by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
If the British know how to do one thing well, it’s a mystery. From Agatha Christie to Broadchurch,there is nothing quite like something conspiratorial being solved by someone in the Isles, with a penchant for the dramatic flair, and an intelligent solution. So it’s no wonder that premium television with these kinds of concepts is repeatedly released to great success, especially in this current era of viewership.
One of the most recent entrants in this genre is looks away from a simple murder, and toward a secret held together by government officials, secret assassins, and all the good stuff you expect in a hearty British meal. The question remains, however: Does it leave one satiated, or wanting for more in the worst way?
Down Cemetery Road follows two female protagonists, Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson), and PI Zoë Boehm (Emma Thompson), as they get unintentionally embroiled in a state-level coverup involving a missing neighborhood girl, experimental warfare, and personal tragedy.
Before we get any further, let’s focus on the elephant in the room: the impressive cast. Whether they’re a literal legend of the silver screen, as per Thompson, or one of those faces you’ve seen across many of the great shows of today, such as Adeel Akhtar as the sniveling middle management having to cover his own behind, this is a stacked roster. While all do well in their roles, Thompson, and Wilson are great leads that come at this mystery from incredibly different origins, and with different intentions. However, both have enough refreshing humanity at their core so as not to make them too much of a caricature.
Shoutouts are also definitely warranted toward Fehinti Balogun and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as two dangerous men for very different reasons. Each brings a level of gravitas to their role that makes them magnetic to watch. Essentially, everyone in the cast does their job, and does it well.
This is all well and good; however, given the level of mystery we’re dealing with — state secrets, federal government coverup, etc. — one wonders if the story at its center is worth committing eight episodes of time to. While the show’s intrigue is of great interest, and played for the right amount of drama, there is something to be said for letting the beginning tension of something unravelling play on a little too long, and then leaving the finale feeling less than wholly complete.
While it’s certainly exciting, and thrilling at times, toward the back half of the show there is a feeling of mystery fatigue that sets in place, when it becomes apparent that there’s only so much that our protagonists can do to alleviate their fate. It begins with these women having a lot more agency in what they discover, and how they pursue it, and slowly makes its way toward their almost being passengers in their fate, rather than active players. These people are just trying to survive the horrible thing happening to them, without much thought as to a plan that makes them worthy of leading such a story.
This also relates to the tension at the center of the show, especially as it relates to character relationships. The series does a good job of presenting several moments of intense danger, both physical and psychological, for its “good” characters. However, there are times where the impending result doesn’t quite fit the bill as something that plays within the story borders that the show has already set. Unlike Slow Horses — the other mystery series produced by the same creators, wherein the characters are trained spies who are having to constantly use their superior street smarts to get themselves out of trouble — Down Cemetery Road chooses to headline its adventure with a common woman folk and reluctant P.I. The fact that they don’t really elevate themselves throughout, or even go through any intensive character development beyond becoming more obviously badass, leaves something to be desired. Yes, they’re more human due to these elements, which is refreshing in some ways, but ultimately, the audience is here for a solution of some sort, and the same issues being present throughout the entire runtime can begin to wear thin.
However, the question posed at the beginning, and that many potential viewers will want to know, is: Does it satisfy? Do all the perils result in a conclusion that makes it all worth it? The answer to both is one of halves: both yes and no. This is greatly due to the fact that while some may argue that the main storyline at this particular season’s center is solved, there is plenty still left up in the air, particularly on the personal front for our main characters. This in particular makes one think that they have left all of that just so that it’s picked up in future seasons, and therefore a teaser. This can be greatly frustrating, as a show, particularly one in only its first season, shouldn’t feel the need to sequel bait in order to keep audiences and distributors, interested.
Down Cemetery Road is a notable new British export. Intriguing, tense, mysterious, and with a truly interesting puzzle to solve. However, an over-reliance on performance, and under-reliance on proper character development, could potentially leave some with a bad taste in their mouth, particularly as it comes to being able to relish in a story of completed narratives. Assuming this actually gets a second season, it could end up being a great start to a fantastic series, but for now, it serves as a pretty decent option anyway.
Rating: Liked It
Down Cemetery Road is currently streaming on Apple TV+
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