Unforgotten

Unforgotten is a compelling British crime drama that first aired on PBS in 2015. This highly acclaimed series, created and written by Chris Lang, presents an engaging blend of mystery and human drama, setting it apart from your average detective show. The series draws viewers in with its intricate plots and complex characters, skilfully weaving tales of suspense and heartbreak that leave audiences eagerly awaiting each new episode.

The show focuses on two London-based detectives, DCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunny Khan, brilliantly played by Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar, respectively. This caring but methodical duo handle 'cold case' murder investigations, diving into the past to resolve crimes that have been buried for years, even decades. Their painstaking and meticulous professionalism as they trace the unwinding threads of evidence forms the core of this detective procedural, with the intriguing twist that they are solving historical crimes.

Each season of Unforgotten centers around a single case, starting from the discovery of remains which eventually unfold into multi-layered investigations into the past and present of those involved. This careful approach maintains a tantalizing, season-spanning suspense that keeps viewers glued to the series, eager for resolution.

The narratives of Unforgotten are marked by their exploration of the human condition. The past and present are intertwined as victims, suspects, and their connections are revealed with increasing complexity. The show intentionally blurs the line between black and white, challenging viewers to question what they know about guilt, innocence, and redemption. The series maintains a cold, stark realism whilst delving into personal grief, guilt, and the everlasting impacts of life-altering events.

Nicola Walker’s sensitive, heartfelt portrayal of Cassie Stuart is one of the show’s strongest attributes. Cassie is a skilled, empathetic, and relentlessly driven detective who humanizes the victims and champions justice for them. The weight of her responsibility and the emotional toll it takes are well-explored aspects of her character. Her stalwart partner, Sunny Khan, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar, shares her dedication to their work. Sunny, however, adds a more analytical and balanced perspective to their partnership. The shared compassion and camaraderie between Cassie and Sunny are the heart of the series, anchoring the swirling mysteries around them with their grounded, earnest commitment to truth and justice.

Another standout aspect of Unforgotten is its ability to delicately unpack societal issues. Across its seasons, the show touches upon a range of topics like aging, mental health, racial discrimination, and gender inequality, amongst others. It doesn't shy away from reflecting the darker shades of reality, rendering it not just as a crime procedural, but as a deep dive into the social and personal dynamics that underlie the cases Stuart and Khan work to solve.

Taking it a step further are the cinematography and music that skillfully contribute to the narrative. The use of sombre, muted colors in its visuals complements the show’s serious tone and themes. On the other hand, the haunting musical score helps ramp up the tension, while also highlighting emotional and dramatic moments.

Unforgotten's tightly woven plotlines and ensemble cast of brilliant actors infuse the show with realism that goes beyond the norm for the genre. The show’s ability to execute a rich and detailed narrative while adhering to its inherent humanity is what makes it stand out.

In conclusion, Unforgotten is much more than a simple cold case police procedural. It is a layered, nuanced exploration of the untold stories of the past, their effects on the present, and the lengths we will go to discover the truth. With its gripping suspense, dynamic characters, and thoughtful storytelling, it is a series that holds your attention from start to finish, always leaving you wanting more.