Dept Q: Netflix's Dark Scottish Thriller That's Captivating Audiences
As a crime drama enthusiast, I've been completely engrossed by Dept Q's atmospheric take on cold cases. Matthew Goode's performance as the cantankerous DCI Carl Morck took me on an emotional rollercoaster through Edinburgh's gothic streets, leaving me desperate for more after binging all nine episodes in one weekend!
The Rise of Dept Q on Netflix
Holy moly, Dept Q burst onto Netflix in May 2025 and immediately became the talk of the streaming world - then bizarrely disappeared for a few hours before returning! This adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen's bestselling Danish crime novels relocates the action from Copenhagen to the gothic streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, creating a perfect backdrop for this dark psychological thriller.The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), a brilliant but abrasive detective who, after a tragic shooting leaves his partner paralyzed and another officer dead, is reassigned to head Department Q - a new basement-dwelling cold case unit created mainly for PR purposes.
What makes this show stand out among the sea of crime dramas is how it balances intricate mystery-solving with deeply personal character development, especially as Morck grapples with his overwhelming guilt and PTSD from the shooting incident.
I still remember hunkering down with a cup of tea, ready for just one episode, and suddenly it was 3 AM and I'd watched half the series. That's the kind of grip this show has on you!
Matthew Goode's Transformative Performance
For years, Matthew Goode has been typecast in period dramas like Downton Abbey and The Crown, often playing charming aristocrats with that "modern patrician" face of his. In Dept Q, he finally breaks free from this mold, delivering what I consider his most compelling performance to date.As one critic from The Guardian wrote: "Goode, as the bearded, gaunt, increasingly haunted detective, is the blackly shining centerpiece."
His portrayal of Morck is nothing short of captivating - a man spiraling through guilt, rage, and occasional flashes of brilliance. Gone is the polished charm of his period drama characters, replaced by a raw, unfiltered intensity that leaves you both frustrated by his behavior and rooting for his redemption.
On Reddit, one user commented: "Goode's performance in Dept Q makes me forget every other role I've seen him in. The way he embodies Morck's self-destructive brilliance is uncomfortable to watch sometimes, but impossible to look away from."
I totally agree with this take! There's something utterly mesmerizing about watching Goode transform into this deeply flawed character. His eyes alone tell stories of trauma that dialogue could never capture.
Edinburgh: The Perfect Gothic Setting
Scott Frank's decision to relocate the story from Copenhagen to Edinburgh proves to be a stroke of genius. The ancient architecture, narrow wynds, and imposing castle create an atmosphere that's both beautiful and menacing - much like Morck himself.As an Edinburgh resident pointed out on X: "Seeing familiar streets transformed into these crime scenes is surreal. The way they've captured the city's dual nature - gorgeous in daylight, menacing after dark - adds so much to the show's mood."
The series utilizes Edinburgh's unique geography brilliantly - from the grand buildings of the New Town to the shadowy closes of the Old Town. This duality mirrors the show's themes of what lies beneath the surface, both in its characters and its mysteries.
Fun fact: While the original novels are set in Denmark, Scott Frank has mentioned that he chose Edinburgh because he "hadn't really seen a show in Edinburgh before" and was struck by the "perfect combination between the modern and the medieval" when he visited the city.
The Misfit Team of Department Q
What really makes Dept Q shine is the unlikely team that forms around Morck. Far from the typical ensemble of a police procedural, these characters feel genuinely unique:| Character | Actor | Role & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| DCI Carl Morck | Matthew Goode | Brilliant but abrasive detective battling PTSD and guilt |
| DC Rose Dickson | Leah Byrne | Recovering from a breakdown, brings fresh perspective |
| Akram Salim | Alexej Manvelov | Syrian refugee and former police officer with unique insights |
| DI James Hardy | Jamie Sives | Morck's paralyzed partner who assists from his hospital bed |
| Dr. Rachel Irving | Kelly Macdonald | Morck's reluctant therapist who becomes crucial to the team |
I found myself especially drawn to Leah Byrne's portrayal of Rose. Her journey from desk duty to becoming a vital part of Department Q mirrors what so many of us experience when finding our true calling against institutional barriers.
The Central Mystery: More Than Just a Missing Person Case
At the heart of Dept Q's first season is the disappearance of young advocate Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie), who vanished from a ferry four years prior to the events of the show. What initially seems like a straightforward missing person case gradually unravels into something far more sinister.The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, "The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name." This quote perfectly encapsulates Dept Q's approach to mystery-solving. Nothing is quite what it appears to be, and the team must strip away layers of deception to reveal the brutal truth.
The show brilliantly employs parallel storytelling, with Lingard's experience shown alongside the investigation, creating a claustrophobic tension that had me literally holding my breath during certain scenes. (No spoilers, but episode 8 nearly gave me a heart attack!)
Dept Q's Critical Reception
The show has garnered significant critical acclaim, currently holding an impressive 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics particularly praise its methodical pacing and atmospheric storytelling.As Craig Mathieson of The Age wrote: "This enthralling drama, which becomes an unstoppable procedural driven by resuscitation and redemption, transcends the recognisable. Every element is finely honed, making Dept Q the best law enforcement mystery since Mare of Easttown."
Not all reviews are glowing, however. Some critics find Morck's character development lacking, with Lisa Weidenfeld of the Boston Globe noting: "The show struggles with its angle on Morck. He's filled with rage over what happened to Hardy and keeps lashing out inappropriately, but his hidden depths are all implied."
But that's what I actually loved about the show! It doesn't spoon-feed you character development or exposition. Like a real person, Morck reveals himself gradually through his actions rather than convenient monologues or flashbacks.
Behind the Scenes: Scott Frank's Vision
Scott Frank, known for The Queen's Gambit and Godless, brings his signature measured pacing and visual flair to Dept Q. In interviews, he's revealed that he's been fascinated by Adler-Olsen's books for over two decades."There was just something about it," Frank explains. "The title, this notion of something called Department Q, stayed with me."
Frank's approach to adapting the material involved significant changes - not just the setting shift from Denmark to Scotland, but also emphasizing Morck's Englishness to create additional friction with his Scottish colleagues. This cultural tension adds another layer to the already complex interpersonal dynamics.
The director wrote or co-wrote all nine episodes and directed six of them, ensuring a consistent vision throughout the series. This unified approach pays dividends in the show's cohesive tone and thematic consistency.
Common Questions About Dept Q
Is Dept Q based on a book?
Yes, Dept Q is based on a series of novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The books have been massive bestsellers in Europe, with over 23 million copies sold worldwide. They've already been adapted into six Danish-language films before Netflix decided to create this English-language series.
I've actually read a couple of the original books, and while the Netflix adaptation makes significant changes (most notably the Scottish setting), it captures the essence of what makes the source material so compelling - the combination of intricate mysteries with deeply flawed but fascinating characters.
If you enjoy the show, I highly recommend checking out the books, starting with "Mercy" (also published as "The Keeper of Lost Causes" in some regions).
Why did Dept Q disappear from Netflix?
In one of the strangest streaming mishaps of 2025, Dept Q actually vanished from Netflix for several hours shortly after its premiere on May 29, 2025. Many viewers (myself included!) were midway through binge-watching when the show suddenly disappeared from the platform.
According to reports, users in the UK and other regions couldn't find the show when searching, and those who had been watching received messages suggesting the series hadn't been released yet. Netflix never provided an official explanation for the temporary removal, but the show was restored within hours.
This bizarre incident actually created additional buzz around the series, with many speculating about what happened. Some joked that the show had become its own cold case for Department Q to solve!
Will there be a Season 2 of Dept Q?
Netflix hasn't officially announced a second season yet, but given the show's critical reception and growing fanbase, it seems likely. Plus, there's plenty of source material - Adler-Olsen has written ten books in the Department Q series so far.
I'm personally on pins and needles waiting for an announcement! The way season one ended left several character arcs open for further exploration, particularly regarding Morck's ongoing recovery and the evolving dynamics within the team.
If you're as eager as I am for more Dept Q, I'd recommend following Scott Frank and the main cast members on social media, as they're likely to be the first to share news about a potential renewal.
How accurate is the Edinburgh setting?
As someone who spent a semester studying in Edinburgh, I was blown away by how authentically the show captures the city's unique character. From the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the winding closes of the Royal Mile, the locations are not just accurate but meaningful to the storytelling.
The production team clearly did their homework on Scottish police procedures too, though they take some creative liberties for dramatic effect. The fictional police station where Department Q is housed doesn't exist in real life, but it fits seamlessly into the Edinburgh landscape.
What I particularly appreciated was how the show uses both the touristy areas that everyone knows and the lesser-seen parts of the city that locals frequent. This creates a more complete picture of Edinburgh than most productions manage to achieve.
Dept Q has redefined what a crime drama can be in today's oversaturated market. By prioritizing character development alongside mystery-solving and setting its story against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Edinburgh, the show offers something genuinely fresh and compelling. Matthew Goode's career-defining performance as Carl Morck anchors a series that's as much about inner demons as it is about catching criminals. While not perfect, its flaws only make it more authentic and human - much like its central character. Whether you're a longtime fan of crime dramas or new to the genre, Dept Q deserves a place at the top of your watchlist.
crime thriller, Matthew Goode, Edinburgh setting, Netflix series, cold case investigation, psychological drama, Scott Frank, Danish adaptation, Jussi Adler-Olsen, detective series, British crime drama, Department Q, gothic atmosphere, character-driven narrative, binge-worthy show
Netflix's Dept Q: A Brilliant Crime Drama That Will Keep You Guessing