A title like Happy Valley immediately makes me have an association with a couple of things. I think of Bob Ross, with his “happy little trees” and the fantasy that comes with it, but it could also be the place where the minions live. However, the title is anything but that. Happy Valley is a hard and exciting thriller set in a valley where happiness and joy are hard to find.
Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) is a police officer in West Yorkshire. She has a tough period behind her where her daughter committed suicide and she divorced her husband. Although she is back at work, she still hasn’t completely processed those events. When she learns that Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), the man who was more or less responsible for the death of her daughter, is released from prison, she becomes obsessed with him. She wants to find him, but does not know he’s been involved in criminal activities. She gets involved in the case, while she also struggles with her personal problems.
With only six episodes Happy Valley is a nice “compact” show. I’ve seen various mini series the last couple of years, but none have managed to grab me as much as this one. From the opening of each episode to the end you are on the edge of your seat and can’t wait to see what will happen next. A show that encourages “binge watching” in other words. There are several reasons for this, as Sarah Lancashire is fantastic in her role and she really is the heart of the show. Her character is good at her job, but is also vulnerable because of her obsession with Tommy Lee Royce. A comparison with the film Fargo is easily made, although the humour from that is missing here.
Early on the show plants different seeds in the form of various storylines that eventually evolve into a coherent whole. It makes it a very exciting series that is not afraid to shock the viewer occasionally. During the last two episodes the show changes, as it no longer feels as police drama and because of it loses some of its speed (the personal relationships are the focus), but nevertheless Happy Valley is a series you should not miss.
I loved Happy Valley! I think they’re doing a second season which should be coming out soon, glad you liked it.
I’d look forward to that!