Well, the much anticipated “mini-series event” Gracepoint has now premiered, and it’s a very intriguing show. I must preface anything I write with the fact that I have NOT seen the British version, Broadchurch, so I will be writing from that perspective. I’m actually something of an American TV purist, however this is neither the time nor place.
Gracepoint is a small town where “this kind of thing” doesn’t normally happen. Everyone knows everyone, and the crime rate isn’t exactly a problem. There are plumbers, eager beaver reporters, creepy old men who hang around with kids once or twice a month, among other perfectly friendly residents. There’s a new detective in town, Emmett Carver (played by Doctor Who’s David Tennant), and resident hot-shot cop Ellie Miller (Breaking Bad‘s Anna Gunn) is none too happy with his arrival. It becomes apparent that everyone in this tiny little town has secrets to hide, including Detective Carver. That all starts to show itself when a local boy is murdered.
This is the kind of show that thrives on dramatic tension. I got a vibe very similar to the first couple episodes of The Killing. Ultimately, what Gracepoint lacks in darkness (so far) it makes up for with the incredible dramatic tension, and ultimately has a much stronger cast. I can’t wait to see more of Nick Nolte’s character, and I’m a huge fan of Michael Pena’s work as well. But of course, you can’t talk about the acting in this show without mentioning the major players, David Tennant and Anna Gunn. I’ve read a lot of criticism about David Tennant’s attempt at an American accent, and I actually think it’s pretty good. He’s believable as an American, and I stand by that. Granted, maybe I’m just relieved that he was not as bad as Tom Felton on TNT’s Murder in the First (Felton was actually quite good in the series, but his accent was off-putting). All that to say, regardless of accent, Tennant made some strong choices and is really owning Detective Carver thus far.
Anna Gunn, fresh off another Emmy win, is in a very different type of role. Instead of a woman who silently takes power and plays with the big boys like Skyler White, she’s much more of an emotional, connected character here. Ellie Miller clearly cares about the people in this town, and works as the perfect liaison between the police and the townspeople. I could sense the difference between Ellie and Skyler right away, and it just goes to show the incredible range that Anna Gunn has. Although I have to admit how ironic it would be if her husband was the killer. Psychopath criminal masquerading as a family man and married to Anna Gunn? Seems pretty similar to something else I know and love.
What FOX wants is to keep you guessing. Every week on Gracepoint, I’m sure we’ll see some shred of evidence that points to someone else who could be the killer. Then in the end, it will be who you least expect. Fox is planning on you needing to know so badly whodunnit that you will tune in every week. I’m personally more interested in the stories that all these fantastic characters have to tell, but I’m betting that the road will be pretty twisty nonetheless. I also wouldn’t put it past Fox to know that you might’ve seen Broadchurch, and maybe give you something a little different down the stretch.
Ultimately, from a fresh viewer’s perspective, Gracepoint is off to an excellent start. There’s always a lot of setup involved in a first episode, but this one accomplished everything it needed and then some. I’m excited to see the show continue, and I look forward most of all to the conclusion, to see if comparisons remain the same.
What do you guys think? Are you too much of a Broadchurch fan to give Gracepoint a go? Or are you as intrigued as I am? Let us know!!
[Photo via FOX]
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