Netflix Launches Dept Q Crime Drama Series Set in Scotland

Netflix's new crime drama series Dept. Q, starring Matthew Goode as the disillusioned detective Carl Morck, centers on the reopening of cold cases with a focus on a complex disappearance involving a barrister and her autistic brother. The show weaves together multiple timelines and character backstories, including Morck's troubled past and strained relationships, as well as the challenges faced by Merritt Lingard and her brother William. While the characters often fit into familiar crime drama archetypes, the series balances bleakness with humor and offers a compelling portrayal of autism and the difficulties families encounter. Based on the popular Danish novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept. Q has been noted for its noir tone and strong performances, particularly Goode's fearless portrayal of a detective who disrupts the status quo. Critics recognize that despite the lack of originality in its archetypes, the show succeeds through sharp writing, suspenseful storytelling, and vivid character interactions. The series is described as engaging and enjoyable, appealing to fans of cold case and Nordic noir genres.