The British crime drama Cracker, which first aired on ITV in 1993, remains a highly discussed series among fans of the genre. Starring the late Robbie Coltrane as Dr Edward 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, a brilliant but deeply flawed criminal psychologist, the show follows his work helping police solve complex cases.
Unconventional Protagonist
Fitz is far from a textbook psychologist. He battles alcoholism, chain-smokes, gambles compulsively, and possesses a brutally blunt manner. This unconventional approach made the character memorable and the series stand out.
The show ran for three series before concluding in 1995, but returned for a standalone special in 1996 and a two-hour special episode in 2006. The cast includes Barbara Flynn as Fitz's wife Judith Fitzgerald, Lorcan Cranitch as Detective Sergeant Jimmy Beck, Christopher Eccleston as DCI David Bilborough, Ricky Tomlinson as DCI Charlie Wise, and Geraldine Somerville as Detective Sergeant Jane 'Panhandle' Penhaligon.
Critical Acclaim and Comparisons
Over the years, viewers have praised Cracker and compared it to top-tier crime dramas like Prime Suspect, The Wire, and Luther, according to the Express. One fan declared: 'Fantastic! Embodies the idea of criminal psychology to a T. Fantastic acting and script writing. Hugely enjoyable to watch. British television at its best.'
Another posted: 'Once you start watching it you can't stop. Out-of-the-box, brilliantly written story lines. Equally as great as the best British Mysteries: Prime Suspect, Wire in the Blood, Touch of Frost and Trial & Retribution. I'm surprised this TV series isn't better known. Cracker is immensely UNDERRATED.'
A third viewer remarked: 'Gripping. I never saw this when it was first broadcast, don't know why, but the recent demise of Robbie Coltrane pushed me to watching, and I'm so glad I did. This is drama of the highest order with superb performances from all concerned, and it has a superb, somewhat grim, atmosphere to it that just makes it feel real somehow.'
While a fourth posted: 'Simply the best television drama series yet produced. We've had the whodunnit and even the howdunnit, but Cracker is something else - it's the definitive whydunnit, a superb cocktail of wit, grit and human frailty, perfectly pitched and performed - in short: It's marvellous.'
Where to Watch
Cracker is available to stream on ITVX, allowing new audiences to discover this acclaimed series.
