Season 1 of "Broadchurch"

"Broadchurch" is a British detective series.  The title refers to the location of the show, a coastal town in England that is small enough for everyone to know everyone else and where rumors and gossip spread like wildfire.  There is a murder of a boy at the series' start and DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) are on the case.

There are many suspects and unanswered questions.  As the first season progresses, the facts of the case start to reveal themselves.  The way the show uncovers the details is brilliantly handled by the writing and direction.  The many characters and their varying personalities and eccentricities add depth to the show and a lot of intrigue.

The acting of the show is impeccable.  Olivia Colman is fantastic.  She must convey her split loyalties between being the investigator on the case and the mother of the victim's friend.  More complications arise for her as the show goes on and they come to a crescendo in the end.  David Tennant's Alec Hardy is a complicated character.  He suffers from heart trouble which constantly threatens to interfere with his job.  He also has a past that tortures him and his multi-dimensional personality is slowly developed over the course of the first season.

The cinematography is masterful.  The shots of the coastal town and the various locations make the show unique and interesting to behold.

There are many surprises, twists and turns, and unexpected revelations.  The ending of the first season may make you question how a subsequent season is possible.  I look forward to them to see how the characters deal with the major circumstances that happen at the first season's end.