It’s time to head back to West Yorkshire, ladies and gentlemen.
Sergeant Catherine Cawood is back on the case with the second season of Happy Valley. This season sees its share of funny — and gruesome — moments, and sets Cawood hot on the trail of a potential serial killer. We can barely wait for the premiere – March 11, 9pm on WGBX 44 – so we decided to bide our time by going back to visit some of our other favorite female detectives from the world of British dramas.
Happy Valley: Catherine Cawood
Naturally, Sergeant Cawood (pictured above) is at the top of our list. Despite a terribly sad backstory, Cawood maintains her signature dry wit and brutal determination, making her an inspiration — as well as a total badass. And while she knows how to hold a grudge against those who have wronged her and her family, she is also very empathic, and able to forgive people who are truly innocent… though not without a fight, sometimes.
The Tunnel: Elise Wasserman
French Commander Elise Wasserman of The Tunnel is a delicious bundle of contradictions: tough and delicate, emotionless but utterly vulnerable. While she is quick, smart, dedicated and driven, her icy exterior is merely a blind for long-buried guilt, anxiety and a desire to be loved. As she and British Detective Karl become (platonically) closer through the three seasons of the series, he starts to unearth the true Wasserman; and watching it ripple out to her personal life is one of the joys of the show.
Watch The Tunnel now on WGBH Passport!
Prime Suspect: Jane Tennison
Played by the brilliant Helen Mirren – and later, bright up-and-comer Stefanie Martini – Jane Tennison is a shining example of a woman who is willing to fight for what is right, and for what she deserves. We watch Tennison struggle against the sexism inherent to the British police force in the 90s, to the ageism that inherently becomes involved when a woman passes her fifties. And while she’s got a backbone of steel, Tennison is still at turns soft, compassionate, and thoughtful, making her a true role model for everyone.
Watch Prime Suspect: Tennison now on WGBH Passport!
Masterpiece: Death Comes to Pemberley: Elizabeth Bennet
When you think of the BBC’s normally gritty crime dramas, I’m sure Pride and Prejudice doesn’t even come to mind. But in this sequel to the peerless Jane Austen novel, Masterpiece puts Elizabeth and her Mr. Darcy on the trail of a mysterious murder. And when the men that surround the case are called into question one by one, it comes down to our favorite quick-witted heroine to save the day. With ghosts, graves and guns, this show gives the classic regency novel a noir twist.
Watch Masterpiece’s Death Comes to Pemberley now on WGBH Passport!
Vera: Vera Stanhope
We know you've heard it from us before, but we love Vera. Much like Tennison, she continuously challenges society's presumptions of women over 50. She's such a dimensional character: a bundle of brains and neuroses, frumpy and quick tempered – but loyal and caring to her friends. From her sharp retorts to her irreproachable dedication to her work, Vera is the perfect example of an imperfect hero.
What should we be watching next? Give us a shout at the WGBH Facebook page, or tweet at #WTWonWGBH to let us know!
