Crime dramas are a staple of television, catering to all preferences, from the grisly and shocking (Kin, Silent Witness) to the more light-hearted and humorous (Vera, Death In Paradise). Yet, amidst this plethora of choices, one show stands out – Unforgotten.
This ITV drama first made its mark in 2015, captivating audiences as a team of London detectives, initially led by DCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunny Khan, solved cold cases.
Since its inception, Unforgotten has won the hearts of viewers and critics alike, earning numerous nominations and awards, including acting Baftas for Tom Courtenay and Mark Bonner. It’s the kind of drama that sparks conversation, the sort we’d dissect around the water cooler back when offices were the norm.
So, what sets it apart? At its core, Unforgotten is a masterclass in storytelling, a crucial element for any gripping drama, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next episode, reports .
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Sanjeev Bhaskar and Nicola Walker in Unforgotten (Image: ITV)
Now in its sixth series, each instalment begins with the chilling discovery of a body or body parts. A series of seemingly unrelated narratives unfold, but by the end of the first episode, these stories ingeniously interweave, revealing a shared link to an unresolved murder case.
The show transforms viewers into armchair detectives, navigating a labyrinth of twists and turns that keep us guessing until the final ‘reveal’.
Unforgotten’s strength lies not only in its compelling storylines and robust writing but also in its authentic, often flawed characters that resonate with audiences. From the early episodes of the first series, viewers were captivated by the dynamic between boss Cassie, portrayed by the exceptional Nicola Walker, and Sunny, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar. Their relationship even sparked speculation about a potential romance.
Sanjeev with new co-star Sinead Keenan as DCI Jess James (Image: ITV)
Audiences rallied behind single mum Cassie, who balanced her high-stress job with caring for her sick father. So, when fan-favourite Cassie was shockingly killed off in a brutal exit storyline at the end of series four, viewers were left reeling.
The sight of a grief-stricken Sunny laying flowers at her gravestone elicited a collective tear from viewers, marking the tragic loss of a beloved character.
The prospect of Unforgotten continuing without Nicola was one that many of us couldn’t contemplate but Sunny now has a new sidekick in DCI Jess James, played by Sinead Keenan.
Even she confessed to almost rejecting the role due to the daunting task of succeeding the star of The Split and Last Tango in Halifax.
However, in my view, the casting directors hit the nail on the head. Sinead has proven to be an excellent addition to the cast.
Not only has she delivered a stellar performance, but her character also presents a stark contrast to Cassie. The dynamic between her and Sunny is markedly different, with their relationship getting off to a rather shaky start. And this is just what was needed – she needed to break free of the Cassie mould in order for the series to work without its former star.
Now the series is back for it’s sixth incarnation and so far, so good. And my mind is whirring as ever as I try to work out the four threads that link the latest cold case after two body parts were uncovered.
Unforgotten continues on ITV1 on Monday, February 10 at 9pm and you can catch it on ITVX