Happy Valley

Happy Valley is a gritty and compelling British crime drama series that aired on the BBC and is available for streaming on Netflix. The show was premiered in 2014 and despite its cheerful name, it audaciously paints a grim picture of a small rural town in West Yorkshire, besieged by crime, violence, and social decay, making it one of the most realistic and influential television series in the genre.

This critically acclaimed series stars the exceptional Sarah Lancashire in a lead role as Catherine Cawood, a strong-willed, dogged police sergeant. Lancashire’s portrayal of the middle-aged, damaged, yet tenacious character is widely regarded as her career's highlight. Her world is shattered when her daughter commits suicide after a traumatic occurrence, leaving Catherine to look after her young grandson, Ryan.

Besides Lancashire, Happy Valley also stars talented Siobhan Finneran as Clare Cartwright, Catherine's sister, Charlie Murphy as Ann Gallagher, and James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce. Finneran's portrayal of Clare is both empathetic and endearing. Clare, a recovering alcoholic, assists Catherine in bringing up Ryan while navigating her own struggles. On the other hand, Norton gives a chilling performance as the criminal Tommy Lee Royce, who has a direct and tragic connection to Catherine's family. Murphy also gives an unforgettable performance as Ann Gallagher, a pivotal character whose fate intertwines heavily with the central plot.

Happy Valley is a darkly mysterious crime drama interwoven with family dynamics, which sets it apart from others in the genre. Its empathetic and humane portrayal of personal struggles amid the chaos and crime in a not-so-happy valley, exemplified by Lancashire's powerful, moving portrayal of her multifaceted character, is the heart of this unique series.

The show takes viewers on a gripping journey in typical Yorkshire settings of wind-swept landscapes and houses huddled against the cold, the austere beauty, and harsh reality of which are captured using expert cinematography. The series successfully portrays an engaging contrast between rugged northern English landscapes and ruthless, often violent criminal underworlds lurking within seemingly peaceful rural communities.

The show's gritty realism is not confined to its picturization alone. It extends to the storytelling, which is forceful and grounded in the grim realities of life. The crime plots are woven intricasily and create a suspenseful ambiance that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. Yet, the show never forgets its empathetic approach to its characters, unpretentiously exploring the impacts of drugs, crime, and tragedy on a closely knit community.

The supporting cast adds great depth to the narrative. Each character is not just a narrative tool but is fully fleshed out with their distinct personalities and backstories, driving the storyline while adding a rich texture to it. Among the key elements of Happy Valley is its exploration of strong women characters, their vulnerabilities, capacities, and strengths in the face of adversity.

Arguably a distinctive aspect of Happy Valley lies in its sharp, incredibly well-written script that is brilliantly delivered by its cast. The show is created and written by BAFTA-winning writer Sally Wainwright, who presents an unflinching and often raw depiction of northern England. The show is replete with tense moments, visceral dialogue, and dark humor that sometimes lightens the otherwise heavy mood, making it a must-see for crime drama enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Happy Valley creates an absorbing crime drama that excels with its well-etched out characters, powerful performances, especially Lancashire's expressive portrayal of Catherine Cawood, and a gripping storyline that combines deep personal issues with overarching crime mysteries. The show’s ability to portray the struggles, strength, and resilience of its characters amidst convoluted crime narratives, as well as its setting in a small rustic town struggling against an undercurrent of crime and decay, makes it a riveting and distinctive television saga.