Synopsis
Happy Valley is a British crime drama series created by Sally Wainwright. It stars Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant in West Yorkshire who is dealing with the aftermath of her daughter’s suicide. The series also features James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce, a violent criminal who is released from prison and sets his sights on Catherine and her family.
Cast and Director
The cast of Happy Valley includes:
- Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood
- James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce
- Siobhan Finneran as Clare Cawood
- Derek Riddell as Richard Cawood
- Charlie Murphy as Jodie Shackleton
- Rick Warden as Kevin Weatherill
- Matthew Lewis as Ashley Cowgill
- Amelia Bullmore as Ann Gallagher
- John Bradley as Michael Coates
The series is directed by Sally Wainwright and produced by Red Production Company.
Story Plot
The first season of Happy Valley follows Catherine Cawood as she investigates the disappearance of a young girl. The investigation leads her to Tommy Lee Royce, a violent criminal who is released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for rape. Royce sets his sights on Catherine and her family, and the two of them engage in a cat-and-mouse game that tests Catherine’s strength and resolve.
The second season of Happy Valley picks up two years after the events of the first season. Catherine is still haunted by the death of her daughter, and she is struggling to raise her grandson Ryan, who is the product of Becky’s rape by Tommy Lee Royce. When Royce escapes from prison, Catherine must once again face her demons in order to protect Ryan and the people she loves.
The third and final season of Happy Valley takes place seven years after the events of the second season. Catherine is now retired from the police force and is living in the Himalayas. However, her peace is shattered when she learns that Tommy Lee Royce has been released from prison and is back in Yorkshire. Catherine returns home to confront Royce, and the two of them engage in a final showdown that will have a devastating impact on both of their lives.
Critical Response
Happy Valley has received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, and production values. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of crime and violence, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes of grief, loss, and redemption.
The series has won numerous awards, including two BAFTAs for Best Drama Series and Best Actress for Sarah Lancashire. It has also been nominated for a Golden Globe Award and a Peabody Award.
Life Lessons
Happy Valley is a powerful and thought-provoking series that offers several life lessons. Here are a few of the most important lessons that the series teaches us:
- The importance of family and community. Catherine Cawood is a strong and independent woman, but she is also deeply connected to her family and community. These relationships provide her with strength and support during difficult times.
- The power of resilience. Catherine Cawood has suffered great personal loss, but she has never given up hope. She is a survivor who refuses to be defined by her past.
- The importance of forgiveness. Catherine Cawood is a complex character who is capable of both great love and great anger. She eventually learns to forgive the people who have hurt her, and this act of forgiveness allows her to find peace.
Conclusion
Happy Valley is a brilliant and moving series that is sure to stay with you long after you finish watching it. It is a show that is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but it does so with compassion and understanding. Happy Valley is a must-watch for fans of crime drama, character-driven stories, and well-made television.