Dalgliesh is a British crime drama television series based on the Adam Dalgliesh novels by P.D. James. Bertie Carvel stars as the title character, an enigmatic detective–poet. The six-part series premiered on Acorn TV on 1 November 2021 in the United States followed by a Channel 5 premiere on 4 November in the United Kingdom.
Synopsis
Dalgliesh is a published poet and recent widower, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh employs his empathy and insight to plumb the darker depths of the human psyche while investigating complex crimes in mid-1970s England.
Cast and Director
- Bertie Carvel as Adam Dalgliesh
- Carlyss Peer as DS Kate Miskin
- Alistair Brammer as DS Daniel Tarrant
- Helen Edmundson as writer
- Jill Robertson as director
Premiere Date
The first season of Dalgliesh premiered on Acorn TV on 1 November 2021 and on Channel 5 on 4 November 2021. The second season premiered on Acorn TV on 24 April 2023.
Story Plot
The first season of Dalgliesh adapts three of James’ novels:
- Shroud for a Nightingale (1975): A student nurse is found dead during a training demonstration at a hospital. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate, and he soon discovers that the hospital is a hotbed of secrets and rivalries.
- The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (1976): A wealthy businessman is found dead in his club. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate, and he soon uncovers a web of corruption and deceit.
- Death of an Expert Witness (1977): A young doctor is found dead in the grounds of his family museum. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate, and he soon discovers that the doctor’s death is linked to a decades-old secret.
The second season of Dalgliesh adapts two more of James’ novels:
- A Certain Justice (1977): A controversial barrister is found dead in her chambers. Dalgliesh is called in to investigate, and he soon discovers that the barrister’s death is linked to a dark family secret.
- The Murder Room (1990): Dalgliesh is called in to investigate the murder of a young woman in a locked room. The case takes him back to his own past, and he soon realizes that the killer is someone he knows well.
Critical Response
Dalgliesh has received positive reviews from critics. The Guardian called it “a beautifully crafted and intelligent mystery series” and “a must-watch for fans of crime fiction.” The Independent said that Carvel “is perfectly cast as Dalgliesh” and that the series is “a masterclass in suspense and intrigue.”
Life Lessons
Dalgliesh is a complex character who is constantly learning and growing. He is a man of great empathy and insight, and he is always willing to challenge the status quo. Here are a few life lessons that we can learn from Dalgliesh:
- Never judge a book by its cover.
- It is important to listen to your intuition.
- The truth is often more complicated than it seems.
- It is important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult.
- It is never too late to change.
Conclusion
Dalgliesh is a well-made and thought-provoking mystery series that is sure to appeal to fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers. The series is beautifully shot and features excellent performances from the cast, particularly Bertie Carvel as Dalgliesh. Dalgliesh is a complex and compelling character who is always learning and growing. He is a man of great empathy and insight, and he is always willing to challenge the status quo. Dalgliesh is a series that will stay with you long after you finish watching it.