The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Broadchurch fans await whodunnit’s gripping finale
Viewers of the gritty drama Broadchurch will be hoping to find out who the rapist is as the last ever episode of the ITV show airs tonight.
The third series of Broadchurch will draw to a close after eight weeks of “whodunnit” guessing as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller, played by Olivia Colman, and DI Alec Hardy, played by David Tennant, close in on the attacker.
This series has seen them lead an investigation into the rape of Trish Winterman, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, in the fictional Dorset town.
The makers of the drama have been praised by police and rape counsellors who have said they hope the storyline will encourage real-life victims to come forward.
Viewers have also been moved by the harrowing scenes and have heaped praise on former Coronation Street actress Hesmondhalgh for her portrayal of the character.
The show’s writer and creator, Chris Chibnall, told The Sun’s TV Magazine that he did have second thoughts about ending the show.
He said: “I felt like a bit of an idiot. I was like, ‘Why am I saying goodbye to David and Olivia and all these brilliant people?’
“But I didn’t have another story to tell in this world and I think it’s nice to go out on such strong form.”
The penultimate episode cast more doubt and suspicion on the residents in the sleepy coastal town and also brought to a head the sad storyline that has been building up for Mark Latimer.
Latimer, played by Andrew Buchan, and his family were at the centre of the first series which dealt with the murder of their young son Danny.
Series three has shown Mark’s struggle to move on and get over the loss, as well as his unsuccessful attempt at ending his life.
The main suspects in play for the attack on Trish have included her ex, Ian Winterman, played by Charlie Higson, her best friend’s husband Jim Atwood, played by Mark Bazeley, cab driver Clive Lucas, played by Sebastian Armesto, and Trish’s boss, shop owner Ed Burnett, played by Sir Lenny Henry.
Chibnall will step into the shoes of current Doctor Who showrunner, Steven Moffat, next year.
The final episode airs tonight at 9pm.