The TV show is comparable to the likes of Line of Duty and Broadchurch, with viewers describing it as “gripping” and “totally binge-worthy” on Rotten Tomatoes
BBC crime drama Prime Suspect fans won’t be able to stop watching
The series is set in Ceredigion (Image: S4C)
The police drama has kept viewers “gripped” from the opening episodes as they watched the “creepy” atmosphere develop over three series.
Originally broadcast in the Welsh language in 2013, it took until 2014 for an English-language edition of the programme to air, and it was at that point that word truly began to spread about the compelling new crime drama.
The BBC series Hinterland, known in Welsh as Y Gwyll, became the first television drama broadcast on the channel to feature both English and Welsh dialogue together. Its Welsh roots, language and locations shine throughout and left a lasting impression on numerous viewers who witnessed their own culture portrayed in a way they had never experienced before.
At the heart of the narrative is DCI Tom Mathias, a gifted detective burdened by troubles as he escapes his past in London and relocates to Mid-Wales. There, he is partnered with DI Mared Rhys, and together they work to solve sinister and violent murders in the region, which prompts comparisons to programmes such as Line of Duty and Broadchurch.
The narrative depends heavily on the stark landscape of the Welsh coastal county of Ceredigion, with its wild coastline and mountains playing a significant role in the TV series. The surrounding scenery of Aberystwyth frequently reflects the dark and menacing qualities of the characters in the programme and contributes to an atmosphere of disquiet.
There are three seasons to ‘binge-watch’ (Image: S4C)
One viewer headed to the review platform Rotten Tomatoes to express their opinion, writing: “Hinterland is dark, stormy and a little creepy. I love this show, partly because it is filmed in Borth and Aberystwyth where I used to holiday as a child with my grandparents, so I enjoyed seeing these beautiful landscapes again and everywhere I recognised.
“The use of the Welsh and English languages is mixed together well. Filmed primarily through the autumn and winter months to intensify the dark and gloominess of murder, mystery and death.”
The Welsh coastal setting plays a central part in the show (Image: S4C)
Another admirer of the programme reinforced this sentiment, saying: “Fantastic show and the first season is amazing. Sets out the style of the show and introduces the characters brilliantly. The Welsh setting is beautiful, and it is filmed really well. Acting is first class, and the stories told are chilling and gripping.”
The police unit comprises Richard Harrington as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias, alongside Mali Harries as Detective Inspector Mared Rhys and Alex Harries as Detective Constable Lloyd Elis. It is their portrayals, combined with the distinctive location, that enabled them to produce three complete seasons.
One fan shared: “Loved this series. Loved the cast, the script, the cinematography, the acting, and the direction. Learning about a new culture was a bonus. Going to write the same review for each season. Totally binge-worthy.”
The series ultimately ended in December 2016, having reached the pinnacle of its three-season storyline, and every episode is now available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.