Countdown to Thirteen: Broadchurch: Series 1, Episode 3 (2013)

I’m enjoying season 1 of this show less the second time through.  To be fair, a good chunk of that is just knowing who the murderer is, both for having the answer to the mystery and for the creep factor of watching them interact with other characters who are none the wiser.  However, while the acting is excellent across the board, I can see the cracks in the writing more, and with Chris Chibnall taking over showrunning duties on Who, that has me a bit worried (I’m hoping Who is a different enough beast that it’ll work out, and that Chibnall will take full advantage of other fine writers associated with the show.)

The Latimer family is hit on multiple fronts in this episode.  Mark is brought in for questioning when his alibi doesn’t check out, with Ellie insisting it must be a misunderstanding and Hardy urging her not to discount the facts.  As Beth struggles to figure out how her life moves forward, she’s approached by someone who claims to have important information about the case.

One issue I’m having here is how ill-prepared Ellie seems for the requirements of her job.  I get that Broadchurch has never had a murder like this before and she’s understandably shaken (even more so since Danny was her son’s friend,) but for someone who gives Hardy attitude in episode 1 for having “taken” her promotion, she hasn’t done much to prove why she would’ve been a good person to have in charge for this investigation.  Again, I understand the extenuating circumstances, and Hardy certainly doesn’t make things easier with the rather condescending way he goes about urging cynicism, but whenever she’s given the reins, she doesn’t really run with it.  And honestly, it does make me worry a little about how Chibnall might write the Doctor.  On the plus side, though, even as she struggles to meet the demands of the investigation, Ellie is starting to learn, gradually, from Hardy’s brusque tutelage, and in such a way that it’s clear his dismissiveness isn’t okay.

It’s another good episode for Beth, I think.  The part of the plot I mentioned in the episode description isn’t as much to write home about, but the more general exploration of her state of mind is well-done.  The show continues to seed these small moments of her trying to press ahead and getting derailed by reminders of Danny; it’s like she’s been untethered and she doesn’t quite know how to be anymore.  Meanwhile, the investigation has started taking its toll on her.  She doesn’t know who to trust, and that extends to the members of her own family.

The first two episodes show more visceral grief from Beth, but it’s quieter here.  The impression I get is that Beth is both lost and worn down, and Jodie Whittaker plays that ragged-around-the-edges air very well.