‘Inspector Ellis’ Recap: ‘Hanmore’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in ‘Inspector Ellis. (Photo Courtesy of Acorn TV.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premier of ‘Inspector Ellis’.
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It is definitely safe to say that criminal investigations are showcased in a supremely slick and positive light in the world of television and understandably so. After all, this is a chance for creatives to find the good in law enforcement, and a chance to give an audience something they adore. Specifically, stories about good taking on evil and defeating it, so why not show us officers of the law that work well together and a process that is just and true. But the fact of the matter is, that is supremely escapist in nature. Because sometimes… things don’t go that smooth in the world of criminal investigations. In fact, sometimes they are downright messy.

Because what we often forget, is the human factor in such matters, and humans make mistakes and humans miss things for so many reasons, and that can outright spoil justice. Since it can lead to internal chaos in a police department, and excessive pressure to get the job done and that can allow for a criminal to escape. Which is important to note and important to showcase, so people can offer a little grace, and understand what really goes on during an investigation and the importance of objectivity in the matter. Since that is what really solves cases, the facts, and well, that messier side of policework and the need for objectivity are top of mind today, simply because they serve as the focus of a new series on Acorn TV entitled, Inspector Ellis.

A feat that ‘Hanmore’ accomplishes by introducing us to DCI Ellis, a brilliant investigator that has seen her own share of ups and downs on the police force… but has become invaluable to the service. For she is that objective mind, one that sees all and can easily piece together the clues… once she gets past the toughest part of her job. For her task is to step into departments that are struggling to close cases, for whatever reason, and stop the chaos to get the department on track so the case in question can finally be solved and justice can be served and well, she faces quite the challenge in making that happen in this premiere. For not only is her arrival in Hanmore met with hostility and disdain, since they think they have it in hand, but new challenges quickly arise.

Since there are citizens in town that have secrets, they want kept, and others who refuse to work with the police on a case that one would think would be priority. Since a teenage girl has gone missing and a teenage boy has turned up dead. Which brings about… a long and winding and engaging case where we watch Ellis weather every storm and push beyond the noise and the lack of cooperation to solve this case. Which gives rise, to a vastly different type of crime drama premiere. For this is one that frustrates and aggravates. Simply because it strips down what the genre stands for and replaces it, with realism. Where fear, ego, and all the things that should not overshadow a case, do, including its disgusting outcome and that’s brilliant.

Since it showcases that sometimes the real crime committed, are the things we let get in the way of justice, and how perhaps we should demand better of our agencies to remain objective and on course a la Ellis herself. All of which results in a refreshing story, one that is unconventional and powerful, and deeply engaging. Since you root from the get-go for Ellis to get hold of this messy situation and save the day, and truly, one cannot go wrong with a show that takes the crime drama in a direction this bold and this visceral. And it will be interesting to see what other unique quirks and problems that people create through ego, will be introduced and explored, as season one of this dynamic show continues along. Until next time.

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