Ellis is the British detective drama that the genre has been crying out for

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of television over several decades, I must say that Ellis is a breath of fresh air in the crime drama genre. Having grown accustomed to the monotony of weekly cases that often lack depth and grit, this three-part series stands out as a compelling narrative that tackles relevant, contemporary issues with finesse.

On Channel 5, airing every Thursday evening, Ellis might be perceived as fitting into the genre of ‘comfortably engaging crime dramas’. These shows are characterized by their consistent storylines, mildly intense yet not overly graphic content, a familiar cast that viewers grow to love, and a balance of intrigue that keeps us hooked for about an hour.

Once you begin watching the first episode, it won’t take long to understand that Ellis is a crime drama that deserves attention when compared to other shows in its time slot. Not only does this three-part series tackle highly relevant, raw themes with some chilling real-world parallels, but Sharon D Clarke, who plays the lead role, skillfully infuses her performance with intelligence, mystery, and emotion.

Clarke is quite familiar with both the television and stage scenes, having played significant roles such as Lola Griffin in Holby City, Grace O’Brien on Doctor Who, and in several productions like BBC One’s Mr. Loverman, Lost Boys and Fairies, Showtrial, and Informer.

As a follower, I’ve always marveled at Clarke, three-time Olivier Award winner, and wondered why it took so long for them to direct a show. But upon reflection, perhaps it wasn’t such a mystery given the complexities of TV commissioning and audience ratings in today’s world. Although much has been discussed about diversifying our screen content, the actual implementation of these ideas hasn’t progressed as swiftly as many would hope.

Indeed, Channel 5 pursued a clear vision for a detective drama led by a talented Black actress, and guess what? Ellis delivers an impressive performance.

As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, Ellis isn’t your typical crime drama akin to CSI or Criminal Minds. It’s far from the relaxed, enjoyable viewing experience that series like Death in Paradise or Grantchester provide.

Indeed, we accompany Detective Inspector Ellis Clarke as she tackles cases involving a teenager’s demise, misogyny within the police department, and the widespread impact of social media. Simultaneously, she navigates resistance from workforces in traditionally tight-knit communities that are wary of her presence.

Ellis is the British detective drama that the genre has been crying out for

As a film enthusiast, I find it hard to imagine a character like our Black detective seamlessly blending into the backdrop of rural villages in a country that’s deeply divided along the north-south line, where attitudes shift dramatically from urban areas. The casual acceptance and lack of surprise at his presence would seem unrealistic given the stark differences in social norms and attitudes.

In fact, Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre tackles the issue directly, managing a first encounter scene with DS Harper (Andrew Gower) that not only highlights the subtle prejudices Ellis experiences as an older Black woman, but also demonstrates how she transforms that feeling of being unnoticed into an unexpected source of strength.

Instead of Harper, it takes him an excessively long time to comprehend that Ellis is indeed the woman accompanied by a visitor’s pass, not the other individual – a Caucasian woman – present in the police station’s waiting area; this delay only underscores what Ellis has grown accustomed to encountering in predominantly white, working-class environments.

Over time, we’ve come to expect situations like these, and it’s clear that Ellis is consistently ready and eager to dive headfirst into tasks without any delays for relaxation or acclimation. This tenacious individual doesn’t merely serve as a hero; they embody dedication and commitment.

To be quite honest, I find myself inexplicably drawn to the enigma that is her character. Each trip she takes seems to unveil another layer of mystery about her life. Her constant connection to her phone, it leaves me wondering if there’s an urgent call or message waiting for her. And who is Ellis beyond her role as a DCI? Those are questions that keep swirling in my mind.

Although Ellis isn’t the initial enigmatic detective to appear on our screens, Ejiwunmi-Le Berre has fashioned a main character who manages to avoid being a typical stereotype of a “strong Black female” character. Instead, Ellis is multi-layered, displaying both remarkable crime-solving abilities and deep emotional depth.

She’s not just an embodiment of power and flawlessness; she’s also someone who needs quiet moments to recharge, like when she holds her phone up for better reception. Additionally, she keeps a roll of tape handy to mend her aging phone charger that’s nearing its end.

Certainly, Ellis demonstrates resilience by overcoming the harsh remarks of local law enforcement officials, yet she’s just as complex and understandable as anyone else, which makes her an engaging protagonist for numerous readers.

Ellis is the British detective drama that the genre has been crying out for

Despite this, Ellis has no tolerance for nonsense and frequently catches on to signs and hints ahead of her peers. Her high standards are what initially attract Harper, who strives to emulate her intelligence and professional skills in his own field. In their charming collaboration, we get glimpses of more intimate moments as they grow to understand each other better and sometimes take on roles reminiscent of a mentor and student.

It’s the year 2024, and Ellis is the first Black female lead detective on British television. The fact that such progress is still groundbreaking in our industry, considering the high volume of police dramas produced annually in this country, which thrives on the genre, feels regrettable and shameful to many.

Through her keen eye for detail, subtle wit, distinctive dialect, and occasional incorporation of Jamaican overproof white rum, Ellis brings something significant not just to Channel 5 but to television as a whole. Regardless of its importance, the three-part series offers unexpected twists, maintains its freshness with a rotating cast of guests and settings, and tackles cases that are more relevant than most.

Regardless of your opinions on the topic, there’s one thing Britain excels at producing in large quantities: police dramas. It’s quite invigorating and necessary to see a series like Ellis become part of this longstanding television genre. Although we might prefer it not to be the first, there’s no denying the impact and uniqueness that Ellis brings to our screens.

Ellis continues next Thursday 7th November at 9pm on Channel 5.

2024-11-01 02:04

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