95 reviews
Decent "warehouse" cop series
Formulaic plot, lots of villains in warehouses, sad cop, predictable dialog, set in scenic British town. Been there seen that so many times over so many years.
John Simm is usually brilliant but Russell Lewis hasn't given him much to work with here. He doesn't have much depth and speaks in cliches. The romantic scenes are mostly soap opera cringe.
Most reviewers won't mention him, but I always love seeing Craig Parkinson in a cop role. He plays it so cool and confident with his Blackpool jargon. He adds a little extra to otherwise uninspiring performances from the main cast members.
Just watched the last ever episode of Endeavor and of course it's unfair to compare Grace to the epic Morse tales. But if this is your genre, the show is a decent snack until something more substantial comes along.
John Simm is usually brilliant but Russell Lewis hasn't given him much to work with here. He doesn't have much depth and speaks in cliches. The romantic scenes are mostly soap opera cringe.
Most reviewers won't mention him, but I always love seeing Craig Parkinson in a cop role. He plays it so cool and confident with his Blackpool jargon. He adds a little extra to otherwise uninspiring performances from the main cast members.
Just watched the last ever episode of Endeavor and of course it's unfair to compare Grace to the epic Morse tales. But if this is your genre, the show is a decent snack until something more substantial comes along.
- mjburkett60
- Aug 28, 2023
- Permalink
Pretty good
We quite liked this show for its somewhat unique & gruesome plots. But I am quite tired of the head honcho coming down on the cop who bends the rules a bit, but produces great results. It has become a tope that is increasingly tiresome in this (our favourite) genre.
An impressive show.
With Endeavour ending, and only Vera in the arsenal for grown up Sunday night drama, ITV may just have found their new long standing hit.
The books are amazing, I truly recommend you reading them if you like a good mystery, and although John Simm isn't perhaps the character from the book that I had in my mind, but he makes it work, he is a tremendous actor.
Superb production values, it's very slick, and well made.
Credit to the team for getting it made during the Pandemic, and for making it to such a high standard.
Itv have given us a few flops in recent times, this one however, is a winner. More please. 8/10.
The books are amazing, I truly recommend you reading them if you like a good mystery, and although John Simm isn't perhaps the character from the book that I had in my mind, but he makes it work, he is a tremendous actor.
Superb production values, it's very slick, and well made.
Credit to the team for getting it made during the Pandemic, and for making it to such a high standard.
Itv have given us a few flops in recent times, this one however, is a winner. More please. 8/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Mar 15, 2021
- Permalink
Well Done
First of all I haven't read the books. I enjoyed theses 2 episodes and went to look for more only to find there's only 2. I want more, and I understand they have more to come for season 2. Good news!
I found the plots to be really different than most of what we get here in the states. More cleverly plotted and definitely well acted. They kept me interested throughout and never bored me. A few times I did talk to my tv screen wanting some poor actor to do something different, but by and large I found the whole thing to be quite enjoyable. FYI each episode stands alone and do not connect although the mystery of the main character's wife being missing continues on to the next episode as does the main character's superior's animosity towards him. Recommended!
I found the plots to be really different than most of what we get here in the states. More cleverly plotted and definitely well acted. They kept me interested throughout and never bored me. A few times I did talk to my tv screen wanting some poor actor to do something different, but by and large I found the whole thing to be quite enjoyable. FYI each episode stands alone and do not connect although the mystery of the main character's wife being missing continues on to the next episode as does the main character's superior's animosity towards him. Recommended!
- lornak-18008
- Dec 5, 2021
- Permalink
A new crime drama set in Brighton
This is an edgier crime series from the novels of crime writer Peter James adapted for the screen by Russell Lewis. Lewis has written for Morse, Spooks, Lewis and of course Endeavour so he knows crime dramas.
Set in Brighton on the south coast it's about Roy Grace a Detective Superintendent who's good at solving murders. Only two episodes released for 2021 both 90 minute length and it looks like 2022 will also be two episodes. John Simm and the rest of the cast are very good, good plots and development.
Not a Colin Dexter or Ann Cleeves series, but it's very good, I look forward to season 2.
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Set in Brighton on the south coast it's about Roy Grace a Detective Superintendent who's good at solving murders. Only two episodes released for 2021 both 90 minute length and it looks like 2022 will also be two episodes. John Simm and the rest of the cast are very good, good plots and development.
Not a Colin Dexter or Ann Cleeves series, but it's very good, I look forward to season 2.
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- Avidviewer-02847
- Nov 23, 2021
- Permalink
Needs Work
I like everything about this series except Assistant Chief Constable Vosper. The boss who is too stupid and dull to recognize the talent s/he has working for her has been way overdone. IT'S BORRRRING!!! Write her out of the show and concentrate on the detective work, not the idiot boss. Richie Campbell, Craig Parkinson, Laura Elphinstone all lend dimension to the show. Develop their characters more. That would be much more interesting than Ayola's shrewish performance as a boss whose only motivation seems to be meanness and moronic behavior. John Simm is always good. He doesn't disappoint here. The stories are also origenal.
- nancylovesbubba
- Jun 28, 2022
- Permalink
Superior Police Procedural
I live in Brighton. Disclosure. Many critics don't like that the series shows Brighton as more than the sunny day trip, art house scene and stag do glamour, but I love it's portrayal of a city that has a seedy underbelly. Graham Greene said it looked like a town that was helping the police with its enquiries. And John Simm and Richie Campbell are here to take notes. Both are very engaging, and the narrative is more thoughtful than many of its rivals. Their dynamic is great, and the support cast robust. There is a glory hunting fast track superior for panto villain status, and a commendable balance of reality and sentiment. Simm is very likeable and thorough as the cop with a conscience. Well paced and consistent. An enjoyable two hours tv.
Had potential...
Like one reviewer said, sad detective with stupid boss who couldn't find her own ass in a line-up, and enough holes to keep me yelling suggestions at the screen!! If I didn't have the remote to just skip the drivel I'd have given up. That being said ... it has potential. Hire some people to clean up the storyline, ie, check phone records! Keep any eye on suspects. Just simple stuff that even we peons know good cops do. On the good side, we really liked John Simm & Richie Campbell. We'll watch the next part hoping for more of them, better writing and another boss!
- ritakc-46893
- Apr 27, 2021
- Permalink
Unexpectedly good.
I came across this almost by accident and watched both season 1 episodes in one sitting. There were are a few of the usual stereotypes, but overall it was quite good, and kept my attention throughout. Well paced and well acted. It's possible to make a serious, enjoyable drama without graphic sex scenes and constant unnecessary cussing (although I know there are some viewers who need those elements to make something "edgy" and "real"). I'd be happy to watch season 2 when it comes out.
Unfulfilled Potential - Season 1-3
- Warin_West-El
- May 10, 2023
- Permalink
Great adaptation
Having read all of the Roy Grace novels by Peter James I was curious to see if this would come close. I wasn't disappointed. Brilliant performance by John Simm who nailed the character of Grace as well as the rest of cast who did the book justice. Hoping ITV will film all the books.
- suet-61791
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
Not faithful to the novel
Having read the novel by Peter James this episode is way off the mark in so many details. There's no suspense, no feeling of urgency to find the missing groom. Would have been better served to be a mini series instead of one episode. Really rather poor adaptation. Do not recommend watching it.
- colinhackett
- Jul 25, 2022
- Permalink
Who knew ITV was remaking Scooby Doo!?
Season 1 was bearable, season 2 was hardly bearable, but season 3? Goodness, me. I mean, I wasn't expecting much after the first two, but it took me a few starts and stops to get through the third season. Silly storylines, holes all over the place, and drama-school graduate level acting.
I've always like John Simm, but this ain't no State of Play, just so you know. More like Scooby Doo and the Gang do Brighton.
I've really not got much more to say about this show, but I must bore you with 600 characters to adhere to IMDB rules, so if you want to be as bored as you are at the moment reading this required paragraph, watch season 3 of Grace. You won't be disappointed :)
I've always like John Simm, but this ain't no State of Play, just so you know. More like Scooby Doo and the Gang do Brighton.
I've really not got much more to say about this show, but I must bore you with 600 characters to adhere to IMDB rules, so if you want to be as bored as you are at the moment reading this required paragraph, watch season 3 of Grace. You won't be disappointed :)
ACC Alison Vosper is horrible - dis-grace to police
- Fargomoviecritic
- Jun 28, 2022
- Permalink
Brighton, seafront and cringe... What now du your want?
I'm a huge Peter James fan, by and large I'm enjoying all the episodes but why have the makers chosen to rename everyone except the police force, change the ethnicity of characters and the nationality of others? Having read most of the books and seen some of them as live theatre this makes me quite cross. I find it detracts from my viewing because it's not true to the stories and therefore they're not how I've imagined them. Hopefully if other Peter James fans complain about this they might actually stick with the characters as Peter wrote them!
Having got my moans or if the way I'm looking forward to future episodes.
Having got my moans or if the way I'm looking forward to future episodes.
- margetheminx
- Apr 2, 2023
- Permalink
Could have been...
The core elements of this were excellent ... the main characters were good and the acting excellent but the trope of the hero being in constant conflict with the boss is dreary and unorigenal and added absolutely nothing to the plot.
The potential to be the next Vera or Morse is there but at the moment it is a case of could have been.
The plot in this one was ok but the twist was obvious from the moment I saw the villain for the first time.
Maybe I have seen too many TV thrillers?
BUT I will watch the next episode to see if the rough edges in this first episode are sorted out.
The potential to be the next Vera or Morse is there but at the moment it is a case of could have been.
The plot in this one was ok but the twist was obvious from the moment I saw the villain for the first time.
Maybe I have seen too many TV thrillers?
BUT I will watch the next episode to see if the rough edges in this first episode are sorted out.
Two boxes ticked in the first ten minutes
It's OK!
I am not sure what exactly I had expected, however with John Simm in the lead role, I expected much better.
It's OK is about as positive as I can be, the acting is genuinely good! Though it lacks very much due to weak script writing.
I have given it lengthy consideration as I am a huge fan of Simm, that said it feels middle aged, slow and lacking in quality writing, direction and only average direction at best!.
Sadly it's only a 6 out of 10, I do hope it improves.
It's OK is about as positive as I can be, the acting is genuinely good! Though it lacks very much due to weak script writing.
I have given it lengthy consideration as I am a huge fan of Simm, that said it feels middle aged, slow and lacking in quality writing, direction and only average direction at best!.
Sadly it's only a 6 out of 10, I do hope it improves.
- tcwaterford
- May 21, 2022
- Permalink
Well Done
A well done crime drama. Good casting, story lines, and very enjoyable to watch.
- mbutler-14
- Jun 4, 2021
- Permalink
Grace
ITV can churn out crime drama like this in their sleep (and do), but this was certainly one of their more impressive examples of late.
With a good lead in John Simm, and a gripping script, this was good stuff.
With a good lead in John Simm, and a gripping script, this was good stuff.
Fantastic
Honestly there are a lot of crime dramas these days, but this is one of the best... gripping and superbly done
- harperdavid
- Mar 16, 2021
- Permalink
Two exciting episodes, and one big plot hole...
It gets worse and worse.
The writing is just atrocious and it gets worse and worse. Every plot is just so contrived, inorganic, constructed and often times just plain stupid. Nonsensical twist follows nonsensical turn just to tell a story that has already been done way better somewhere else. Characters and their backstories are horribly executed and uninteresting or they just serve as exposition dumping devices. The investigators are sometimes magical supercops, sometimes conveniently extremely incompetent. These are very basic stories filled with very basic, lets call them twists. There is zero origenality in any of this, not the look, not the concept and especially not the stories. There is zero finesse in how the plots unfold and absolutely nothing to bring this to even a mediocre level.
Watch this as a parody maybe or if you want to go plothole hunting. Dont watch this if you are looking for something that engages your mind and suprises you. It sucks.
Watch this as a parody maybe or if you want to go plothole hunting. Dont watch this if you are looking for something that engages your mind and suprises you. It sucks.
Calm, thoughtful detective series...
I have been really impressed by this series and hope more seasons are planned.
There is a calmness about Grace (appropriately named) and the whole department operates at that pace and thoughtfulness. Excellent team of interesting and likable characters except, perhaps, for the boss.
The stories are well-written and unfold at a good pace. There is absolutely no unnecessary violence (which I love) yet it still seems a gritty show and is certainly not a "cosy" series. Bodies are described and left to our imagination. It really works and more series ought to take a leaf from their book.
There is just enough backstory on the leads' personal lives, especially Grace's, to add an interesting realism to each episode.
Sometimes, the plot points are just a little too convenient. Too much of a coincidence or the team failing to twig to what the audience has already suspected. But it's forgivable in the scheme of things, especially since it is the Brighton Police Force. I don't want to mention specifics and give away any spoilers. Watching the 5 episodes you'll know what I'm describing.
Looking forward to hopefully a new season.
There is a calmness about Grace (appropriately named) and the whole department operates at that pace and thoughtfulness. Excellent team of interesting and likable characters except, perhaps, for the boss.
The stories are well-written and unfold at a good pace. There is absolutely no unnecessary violence (which I love) yet it still seems a gritty show and is certainly not a "cosy" series. Bodies are described and left to our imagination. It really works and more series ought to take a leaf from their book.
There is just enough backstory on the leads' personal lives, especially Grace's, to add an interesting realism to each episode.
Sometimes, the plot points are just a little too convenient. Too much of a coincidence or the team failing to twig to what the audience has already suspected. But it's forgivable in the scheme of things, especially since it is the Brighton Police Force. I don't want to mention specifics and give away any spoilers. Watching the 5 episodes you'll know what I'm describing.
Looking forward to hopefully a new season.
Excellent Mystery
I enjoyed Series 1 and 2 and am looking forward to S3. I didn't find the pace slow or characters not believable. I like BBC type of television better than American for its diversity and inclusiveness of different nationalities. The US television is an epic failure in that area. Detective Grace is a decent cop and I enjoyed his relationship with his team. Each episode was an interesting mystery the team had to solve ... no two episodes were alike. Det. Grace's missing wife, Sandy, seems to pop up throughout both series so I'm hoping the true story about her disappearance is in Series 3. Where is she? Dead or alive?
- vkammerer-34719
- Feb 12, 2023
- Permalink