Hinterland -

Synopsis:

Hinterland, also known as “Y Gwyll” in Welsh, is a noir crime drama series set against the hauntingly atmospheric backdrop of rural Wales. The series revolves around complex murder investigations in and around the town of Aberystwyth. The show captures the rugged beauty of the Welsh countryside, but beneath its scenic vistas lies a web of dark secrets and past traumas that frequently intersect with the cases at hand.

Main Characters:

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington): A brooding and introspective lead detective, Mathias grapples with personal demons while working to solve each case. His past remains largely a mystery, but its weight often looms in the background.
Detective Inspector Mared Rhys (Mali Harries): A dedicated and capable detective, Rhys is Mathias’ right-hand woman. Their dynamic partnership is crucial to unraveling the crimes they face.
Detective Sergeant Sian Owens (Hannah Daniel): Part of Mathias’ team, Owens often helps provide a deeper understanding of the local dynamics.

Themes:

“Hinterland” delves into the intertwined nature of place, past, and identity. Its stories focus on personal tragedies, societal outcasts, and the challenge of seeking justice in a place where everyone is connected in some manner. The isolation and beauty of the Welsh landscape also play a pivotal role, emphasizing themes of loneliness, redemption, and the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness.

Rating:

4.2/5 – Critics often praise “Hinterland” for its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling. The series’ ability to blend intense drama with the serene yet bleak setting of rural Wales is particularly commendable. However, some critics felt the pacing could be occasionally slow, and the narrative sometimes leaned into genre clichés.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

TV-14 – “Hinterland” includes mature themes, crime-related content, and some moments of violence and suspense, making it suitable for viewers over 14.

Broadcast Details:

“Hinterland” originally aired on S4C (in Welsh) and later on BBC One Wales (in English). The show ran from 2013 to 2016.

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