Broadchurch fans hail ‘gripping’ and ‘sensitive’ Season 3 premiere

ITV’s drama has returned to applause from viewers as final series begins
New case: Miller and Hardy are back in the 'gripping' third series of Broadchurch
ITV
Ben Travis28 February 2017

Broadchurch has returned for its third and final series – and if fan reactions are anything to go by, it’s back to its best.

The ITV drama is back for the first time in two years, reuniting David Tennant and Olivia Colman as DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller.

The first instalment brought some familiar faces and several new ones – and set up a harrowing new mystery around a sexual assault case.

The series’ stunning opener saw DS Miller meet Julie Hesmondhalgh’s character Trish, who has phoned the police to report that she’s been raped.

Broadchurch, Series 3 - in pictures

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It’s up to Miller and Hardy to catch the culprit in the coming episodes – with suspicion already being raised over Lenny Henry’s new character, farm shop manager Ed.

After a slightly wobbly second series, viewers have praised the ‘gripping’ first episode of Series 3.

The episode was also extensively praised for its portrayal of Trish and how her rape report was handled by the authorities.

While fans will always be happy to see David Tennant and Olivia Colman back together, it was Julie Hesmondhalgh’s role that saw an outpouring of compliments.

The episode has also been praised by the police for its handling of sexual assault.

“Broadchurch is dramatising a very sensitive subject but it serves as a reminder that the police will do everything they can to bring offenders to justice and there is help and support available to anyone who has been a victim of such crimes,” said Joan Carmichael, Detective Chief Inspector at Dorset Police.

Helen Stevens, service manager at Dorset Rape Crisis, said it had been a “real privilege” to work with Chibnall and the Broadchurch production team.

“We hope that the series will enable victims of sexual violence to come forward to receive the help and specialist support that is available to them,” she said.

One thing’s for sure: Broadchurch really is back. If only we could binge it.

ITV, Monday, 9pm

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