The Coroner

BBC One's The Coroner is a gripping daytime drama series set in the fictional world of South Devon, England. Initially broadcast in 2015 and ended its second season in 2016, the show centres around Jane Kennedy, a lady high-flying solicitor who returns to her hometown on the beautiful sunny coast of South Devon after her marriage comes to an end. However, the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere of the seaside town hides a plethora of mysteries and crimes that Jane embarks on solving as she takes up the position of the local coroner.

The protagonist, Jane Kennedy, is portrayed brilliantly by actress Claire Goose. Having seen her in other series such as 'Casualty,' and 'Waking the Dead,' you witness another dimension to her abilities here. Jane, upon relocating back to her hometown, lives in a caravan at the back of her Aunt Maggie's house with her teenage daughter whose curious and inquisitive mind complements her mother's investigative nature. Jane's daughter, Beth, is excellently played by Grace Hogg-Robinson.

The dynamic relationship between Jane Kennedy and Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins, played by Matt Bardock, adds a different dimension to the show and separates it from regular crime dramas. Both characters share a past; they were childhood sweethearts, a fact that creates ongoing tension and baits the audience to keep up with the series for more than just the crime-solving. With every episode, we see their personal histories subtly shape their professional interactions. Their relationship is not just about solving cases but also delving into their history and the unresolved issues between them.

The format of The Coroner follows suspenseful whodunits, with each episode presenting a new case to solve. As the coroner, Jane is called in to conduct inquiries into sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths in the town. Each occurrence unravels intriguing murder mysteries, from a fatal plunge off a cliff to a seemingly innocent fishing accident. Her inquisitive nature and incisive mind help Jane become an immediate asset, using her eye for detail and instinctive abilities to help in crime detection.

The mysteries themselves are riveting and often rooted in the local context, reflecting (and often disrupting) the day-to-day life of the town's inhabitants. The atmospheric seaside setting incorporates the regional landscapes into the plot, creating a unique atmosphere with storylines that tease out the secrets of the tight-knit community. Beyond the picturesque setting, the series unearths an underbelly of secrets, crime, and passion, giving it depth and leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Coroner stands out from regular crime drama, presenting viewers with a balanced mix of intriguing crimes to solve while also navigating complex personal relationships. Its light, non-graphic, and character-driven approach to crime investigation make it an excellent watch for those who enjoy a mystery but could do without the gory details often associated with the genre. The charm of the characters and their layered relationships is another pivotal element that keeps the audience invested in the series.

Delighting viewers with a combination of interesting whodunits and an enthralling plotline that tugs at your heart, The Coroner skillfully juggles Jane Kennedy's personal life with her casual genius as a detective. Adding to the charm of the series is its excellent supporting cast and over-arching interconnected storylines providing continuity and depth to the series. Characters like Jane's eccentric but wise Aunt Maggie (played by veteran actress Beatie Edney), and the practical Mortuary assistant, Clint, (played by Oliver Gomm) add a quirky, charming flavour to the overall storytelling.

In summary, The Coroner is a compelling series that weaves together mystery, romance, and familial relationships in a picturesque seaside village. Roll the crimes, personal relationships, riveting investigations, small-town charm, and the stark beauty of South Devon into one, and you've got The Coroner, a show that successfully straddles the line between heavy crime dramas and relaxed light-hearted viewing. For those who love a good old detective series with well-rounded characters, intricate plots, and a laid-back vibe, The Coroner is certainly one to watch.