Ridley

... great start to this British police procedural drama in four standalone stories... the first of this four-part mini-series is longer than many movies, yet it plays exceptionally well for its 120 minute length... all the cast is very well selected and to a man (or woman) perform admirably

... Adrian Dunbar has been in several well-known-heralded series: Line of Duty, Broken, Blood, Five Fables.. to name just several in his long illustrious forty-plus-year-career... his work stands on its own merit... another good one, Ridley looks to be a most entertaining addition to his long body of achievements.

Newly promoted DCI Carol Farman, calls on the help of retired Detective Alex Ridley, who operates as a consultant Detective.

ITV continue to look for another Sunday night drama, one to fill the slot that Endeavour, and eventually Vera will leave, I feel with Ridley, that they have a real winner.

Something almost a little old fashioned about it somehow, old fashioned in a good way, it's less glossy than recent shows like McDonald & Dodds and Van Der Valk, it's slightly more gritty.

It's an excellent show, tightly written, beautifully produced, well paced, and unlike so many recent shows, it's got a bit of grit.

Adrian Dunbar is awesome as Ridley, he has a huge presence, his character is so interesting, he's smart, but haunted by a tragedy from his past. Bronagh Waugh is excellent also as Farman, who'd believe she's not from Lancashire with that accent.

Well done ITV, this is a winner, 8/10.

I enjoyed this series and found some of the storylines genuinely moving (especially the first episode) and was in tears several times. I love UK crime dramas and have watched many others and thought this was a worthy effort.

I also enjoyed the musical aspect. The songs were chosen well and enhanced or reflected the storylines. I also enjoyed the mellow performances in contrast to other reviews.

This may appeal more to older viewers (like me ;)) as it deals with life and loss of mature characters.

There are many familiar and reputable faces in the cast.

I hope there is a follow up series and would happily watch further episodes.

I see mixed reviews for this which just shows how many different kinds of people with varying opinions and taste there are. For me, I enjoyed Ridley a lot. It wasn't violent and full of hyped up graphic grossness. It was just a good story that didn't need to rely on a dog and pony show to sell it. For people who like grisly horror, move along, nothing to see here.

I particularly liked the jazz, which was a refreshing change in a British drama, and who knew that Adrian Dunbar could sing. It thought that was cool. I'm usually an armchair sleuth, and figure out whodunit half way, but not in episode one. It kept me guessing right until the end, which I like.

The scenery was a bonus - fog, snow, rain, autumn colors in the woods. I won't watch a detective series unless it takes place somewhere that has some of the features. No city dick shows for me anymore. They're too depressing and ugly. This is a beauty!

I was a little dubious about RIDLEY, the "singing detective," but after watching all of the episodes available so far, I'm now enthusiastic about it. Each episode contains a good mystery, is beautifully filmed, and packs an emotional punch. And yes, Adrian Dunbar sings in each of them. I think a second season is in the works, and I wonder how they can maintain the premise that Alex Ridley is a contractual consultant; he seems to boss the newly promoted DI who used to be his subordinate. That minor quibble aside, this is an excellent series, one that ranks with SHETLAND and VERA in my mind. Highly recommended!