There is a bit of realism about bureaucracies and police work which comes through loud and clear. The real why Jackson Brodie is a "good copper" is because he cares about people and cares about his work. At the same time, he has a deep underlying motivation based on a tragedy in his own life as he was growing up. It is analogous to what motivates some psychologists in going into psychology in the first place. Thus, there is a relevant dose of human nature and human motivation that is lacking in many crime dramas from the standpoint of what pushes the investigator.
As to production values, the Brodie's secretary is a real trip with the correct mix of efficiency, humor and acerbic wit. Zawe Ashton plays the secretary and is an accomplished actress. Likewise Jason Issacs who played the memorable villain Col. Tavington in "The Patriot" does more than yeoman's work as the troubled ex-copper Jackson who bucks the system even for the dead. With the occasional twist and turn as you would expect in a British mystery, this offering is better than 95 % of the crime dramas on American TV.
As to production values, the Brodie's secretary is a real trip with the correct mix of efficiency, humor and acerbic wit. Zawe Ashton plays the secretary and is an accomplished actress. Likewise Jason Issacs who played the memorable villain Col. Tavington in "The Patriot" does more than yeoman's work as the troubled ex-copper Jackson who bucks the system even for the dead. With the occasional twist and turn as you would expect in a British mystery, this offering is better than 95 % of the crime dramas on American TV.