River (My Rating 5)

A haunted detective and superb TV

Stellan Skarsgård plays John River, a Detective Inspector in a unique six part series from 2015. A Swedish actor, speaking seemingly native English (including in several Marvel movies), Skarsgård plays a difficult role with great sensitivity and real grace. The story revolves around Detective Sargent Jackie "Stevie" Stevenson, played by the outstanding Nicola Walker (who I first came upon in Touching Evil, another excellent series to cover in the future). She is funny, insightful and vexed.

It’s hard to talk about the series without giving away spoilers. River is an empathetic but troubled soul haunted by ghosts that talk to him and who only he can see, including a 19^th Century serial killer who constantly taunts him. River must hold himself together while solving the murder of his late partner. He makes mistakes — one tragically fatal — and follows trails that lead to unexpected outcomes. But he receives support from his understanding boss (played by Lesley Manville, who led the recent and, again, quite good Magpie Murders). He also gets help, that he ironically doesn’t always see, from DS Ira King (played with kind intensity by Adeel Akhtar).

River uncovers matters of corruption, illegal migration and Stevie’s private life. It’s a surprise ending but also includes River finally looking genuinely happy.

By the way, there’s a great dance number too.

You can find River on PBS and in PBS Passport (well worth a yearly contribution).