ITV’s new eight-part drama from Doctor Who and Torchwood writer Chris Chibnall hits the small screen with a mightily impressive cast and an equally impressive opening episode.

Broadchurch is set in the fictional picturesque Dorset seaside town of the same name which becomes the focus of a police investigation as eleven year old Danny Latimer is found dead at the bottom of cliff. Quickly, it’s discovered that his death was not accidental.

Investigating the crime is new cop in town DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant), a man with a questionable past. He has taken a job originally earmarked for his subordinate, DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), who adds a personal touch to the affair, knowing the deceased. But Hardy has more than just his aggrieved colleague to deal with as news spreads quickly in the small town.

One of the most striking things about the series is the collection of actors – it’s immense. In this first episode we get just a taster (with more to be seen in future instalments) but Broadchurch contains one of the finest and exciting ensemble casts ever seen in a UK drama.

Heading them is former Time Lord David Tennant who plays the unwelcome inspector with an uncharacteristic unlikeability. Though not a nasty piece of work, Hardy is man with much on his mind and never in the mood for a smile. The Scots actor does a magnificent job in dumping his trademark charm for a grumpier and more sombre facade.

Colman is also on top form, dealing with nervous tumultuous emotional moments; from her joyous return to work to the devastation caused by her friend’s son’s death. The TwentyTwelve actress handles these hugely affecting and traumatic scenes with sympathy, inducing tears whenever she is present.

Similarly, Jodie Whittaker (Attack The Block) puts in a sterling performance as grieving mother Beth whilst Andrew Buchan (Garrow’s Law) plays her onscreen hubby Mark with a curious detachment making for a fascinating watch.

The rest of the cast, such as David Bradley (to be seen later this year as William Hartnell in the Mark Gatiss drama, An Adventure in Space and Time), Vicky McClure (This England) and Jonathan Bailey (Campus) are all terrific in their respective and brief roles (along with many more).

Director James Strong – who did such a beautiful job on Chibnall’s Munich air disaster drama, United – brings a cinematic feel to proceedings with some gorgeous shots of the idyllic town in stunning seaside sunshine and a number of memorable and lingering frames leaving the audience to contemplate the unfolding events. There’s a big screen feel and it’s matched in the sumptuous and haunting score from Icelandic musician Olafur Arnalds – an aural treat to complement the visual.

This first episode reeks of quality in every department and is almost reminiscent of David Lynch’s cult series, Twin Peaks. Though in style it’s quite different, the mystery, the characters and the slight oddness marks it from your normal television detective drama. Chris Chibnall may just have something huge and iconic on his hands.

Airs at 9pm on Monday 4 March 2013 on ITV.

> Order Broadchurch on DVD on Amazon.

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