting cast, including notable Scottish actors, though some note the series lacks the intense urgency of other crime dramas. Overall, "Dept. Q" is seen as one of Netflix's better police procedurals, balancing grit and character-driven storytelling.