The breathtaking scenery of the Scottish highlands is the backdrop for ITV’s crime drama ‘The Loch.’ Nessie is the secondary attraction for once, as a series of gruesome murders threatens the fictional village of Lochnafoy.
There are similarities with Broadchurch, another ITV blockbuster, in that numerous story lines are woven into a spectacular landscape. Lochnafoy is made up of several locations around Loch Ness, including The Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus.
Major investigation detective Lauren Quigley (Siobhan Finneran) is brought in to head up the enquiry. She is accompanied by Forensic Psychologist Blake Albrighton (Don Gilet) who has an unshakeable belief in his ability, to the point of interference in Police matters. He is a loose cannon and Quigley struggles to keep him under control.
He and DCI Quigley have history although quite how much, we are left to ponder. The script cleverly weaves in references to their past. Their obvious status as ‘partners’ at work, if not at home, is doubly irritating to the local DCI Frank Smilie, John Sessions playing him with belligerence.
Smilie is a man whose cosy relationship with the local community is threatened by events, and the personnel involved. He also has previous with DCI Quigley and does what he can to obstruct the investigation and scupper her chances of the promotion she craves.
Annie’s husband Alan Redford runs a monster-spotting cruise company and their daughter Evie (Shona McHugh) is a meddlesome 18-year-old. Her mind is awash with conspiracy theories, which she shares with her friends rather than her mother. Alan’s rival for the Loch Ness spotter trade is Englishman Leighton Thomas (William Ash).
As if being a foreigner in the intensely parochial Scottish highlands wasn’t enough, he harbours a dark secret, known to few people in the town. One of these is DS Redford and when the net of suspicion is cast, their friendship comes under pressure.
“The Loch” will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like all good dramas, the guilty parties change from episode to episode as each small piece of evidence is assembled. At the same time, you will be reaching for the holiday brochures, yearning for a motor home in which to explore the highland scenery. The images of Loch Ness on your screen will become the setting for your own search for a monster.
“The Loch” – ITV and ITV Player
The post What’s On TV: Gripping Drama with ‘The Loch’ appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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