ITV's Grace Concludes with Explosive Season Six Finale
ITV's popular crime drama Grace reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday night, wrapping up its sixth season with an intense cliffhanger that left viewers on the edge of their seats. The finale centered on DS Roy Grace, portrayed by John Simm, whose wedding day to Cleo, played by Zoe Tapper, took a dark turn when his new wife was taken hostage.
The episode culminated in a powerful scene where a helpless Grace, after witnessing Cleo gagged and screaming in her wedding dress, desperately asks gang leader Albazi over the phone, "What do you want?" This shocking moment has sparked widespread anticipation among fans for the next installment of the series.
Grace to Return for Seventh Season
On Tuesday, ITV confirmed that John Simm, aged 55, will reprise his iconic role as DS Roy Grace in a new series. He will be joined by co-stars Richie Campbell and Zoe Tapper, ensuring the continuation of the beloved detective drama. However, with production timelines uncertain, eager viewers are seeking alternative crime series to fill the void.
Bergerac: A Brilliant Detective Drama Alternative
For those craving more detective action, the rebooted series Bergerac offers a compelling solution. Set and filmed in Jersey, this show returned for its second season just last week and has garnered critical acclaim, including a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series follows Jim Bergerac, a brilliant detective grappling with personal demons as a recovering alcoholic and widower. Damien Molony, known for his role in Brassic, takes on the lead role, bringing depth and complexity to the character. The original Bergerac series aired in the 1980s with John Nettles, but this revival has been praised for its fresh take.
Bergerac Season Two Plot and Cast
In the new season, Bergerac navigates dating after his wife's death while investigating a wedding murder, where the groom is found dead in a hotel room. The cast includes returning favorites such as Zoë Wanamaker as Charlie Hungerford, Robert Gilbert as Barney Crozier, and Chloé Sweetlove as Kim Bergerac.
Newcomers to series two include Adrian Edmondson as Nigel, a charming addition to Charlie's life, and Lesley Sharp as Monica, mother to characters played by Turlough Convery and Camilla Beeput. This ensemble has been lauded for their performances, contributing to the show's success.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
The first season of Bergerac received glowing reviews, with fans and critics alike praising its quality. One viewer noted, "Loved it. Bergerac is a great character and the actors are all well rounded. It's a fantastic free-to-air crime drama." Another added, "Damien Molony does a brilliant job in the lead role," while others admitted being "glued to the box" during episodes.
Comparisons to the original series have been favorable, with some fans stating the reboot is "better than the original series" and expressing absolute love for the new iteration. This positive reception underscores Bergerac's appeal as a top-tier detective drama.
Where to Watch Bergerac
Bergerac is available to stream for free on U and via U on Channel 4. The entire first season is ready for binge-watching, providing an excellent opportunity for crime drama enthusiasts to dive into this acclaimed series while awaiting further developments in Grace.
As ITV prepares for Grace's seventh season, Bergerac stands out as a brilliant alternative, offering gripping storytelling, strong performances, and a picturesque Jersey setting. Fans of the genre have plenty to enjoy in the meantime.
