ITV1’s The Bay Returns with a Familiar Crime Drama Flair
As BBC One unveils its highly anticipated Agatha Christie adaptation, Towards Zero, ITV1 dusts off its own crime drama, The Bay, for a gripping fifth series. While the former promises a lavish 1930s Devon backdrop with cocktail soirees in stylish Art Deco hotels, the latter presents a stark contrast with its present-day Morecambe setting, often shrouded in overcast skies. Personally, I know which world I’d prefer to escape into.
Returning for its fifth series, The Bay features Marsha Thomason in her third appearance as family liaison officer DS Jenn Townsend. Alongside Unforgotten, it has become a cornerstone of ITV’s crime drama offerings. Since its debut in 2019, designed to fill the void left by the beloved Broadchurch, this Lancashire-based police procedural has quietly persisted, though it has yet to ignite the public’s imagination to the same extent as its predecessor.
Despite this, writer and co-creator Daragh Carville cleverly engages viewers from the outset with a misleading opening sequence. The scene ominously intercuts shots of a young boy riding his bicycle with a white transit van, leading us to believe a child abduction is unfolding—especially when his mother discovers his bike abandoned by the roadside. However, the white van is merely a red herring, and the boy is found peering into a canal lock, where the lifeless body of a woman floats face down. “Mum, you’ll wake her,” he innocently remarks to his panicked mother.
From this intriguing opening, the latest six-part narrative follows a more familiar path. The victim is quickly identified as Hannah, a student eco-activist entangled in a web of troubled relationships, including a dubious boyfriend, fractured family ties, and a history of mental health struggles. Upon receiving the devastating news of her daughter’s death, her mother initially suspects suicide.
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In series like The Bay, it’s always insightful to examine the cast list for notable guest actors, as they often bring unexpected twists to the plot. This season features Neil Maskell, known for his role as Winston Churchill in Peaky Blinders, and Leanne Best from Cold Feet and Young Wallander, portraying Hannah’s estranged parents. Additionally, Hannah’s brother, employed at the local nuclear power plant, likely had some tense discussions with his eco-activist sister.
Back at the police station, the effects of budget cuts are painfully evident. Officers contend with a leaking ceiling, a malfunctioning boiler, a closed staff canteen, and the indignity of bringing their own pens to work. Is the state of our police force truly this dire? It’s no wonder they seem reluctant to pursue shoplifters; they’re too busy sourcing their own stationery.
Unfortunately, the budget constraints have also taken their toll on the cast, as DC Eddie Martin, played by Thomas Law, has departed the drama. Still, Jenn’s boss, DI Tony Manning (Daniel Ryan), remains, along with the station’s resident tough guy, DS James “Clarkie” Clarke (Andrew Dowbiggin). Jenn herself has just re-entered the workforce after the recent death of her father.
However, Jenn’s personal life remains the least captivating aspect of The Bay. Do viewers truly care about her teacher partner Chris navigating an Ofsted inspection? If the intention is to make Thomason’s character more relatable, it falls flat. She continues to be somewhat of an enigma, albeit commendably stoic and composed, particularly when dealing with the heartbroken families of murder victims.
Perhaps the most striking feature of this new series is that the first three episodes are directed by Shaun Evans, famous for his role in Endeavour. If only The Bay could craft a lead character as unique as the young Morse or as distinctive as the setting of Morecambe Bay, it might leave a more lasting impression.
The Bay continues next Sunday at 9pm on ITV1
