Happy Valley

Some American viewers might have discovered this fine BBC miniseries on Netflix, where it received well-deserved attention alongside the likes of other U.K. crime dramas such as Broadchurch and The Fall. The Valley in question lies in West Yorkshire, a working class region in the north of England dubbed “Happy” by the local constabulary due to the abundant use and trafficking of drugs. Police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) is somewhat jaded as a crime fighter, following the trail of small-time criminals who manage to stumble into big-time trouble. Happy Valley starts with a half-baked kidnapping plot in a town full of long-simmering tensions where most everyone knows each others' business. An accountant's resentment, the money troubles of his boss, petty thievery by local drug dealers, and the tragic backstory of Catherine's dead daughter all come together in this suspenseful tale that builds to a feverish conclusion. Nicely blended in with the mystery and procedural elements are the real-life-type troubles that surface between families, friends, couples, and neighbors in a small town. Compiling all six episodes of the 2014 debut season, this is recommended. (T. Fry)