Hinterland: Series 1

Perhaps viewers will eventually tire of brooding, intricately crafted police procedurals that are spun into multi-part TV dramas, but Hinterland won't be the show that nails that particular coffin shut. Cut from the same broad cloth as Wallander, The Killing, True Detective, and others, this Welsh entry is divided into four feature-length episodes centered on a complicated homicide investigation. Detective Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington) returns to his native Wales after a shadowy career with the Metropolitan Police in London. His first day on the job in Aberystwyth—a gorgeous locale situated on the west coast of the largest British isle—Tom becomes involved in a gruesome murder case that will expose him to some very creepy human elements (and it won't be the only killing). While each installment sort of stands on its own, the larger themes and overarching narrative of the quartet make Hinterland a deeply immersive viewing experience with long dramatic tendrils revolving around Tom's unresolved personal issues, as well as multiple conflicts with his boss, underlings, and a tight community that holds secrets of their own. Presenting the entire 2014 first season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a photo gallery. Boasting solid writing, direction, and performances, this is recommended. (T. Fry)