Led byDavid Tennant, an iconic British crime drama introduced one of the greatest detective duos ever seen on screen. There’s something about British detective dramas that gets to you. The characters feel real and relatable, the stories are intricate, the setting plays a pivotal role in creating an atmosphere, and the emotional fallout is often cathartic. Thoughthe Brits produce dozens of great crime and detective dramaseach year, only a few truly break through to become genuine, lasting, global sensations.
Though there are various reasons why one show may fare better than another (the story’s quality is certainly a key factor),a good detective drama needs to be led by an interesting detective.While solving the case is a key component of what makes a detective drama work, if the leading investigator isn’t compelling, the entire show will falter. After all, the case is also meant to give us a better insight into the person trying to solve it. So, what’s even better than one compelling lead detective? Two.
David Tennant’s Broadchurch Features One Of The Best Detective Duos On Thriller TV
There’s Something Special About A Great Crime-Solving Duo
First released by ITV in the U.K. in 2013,David Tennant’sBroadchurchintroduced viewers to one of the best detective duos in the genre.DI Alec Hardy (Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (the one and only Olivia Colman) complement each other beautifully, though they’d probably both deny it if you asked. Alec is socially distant, rough, haunted by his past, but he is also compassionate and truly cares about achieving the right result. As an outsider in a relatively small, seaside community, he provides a more dispassionate, objective perspective on every case.
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Then there’s Ellie, a prominent part of the community and devoted wife, mother, and friend.She cares about the victims' families, fosters a close personal connection to them, and understands how the residents of Broadchurch think, feel, and act.Though he might not want to admit it initially, Alec soon realizes he needs Ellie in season 1, and though she makes a few minor mistakes, he eventually learns to forgive her. In a roundabout way, they take care of each other. Their relationship makes them stand out from the potentially oversaturated British detective crowd.
David Tennant & Olivia Colman’s Dynamic Is The Best Thing About Broadchurch
Both Actors Are Incredible In Broadchurch
Given how talented both Tennant and Colman are, it’s no surprise that their dynamic is the best thing aboutBroadchurch.Though the show’s popularity was certainly helped by the tragic nature ofBroadchurchseason 1’s heartbreaking murder and the way the story examines how gossip and distrust can tear apart a once peaceful small town, Tennant and Colman’s characters, acting work, and partnership within the show are second to none.
Alec is set in his ways but still willing to learn, while Ellie owns up to her mistakes and calls Alec out when he’s overly arrogant.
Tennant and Colman have incredible emotional range, and it’s all on prime display inBroadchurch. Alec is set in his ways but still willing to learn, while Ellie owns up to her mistakes and calls Alec out when he’s overly arrogant. Despite their different experiences, they need each other to solve Broadchurch’s most heinous crimes. Colman and Tennant play off each other beautifully.
The British TV Series Isn’t The Only Show That Sees David Tennant In An Iconic Pairing
David Tennant Has Great Chemistry With His Co-Stars
Though Tennant is fantastic as a solo actor or in an ensemble show, he excels when part of an interesting, dynamic duo.Broadchurchis far from his only iconic pairing; think of his work onDoctor WhoandGood Omens, for instance. The Tenth Doctor’s friendship with companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) is possibly my favorite ever on-screen dynamic duo. When they reunite at Adipose Industries in season 4, episode 1, “Partners in Crime,” there’s so much genuine fun and laughter in their relationship. There’s a reason they were brought back forDoctor Who’s 60th anniversary specials.
We can’t forget Tennant’s role as the demon Crowley inGood Omensand his incredible chemistry with Michael Sheen’s angel, Aziraphale. Their relationship is tragedy, comedy, destiny, and love all rolled into one, and I can’t imagine anyone better in either role. It’s magic when they’re on-screen together, and their real-life friendship shines through beautifully too.David Tennantis one of today’s most popular working actors for a reason, and his roles inBroadchurch,Doctor Who,Good Omens, and so many others prove why.
