Broadchurch - Episode 3

Broadchurch delivers its best episode so far in week 3


Apologies for this somewhat belated and truncated review of the 3rd instalment of Broadchurh. As my previous reviews indicate, I have been enjoying Broadchurch so far, despite it's flaws. Whilst there were still some problems in this episode, I found it to be the most satisfying of the lot.

Beth tries to cope with the boredom that comes from waiting for news. She cleans the house and tries to go back to work, only to be turned away by her caring but overprotective boss. She also meets the friendly neighbourhood psychic Steve, who claims to have a message for her from Danny. Beth's initial disgust at Steve claims soon develops into curiosity. Yet despite his best intentions, Steve's message may have caused more problems for the Latimer family. As with last week's episodes, the scenes with Steve were the best of the episode.

Beth (Jodie Whitaker): the grieving mother and suspicious wife 
The revelation of Mark's affair was not surprising but it was well played. Rather than telling the truth, he attempted to give backing to his story and asked his mate Nigel to provide an alibi. He knows that as soon as the police find out, the story will spread around the small community. The outpouring of guilt and shame was heartfelt and very convincing (unlike Nigel's story).

I was less convinced by the hastiness of Beth's accusation. The seed of doubt had been growing ever since Mark's arrest and Steve's message from beyond, but to jump to the accusation of murder so quickly felt unnatural. Though I guess it was going to happen eventually so it doesn't bother me too much. Furthermore, watching Mark willingly go back to his lover somewhat cheapened his admission to adultery earlier in the episode.

Alec Hardy is still being a sulky so and so, though we do learn a little more about his past when he opens up to a friend. Unfortunately, the disrespect he shows to DS Miller has become too full on and far-fetched. He argues unnecessarily, criticises her every move and turns his nose up at her kind gestures. It's borderline ridiculous. He also makes the outrageous suggestion of using DS Miller's son, the victim's best friend,  in a reconstruction. He's miserable but he may also be a miserable idiot.

Broadchurch is still meandering along, but some of the pieces are starting to fall into place.


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