Netflix has just dropped a new series called Dept. Q, and I’ve gotta say — it’s actually really good. Not in a loud, over-the-top kind of way, but in that slow, moody, thoughtful way that kind of sneaks up on you. If you're into detective shows that take their time and build something with real depth, this might be right up your alley.
It just focuses on telling a quiet, intense story. And that’s what makes it stand out. There’s this feeling throughout the whole thing that something’s off, something’s broken — not just in the cases, but in the people too.
A Detective Who’s Not Exactly Holding It Together
The story centers on Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, and right from the start, you can tell the guy’s been through some heavy stuff. He’s not your typical sharp, smooth detective. In fact, he seems kind of... lost. After a traumatic case goes bad, he’s pushed into a new role dealing with old, forgotten cases. You know, the ones everyone else gave up on.
So now he’s working in this small corner of the police department called Dept. Q. The first case? A missing prosecutor named Merritt Lingard. It’s been years since she disappeared, and no one’s really gotten close to the truth. But something about this one just feels different. Darker. More personal.
A Strange Team That Somehow Works
Carl doesn’t do all this alone. He’s paired up with Akram, a former police officer from Syria. At first, they don’t really click — in fact, the whole team feels kinda awkward. There’s also Rose, a young cadet who’s clearly got her own stuff going on. They don’t act like some super-polished group of investigators. They argue, they make mistakes, and they don’t always trust each other.
But that messiness? It actually makes the show feel more real. These aren’t superheroes or geniuses — they’re just broken people trying to fix something, maybe even themselves in the process. Kelly Macdonald plays a police therapist named Rachel, and she adds this really calm but intense energy. Her scenes with Carl are some of the best, honestly.
The Mood of Edinburgh Is Half the Story
Matthew Goode stars as a brash, but brilliant detective recently exiled to the basement to lead a one-man cold case department.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 29, 2025
DEPT. Q is now playing. pic.twitter.com/vuPVShacMp
The whole thing’s filmed in Edinburgh, and the city adds so much to the show. There’s something about the grey skies, old buildings, and rainy streets that makes everything feel colder, more serious. It’s not some picture-perfect version of Scotland — it feels raw and lived-in.
There aren’t big chase scenes or loud music every five minutes. It’s quiet. The tension builds slowly, and the silence between characters says more than most words could. It pulls you in and makes you feel like you're right there with them, digging through the past.
The Creators Took Their Time — And It Shows
Scott Frank, who you might know from The Queen’s Gambit, is the one behind this show. And you can tell. Nothing feels rushed or fake. He teamed up with writer Chandni Lakhani, and together they’ve built something that feels serious and careful — but still very watchable.
The series is actually based on a popular set of Danish crime novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen. This version moves everything to Scotland, and somehow it still works really well. It keeps that same dark, gritty tone, just with a different backdrop.
Is There Going To Be a Season 2?
At the moment, Netflix hasn’t confirmed anything about a second season. But it feels like there’s a good chance. The original books have a bunch more stories, and since this show is already getting strong feedback, it wouldn’t be surprising if they keep going.
The characters are just starting to open up, and the first season really feels like just the beginning. There’s definitely more to explore with Carl and the team.
Final Thought — Should You Watch It?
If you’re looking for something loud or action-packed, Dept. Q probably won’t be your thing. But if you want a crime drama that takes its time, builds real characters, and actually makes you think — then yeah, give it a shot.
It’s not the kind of show you watch while scrolling your phone. It pulls you in. And by the end, you might just find yourself thinking about these people like they’re real.
