# Help me remember a British cop series- detective solves crime in city, sent to remote locale **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** tv-shows-scripted\ **Created:** [January 22, 2022, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237 "2022-01-22T18:26:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/1 "2022-01-22T18:26:45Z")
What I remember (FWIW) from the first episode is that a British detective in London solves a controversial crime involving higher-ups, possibly in sex crimes related to a child or children. He’s a brilliant fellow and solves it brilliantly, saving a child’s life in the process. But then the city becomes too hot to hold him, and he is sent to a remote locale to continue policing. I thought it was outside the country, but I suppose it could be to a village. I think it’s implicit that he will be brought back to London sometime when things cool down. It’s a pretty recent series, i.e., in the last 10-ish years or so. I was **sure** it was _Death in Paradise_, but I watched the first episode of that and the buttoned up Met detective Richard Poole is indeed sent to a tropical location where he never even loosens his tie… but no reason is given for his exile. Unless there’s a prequel or pilot that has been lost. The Wikipedia entry for that series doesn’t say anything about why he’s in the islands. Any thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![WalterBishop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/aeb1de/32.png) [@WalterBishop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WalterBishop)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/2 "2022-01-22T18:35:29Z")
I think you might be thinking of Luther. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/3 "2022-01-22T18:38:41Z")
That description does ring a bell. Death in paradise is 11 years with rotating investigators. The first is sent to investigate the former investigator’s death. The second is sent to investigate the first’s death. Then the second goes back to England sending the third to the island. The third and his daughter were dealing with the death of wife/mother, when they processed, they went back to England sending number four, which is were the series is now. The one you mentioned I believe is were a detective is sent to…possibly Cornwall. I believe it was on Netflix. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/4 "2022-01-22T18:41:02Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > Death in paradise is 11 years with rotating investigators… Yeah, I’ve watched the whole series… I liked all of the detectives except the second one, the clown. What a doofus. > [@WalterBishop](#): > > I think you might be thinking of Luther. I don’t think so, because I never watched it much. I tried watching it, and I love Idris Elba, but the guy was so violent! He makes Eliot Stabler (L&O:SVU) look mellow. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/5 "2022-01-22T18:45:36Z")
Probably not what you’re looking for, but the description is rather reminiscent of _Star Cops_, a BBC sci-fi show from the mid-'80s. It’s set in 2027, when humans are just starting to colonize the solar system. In the first episode, Chief Superintendent Nathan Spring solves a crime, and is sort-of exiled to head up an international space police force from a station in orbit. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/6 "2022-01-22T18:46:36Z")
I’d say Hot Fuzz, but that wasn’t a series. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/7 "2022-01-22T18:47:07Z")
Could it be hinterland? London police man goes to the wilds of wales to repair his soul? My favourite was the first detective, he was brilliant. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/8 "2022-01-22T19:47:58Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’d say Hot Fuzz, but that wasn’t a series. The greater good! My first thought as well. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/9 "2022-01-22T19:54:45Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > Could it be hinterland? London police man goes to the wilds of wales to repair his soul? From IMDB: > On the run from his London past, DCI Tom Mathias, a brilliant but troubled man, isolates himself on the outskirts of a town filled with secrets as dark and destructive as his own. Partnered with the intelligent and complex DI Mared Rhys, they form an engaging relationship as they embark on solving cases that involve the ultimate anti-social crime, murder. Hmmm… this could be it. I’ve watched all of Hinterland, but it’s been a while. I’ll give it a look! Thanks. > [@](#): > > My favourite was the first detective, he was brilliant. Yes, he was the best. I immediately took a dislike to [Camille Bordey](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024658/characters/nm0554120?ref_=tt_cl_c_6) with her patronizing eye-rolls and deep sighs re Poole’s style, behavior, methods. I did like the lizard though. I can’t believe this show has been on for 11 seasons. It’s not THAT good. Important plot point: It was such a **SHOCK** when he got murdered! Yikes! ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/10 "2022-01-22T19:59:57Z")
I was hoping the spoiler wouldn’t be a reoccurring theme…thankfully not. British tv is really good at rotating casts. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/11 "2022-01-22T20:07:21Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’d say Hot Fuzz, but that wasn’t a series. First thing I thought of, too. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/12 "2022-01-22T20:11:44Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I’d say Hot Fuzz, but that wasn’t a series. I just looked at the plot description at IMDB, and that does look promising. But this was definitely a series. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/13 "2022-01-22T20:13:55Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I just looked at the plot description at IMDB, and that does look promising. But this was definitely a series. It’s my sister’s favorite of The Cornetto Trilogy, although I’m still partial to _Shaun of the Dead_. _Hot Fuzz_ does have Olivia Colman! ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/14 "2022-01-22T20:15:45Z")
When I read the op I immediately pictured ocean. As saint-Marie was ruled out that left Cornwall or wales. One would remember Scottish accents, so Scotland ruled out. That left hinterland or Wycliffe. Hinterland seems to match best. I have been rebinging death in paradise, and am watching it now, 5th series at the moment. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/15 "2022-01-22T21:50:17Z")
Are you sure the detective was sent to a small village, and not a space station? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/16 "2022-01-22T22:13:51Z")
It definitely wasn’t a space station. It was someplace away from London to get him away from the bigwigs he implicated in this crime… Okay, now I’m remembering more (or maybe I’m just making it up)… maybe he was sent somewhere where supposedly there wouldn’t be big crime syndicates operating. Someplace where he could take it easy and get in some R&R, but it turns out that he does uncover crime in this idyllic setting. I might have just made that up. Does that sound familiar to anyone? ---
**Author:** ![TCMF-2L](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tcmf-2l/32/16553_2.png) [@TCMF-2L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TCMF-2L)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2022, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/17 "2022-01-22T23:55:48Z")
I’m pretty sure it’s not this but I’ll throw in **Tin Star:** London detective but sent to Canada. > **[Tin Star (TV series)](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_Star_(TV_series))** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > > > Tin Star is a British television crime drama created by Rowan Joffé. The series focuses on Jim Worth, a former London Metropolitan Police Service detective who becomes chief of police of a Canadian town in the Rocky Mountains. It stars Tim Roth, Genevieve O'Reilly, Abigail Lawrie, Oliver Coopersmith and Christina Hendricks. > The series premiered on Sky Atlantic on 7 September 2017, and became available on Amazon Video internationally on 29 Sept... TCMF-2L ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2022, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/18 "2022-01-23T00:05:52Z")
Not it, but sounds good. Christina Hendricks, the dazzling redhead from _Mad Men_. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2022, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/19 "2022-01-23T00:10:02Z")
Two excellent British series where a prominent copper ends up out of the big city were [Broadchurch](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2249364/reference) and [Inspector George Gently.](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430509/reference) Both are well worth watching, even to find out that they are not the show you want. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237/20 "2022-01-23T01:37:50Z")
I’ve watched both of them. Twice each. For a while I thought it might be Gently. But he isn’t exiled to a remote place, is he? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-remember-a-british-cop-series-detective-solves-crime-in-city-sent-to-remote-locale/958237.md?page=2)