‘AN INTERESTING CRIME WITH A BEAUTIFUL COASTAL OR COUNTRYSIDE BACKDROP. VIEWERS KNOW THE FORMULA AND LOVE IT’

The current golden age of detective crime dramas reflect the format’s enduring appeal, according to Dr Kate Ngai, media and journalism lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University. “People’s fascination with crime has been around as long as there’s been crime,” she said. “When faced with unfeasibly high murder rates in sleepy villages, that willing suspension of belief is easier when viewers are familiar with the situation, the setting

and the formula. Our perception of village life is usually idyllic so these crimes can be jarring but, even though murders are being committed, these are safe environments for the viewer. Common tropes such as the familiar small village or town, the underdog detective, a beautiful country or coastal backdrop, and an interesting crime, all create a winning formula. It is pure escapism. The murders aren’t too grisly, it’s not too emotionally taxing but a mystery you can solve along with the detective. It’s wrapped up in a nice bow at the end so you can switch off the TV, safe in the knowledge that good has prevailed and justice was served.”