The Bay Review: A Compelling Import To Satisfy Mystery Fans
Secrets have a way of worming their way to the top and wreaking havoc. On The Bay, BritBox’s import from ITV, the exploration into small towns and the things buried within them comes as a compelling drama and detective series well worth investing in.
The disappearance of two teens sets off a major investigation that places Detective Sargeant Lisa Armstrong (Morven Christie) in an uncomfortable position, as she leads the process while fighting an explosive secret. The episodes keep the story as multi-pronged and riddled with potential leads, while still investing in its characters and never letting them out of the show’s sights.
Christie makes a steady lead as DS Armstrong, where dedication to the job and caring a little too much are her driving forces. Christie takes on the role with this weathered and burdened heaviness, as the search for Dylan and Holly Meredith balloons into a larger examination of family and doing whatever it takes to do right by them.
The mystery of what happened does go down some surprising paths that help further cement insight in these characters and their lives over the course of the six episodes. Withholding information on some shows can feel like it’s being withheld because the story isn’t ready yet; on The Bay, it’s less that and more true to character, where information can undo so much but is desperately needed all the same.
A rather novel avenue for The Bay is whether or not a line can be crossed when tasked with taking care of and looking after the affected family. It becomes a delicate balancing act of being there while also following wherever the investigation may lead, and the difficulties of doing both at the same time. It’s here where The Bay excels, showing the system and the emotional weight that comes with it.
But The Bay comes to struggle with giving its teen characters a lot to do, causing them to fall somewhat one-note beyond being stuck in situations that don’t appear too difficult to remove themselves from. It also can take a glacial pace early on, when the investigation is at a standstill where the pieces don’t appear to be moving much.
This picks up and is fixed relatively quickly, however, once the initial break in the case occurs. It’s here where the show clicks and finds its footing, becoming much more satisfying with what it’s going for for the remainder of the season.
Jonas Armstrong is an impressive presence on the show as Sean, straddling the line between bluster and vulnerable. Daniel Ryan and Taheen Modak, as Lisa’s boss and new partner respectively, also make dependable co-stars, able to center her character while the show pulls her in different directions. Chanel Cresswell plays Jess with heartbreaking frustration, making you feel every moment of uncertainty.
The coastal setting is a gorgeous backdrop, photographing well throughout. The direction by Lee Haven Jones and Robert Quinn, married with writer and creator Daragh Carville’s narrative, complement each other by never straying from what’s truly important: the characters. The show could easily dive down rabbit holes to make the mystery more grand, but it smartly stays with character, through and through.
The Bay is an intriguing series. It teeters between work and home, both creeping into one another and telling the story of a coastal town and its people, all caught up in lives they never intended or expected.
The show is a reminder that while no one is perfect, doing right by one’s family and finding emotional closure are powerful ideals. It’s a largely successful mystery drama, held up by its strong core cast and laser focus. It’s been compared to Broadchurch, another coastal-based mystery series, and justifiably so. But The Bay carves its own path and prides itself on its own identity, becoming a solid British drama.
What did you think of this season of The Bay? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Bay arrives October 22nd and streams Tuesdays on BritBox.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.
One thought on “The Bay Review: A Compelling Import To Satisfy Mystery Fans”
The Bay has become one of my favorite crime dramas. I hope we get to see more seasons. I can actually follow the story. I couldn’t stop watching for 2 whole days until I finished both seasons. Thank you for a great show.
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