Nick Nolte and Michael Pena in “Gracepoint”; photo courtesy of Fox
“Gracepoint” (Fox Network)
One of the most engrossing dramas on TV this season is Fox network’s “Gracepoint.” This American adaptation of the British TV series “Broadchurch” is so well written and so well acted that even those who watched the British version will want to tune in to this new adaptation. Plus the makers of this show says that the “killer” will be an entirely different character in this new version.
The show concerns the murder of a young boy in a small California coastal town. The boy, Danny Solano (Nikolas Filipovic) was the son of Mark and Beth Solano (Michael Pena and Virginia Kull). Their town of Gracepoint is immediately thrown into a panic when the news of Danny’s death is released. Neighbors look at neighbors warily and strangers are prime targets of suspicion.
Leading the investigation are outsider detective Emmett Carver (David Tennant) and his associate Ellie Miller (Anna Gunn). Ellie is a local and feels quite awkward investigating people she has known all her life. Plus her son Tom (Jack Irvine) and Danny were good friends.
“Gracepoint” is a ten episode series and more than half the episodes have been aired. Still the show is so good that it is worth your while to binge watch those which have been shown and then tune in for the final chapters. One viewing and you will be hooked, at least that is the way it worked for me.
This is an exceptionally well made show in the story, the acting and the total presentation. Anna Gunn, the Emmy Award winning actress from “Breaking Bad,” is amazingly enjoyable and sympathetic in her role as the conflicted detective. Michael Pena shows once again why he is one of the strongest actors in Hollywood today. Has he ever given a bad performance!
Among the guest stars Nick Nolte is a standout as one of the prime suspects in the case. He makes his character Jack a gruff but tender human being who is persecuted unjustly by the town. Jacki Weaver also shows strength as a woman with some secrets.
The weakest actor in the show is Tennant and he is the only member of the “Broadchurch” cast who has been carried over to this show. It isn’t that his acting is terribly bad, but he just doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the cast. It is a very cohesive group of actors and he is on the outside looking in.
If you haven’t been watching “Gracepoint”, and the ratings say you haven’t, you have been missing a show that is pure quality in every aspect. It is a shame it has not developed a following. Of course it is never too late so jump on the bandwagon and watch this show. Once you discover how great it is, tell your friends to watch too.
“Gracepoint” airs Thursday nights at 9PM on Fox.
