The first time I tried watching “Annika” I hated it. I turned it off in a couple minutes. I was in the mood for a wham-bam American crime procedural. And this British crime show about a DI Annika Strandhed who heads the new Glasgow-based Marine Homicide Unit and talks to the camera was definitely not it. But then, then I gave it another chance. And, goodness gracious, now I think this odd little show with a piercingly inquisitive lead who breaks the Fourth Wall to talk directly to us is one of my favorites.
A lot of that has to do with Nicola Walker, its star and the star of so many quality BBC shows and also of one of my other favorite British crime shows, “Unforgotten.” She has the ability to play extremely empathetic, all too human characters who feel entirely lived in.
Another unusual thing about Annika, besides all the ancient morality tales and classic literature references, is that it’s kind of a big budget affair for the BBC. There are a lot of explosions. Like, multiple. And chases. And running. And did I mention all the things that go boom? Like what is this? “CSI: Miami?” No, it’s Scotland — so even better! But while there is a lot of whizz bang, it’s still a grown-up show and you don’t have to endure a single David Caruso sunglasses one-liner.
Oh, and did I mention this is the rare crime series with a teenage child where the kid isn’t the most annoying part of the show? Morgan, Annika’s teenage daughter, is that rare TV kid who is written as a person, not as a purpose (you know, to show the male detective has a heart of the female detective is still nurturing, that shit). Sure, she can be kinda bratty. But she’s also sweet. And she’s an out lesbian (which you see more of in the first season, but remains true and realistic in the second season). And her gayness is literally never fussed over, which is also refreshing.
Truly, this show is worth donating to your local PBS station for so you can stream it on PBS Passport like I do. Or, you know, you could just live somewhere in Britain and watch it. Also an option.
