UPDATED: First episode of west Dorset crime drama hits the screen (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)
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UPDATED: First episode of west Dorset crime drama hits the screen
10:00pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Local News By Anne Bell
GRIPPING: Broadchurch crime drama
We love living in Broadchurch... but we don’t speak like that down here in West Dorset!
That was the verdict from TV viewers who were glued to the small screen as the first episode of the major new ITV drama series starring West Bay – and David Tennant – hit the airwaves on Monday night.
West Bay, the picturesque backdrop to the eight-part crime drama, was seen by almost seven million people, according to ITV’s viewing figures.
From the first moments of the programme, with swooping camera angles from the top of East Cliff, viewers were gripped by the mysterious and tragic death of a young boy on an idyllic beach and how it hit at the heart of the small seaside town of Broadchurch.
While his death remains unresolved, Broadchurch is at the heart of a major police investigation and a national media frenzy.
David Tennant takes the role of incomer Det Insp Alec Hardy, with his own secrets, who takes the job of local cop Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) whose son is the dead boy’s best friend.
It soon becomes apparent that almost everybody in the town, where everybody knows everybody, may have something to hide.
The tension builds as the characters begin to reveal themselves with the backdrop of the Jurassic coastline.
The majority of comments and reviews of the show were positive, but locals all picked up on the accents adopted by the Broadchurch characters which had a decidedly Bristolian sound.
Tourism in West Dorset looks set to get a huge boost as the stunning Jurassic coast scenery is already attracting inquiries from people fascinated to see it in reality.
Local photographer and social media expert Stephen Banks set up Bridport and West Bay Twitter and Facebook accounts to latch on to the expected popularity of the series.
He said: “During the first 15 minutes of the programme I was reading between 100 and 200 Broadchurch tweets a minute. And I was told that West Bay was trending – and trending topics are what everybody is tweeting about.
“I have already had people saying that as a result of the first episode they are definitely coming down here for a holiday. “I set up the accounts to target potential tourists and holidaymakers as I knew that prime time TV would have this effect.”
The audience – like the cast and crew as they were filming – were left agog to know more at the end of last night’s episode, with seven more weeks to come of must-see television at 9pm on Monday nights.
Writer Chris Chibnall, said that at 9pm on Monday night he too was waiting with baited breath: “Just hoping that ITV put the right tape in,” he joked.
What did you think? Leave your comments below or leave your comments on facebook.com/ the bridport news or the dorset echo
Comments(44)
Am1234
says...
10:48pm Mon 4 Mar 13
vickicook113@hotmail.com
says...
10:58pm Mon 4 Mar 13
rogace
says...
6:17am Tue 5 Mar 13
the fact that this is 'local' drama and modern i have no issue...death happens anywhere and involving teenagers is sadly now the latest fact of life.
if you watch Emmerdale , Corrie etc then death happens all the time.
as for Eastenders eeew now that's depressing. lol
ITV did not do a bad job and i found it gripping and most watchable and am looking forward to the next episode.
my only critique in the story-line is that is seems at this early stage in plot to been similar to the recent drama
'a mothers son' however i like David Tenant and many of the other cast and enjoyed the programme.
I you missed last night then catch on ITV player like i did and you may like it.
rogace
says...
6:33am Tue 5 Mar 13
I meant to say the HOW I do not understand the 3 ''negative comments ABOVE'' not below lol.
all the mainstream press reviews and feeds today trend to indicate this drama has been well received and is pretty good....
we loved the Sweeney and all the TV murder mysteries from the past so now we have great actors and so give it chance!
if you don't like murder mystery then don't watch it...simples
TenBobDylanThomasHardy
says...
6:39am Tue 5 Mar 13
It did seem ameteurish but as the characters established themselves and the story unfolded I was taken along.
I'm not a fan of soaps, but it did seem depressing small-town rather than distressed rural-idyll. Some rather 'deliberate' accents (I thought it was Doc Martin for a moment).
I'm sure that News-agent always plays the same part and he "baint be one o' we".
rogace
says...
7:18am Tue 5 Mar 13
unexpected error
says...
7:51am Tue 5 Mar 13
I have to agree that it seems a little insensitive with regard to the girl who died on the beach recently especially as the area is frequently on screen but when you've lost someone you love lots of things on tele and in life can seem insensitive.......li
ke funerals on tele and constant reference to mothers/fathers day in the media etc.
So on balance I don't think the programme should of been delayed/shot somewhere else.
rogace
says...
8:05am Tue 5 Mar 13
the deaths of 2 people in the Beaminster tunnel)
but remember this TV drama was shooting and in the ''can''.
the fact it was shot locally cannot protect us all in all of life's sad events.
I hardly think that any of the families will watch this
v.v anyone who has lost some one in a plane crash and will not tune into ''air crash investigation'' on a weekly basis
misterm
says...
8:20am Tue 5 Mar 13
I couldn't follow the plot at all because the dialogue was blotted out by loud music.The volume increased as soon as there was any meaningful conversation.
rogace
says...
8:36am Tue 5 Mar 13
were you watching the same programme as me? '''puzzled'''
try the subtitles ?
Up on the chalk!
says...
9:25am Tue 5 Mar 13
misterm wrote:Try changing the sound settings on your tv to "speech" or "sport" - it will be much clearer.
Utterly atrocious.
I couldn't follow the plot at all because the dialogue was blotted out by loud music.The volume increased as soon as there was any meaningful conversation.
greenglasses
says...
9:44am Tue 5 Mar 13
Lucy Lastick
says...
10:25am Tue 5 Mar 13
axzl32
says...
11:01am Tue 5 Mar 13
vickicook113@hotmail..It's not all about you ...
.com wrote:
Sorry ITV but i never watched Broadchurch. Due to a 22 year woman died at Charmouth. I thought it was tasteless for that family to watch the drama. Remembering what happen.
clansman59
says...
11:03am Tue 5 Mar 13
axzl32
says...
11:07am Tue 5 Mar 13
The beauty of a democracy and free choice is, that if we don't want to watch it, we don't have to *see previous comments*
banknote
says...
11:17am Tue 5 Mar 13
And the script........well!
baggins11
says...
11:22am Tue 5 Mar 13
The actors only remembered to do their accents half the time too.
Olivia Colman used the same accent she did in Hot Fuzz, which was supposed to be a comedy West Country accent.
dontbuyit
says...
12:03pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Fred Kite
says...
1:13pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Laadeeda
says...
2:00pm Tue 5 Mar 13
The best false Cornish accents in Dorset by far. Unfortunately spoilt the programme, what I saw of it.
Dorset Boy
says...
2:10pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Turn It Down
says...
2:13pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Duz they really fink we iz all related, livin' in the same street or 'least know ev'ryone else in the village.
Oi would not like the paper round. The paper shop, high street and 'otel are not round 'ere. They be in foreign parts - Clevedon, in North Somerset. No wonder the boy 'ad to get out 'is pit so urly. 'ave they built one 'o' they faast roads between 'ere an' there?
What 'bout that Paurleen Kwurk. Wot she be up to? Wrong 'un, I'm sure.
Only one question - where's the cider?
Ex-Amb-Serv
says...
2:36pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Bob Goulding
says...
3:15pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Is it me or is everything rubbish?
says...
3:58pm Tue 5 Mar 13
I cannot believe some of the comments on here.
I honestly believe that some people have so little going on in their life that the only way that they can feel alive is if they criticise others.
How many of you are actors? How many of you are scriptwriters?
As for the connection to the poor girl that died- there would be nothing on the TV if all programmes were cancelled due to a similar even happening in real life- after all, these programmes are meant to be a little bit like real life!!
I did not find the accents an issue, as I was enjoying the overall show. I thought that it was very good and cannot understand why people feel the need to whinge all the bl00dy time!
You are just like the people that buy the Echo every day and make a comment such as "I don't know why I bother, there is never anything in it" or "Ooooh, it's a bit thin today".
They also love the phrase "I told you so" and "I knew that it would not last/would not work".
rogace
says...
4:09pm Tue 5 Mar 13
they did get the ECHO reporters ''just right'' methinks lol
btw
tweets as we speak 'garage door bangs in poundbury'' shock horror
Simon 1965
says...
4:11pm Tue 5 Mar 13
As for the accents, I am Welsh, and needless to say, everything TV or film related requiring a Welsh accent, always sounds like a parody, and I sure the Liverpudlians, Scots and Irish feel the same.
If it offends you, either switch over, or let it go over your heads, "me luvvers"!
unexpected error
says...
4:14pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:"I can't believe some of the comments on here"...............
That's right- David Tennant can only play a Scottish character. Not something like in Dr Who where he had an English accent.
I cannot believe some of the comments on here.
I honestly believe that some people have so little going on in their life that the only way that they can feel alive is if they criticise others.
How many of you are actors? How many of you are scriptwriters?
As for the connection to the poor girl that died- there would be nothing on the TV if all programmes were cancelled due to a similar even happening in real life- after all, these programmes are meant to be a little bit like real life!!
I did not find the accents an issue, as I was enjoying the overall show. I thought that it was very good and cannot understand why people feel the need to whinge all the bl00dy time!
You are just like the people that buy the Echo every day and make a comment such as "I don't know why I bother, there is never anything in it" or "Ooooh, it's a bit thin today".
They also love the phrase "I told you so" and "I knew that it would not last/would not work".
why, because they don't agree with you?
I might suggest you need to sort yourself out a bit if you can't read some of these comments without getting so worked up.
rogace
says...
4:22pm Tue 5 Mar 13
or would you like more espresso for your high blood pressure...
who's the one getting worked up here?
hummm lol
anyways back on topic...good lord,
did any of slagger offers actually watch it ?
it was bloody good loved it very gripping
pmsl
Bob Goulding
says...
4:27pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:I agree with you 100% (my earlier post was just in jest).
That's right- David Tennant can only play a Scottish character. Not something like in Dr Who where he had an English accent.
I cannot believe some of the comments on here.
I honestly believe that some people have so little going on in their life that the only way that they can feel alive is if they criticise others.
How many of you are actors? How many of you are scriptwriters?
As for the connection to the poor girl that died- there would be nothing on the TV if all programmes were cancelled due to a similar even happening in real life- after all, these programmes are meant to be a little bit like real life!!
I did not find the accents an issue, as I was enjoying the overall show. I thought that it was very good and cannot understand why people feel the need to whinge all the bl00dy time!
You are just like the people that buy the Echo every day and make a comment such as "I don't know why I bother, there is never anything in it" or "Ooooh, it's a bit thin today".
They also love the phrase "I told you so" and "I knew that it would not last/would not work".
The multitude of regional accents and dialects in Dorset alone are enough to cope with but when you pick on a specific location, then allow for the fact that that community's language has evolved to incorporate many different local and not so local 'flavours', it must be a nightmare for anyone to get it right in the eyes (or ears) of those who really know.
I think it is absolutly right that some artistic licence is given to the production team and cast and be pleased that the series showcases the wonderful assets that the Dorset coast and countryside has to offer.
Laadeeda
says...
4:34pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Bob Goulding wrote:Spot on Bob about the myriad of accents in Dorset. So why spoil a programme attempting to localise it. The beauty of Dorset would have carried it without the quasi - Cornish or whatever it was accents.
Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:I agree with you 100% (my earlier post was just in jest).
That's right- David Tennant can only play a Scottish character. Not something like in Dr Who where he had an English accent.
I cannot believe some of the comments on here.
I honestly believe that some people have so little going on in their life that the only way that they can feel alive is if they criticise others.
How many of you are actors? How many of you are scriptwriters?
As for the connection to the poor girl that died- there would be nothing on the TV if all programmes were cancelled due to a similar even happening in real life- after all, these programmes are meant to be a little bit like real life!!
I did not find the accents an issue, as I was enjoying the overall show. I thought that it was very good and cannot understand why people feel the need to whinge all the bl00dy time!
You are just like the people that buy the Echo every day and make a comment such as "I don't know why I bother, there is never anything in it" or "Ooooh, it's a bit thin today".
They also love the phrase "I told you so" and "I knew that it would not last/would not work".
The multitude of regional accents and dialects in Dorset alone are enough to cope with but when you pick on a specific location, then allow for the fact that that community's language has evolved to incorporate many different local and not so local 'flavours', it must be a nightmare for anyone to get it right in the eyes (or ears) of those who really know.
I think it is absolutly right that some artistic licence is given to the production team and cast and be pleased that the series showcases the wonderful assets that the Dorset coast and countryside has to offer.
happilyretired
says...
4:43pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Will not bother with rest of series.
Same with BBC's Mayday. Poor acting, lots of pregnant pauses trying to ramp up the tension. And the 'background' music, well.
Bob Goulding
says...
4:54pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Laadeeda wrote:The quasi-local accents may be obvious to you (and perhaps annoying) but it is only part of 'characterisation'.
Bob Goulding wrote:Spot on Bob about the myriad of accents in Dorset. So why spoil a programme attempting to localise it. The beauty of Dorset would have carried it without the quasi - Cornish or whatever it was accents.
Is it me or is everything rubbish? wrote:I agree with you 100% (my earlier post was just in jest).
That's right- David Tennant can only play a Scottish character. Not something like in Dr Who where he had an English accent.
I cannot believe some of the comments on here.
I honestly believe that some people have so little going on in their life that the only way that they can feel alive is if they criticise others.
How many of you are actors? How many of you are scriptwriters?
As for the connection to the poor girl that died- there would be nothing on the TV if all programmes were cancelled due to a similar even happening in real life- after all, these programmes are meant to be a little bit like real life!!
I did not find the accents an issue, as I was enjoying the overall show. I thought that it was very good and cannot understand why people feel the need to whinge all the bl00dy time!
You are just like the people that buy the Echo every day and make a comment such as "I don't know why I bother, there is never anything in it" or "Ooooh, it's a bit thin today".
They also love the phrase "I told you so" and "I knew that it would not last/would not work".
The multitude of regional accents and dialects in Dorset alone are enough to cope with but when you pick on a specific location, then allow for the fact that that community's language has evolved to incorporate many different local and not so local 'flavours', it must be a nightmare for anyone to get it right in the eyes (or ears) of those who really know.
I think it is absolutly right that some artistic licence is given to the production team and cast and be pleased that the series showcases the wonderful assets that the Dorset coast and countryside has to offer.
I am sure that there are many residents of Holmfirth that objected to the authenticity of the accents of the cast of Last of the Summer Wine but I've not heard any complaints and it certainly did not do any harm to the image of the Peak District as a destination. The same could be said of Heartbeat.
Would you have been able to spot the errors?
niceonecyril
says...
5:04pm Tue 5 Mar 13
wessex-andy wrote:Don't watch in future, do you want to buy a telly with the ability to switch channels or switch off?
Just watched episode one and so far it all looks very amateurish to me.
niceonecyril
says...
5:04pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Am1234 wrote:Don't watch in future, do you want to buy a telly with the ability to switch channels or switch off?
Rather depressing:(
TenBobDylanThomasHardy
says...
5:20pm Tue 5 Mar 13
The point is, we are invited to leave our comments and we've done just that, the good the bad and the indifferent.
I'm glad that it's got mixed reviews, thank Science for variety.
p.s. I think there's some football on tonight...now, I must go and find some paint.
Laadeeda
says...
6:11pm Tue 5 Mar 13
TenBobDylanThomasHarThumbs Up.
dy wrote:
Isitme etc...I trust you'll be changing your name now ;)
The point is, we are invited to leave our comments and we've done just that, the good the bad and the indifferent.
I'm glad that it's got mixed reviews, thank Science for variety.
p.s. I think there's some football on tonight...now, I must go and find some paint.
The 'if your views are different to mine' brigade are rather drawing!
You can always predict certain comments.
Am1234
says...
9:19pm Tue 5 Mar 13
Ps niceonecyril, yes I do have a tv with an on/off switch. It even has a remote with ability to switch channels!
Is it me or is everything rubbish?
says...
7:50am Wed 6 Mar 13
I have lived here since I was 3 (I am now 30...sniff...) and I do not have a Dorset accent. Very few people I work with sound as if they come from Dorset- it is usually a blend of a number of different influences.
This was not a piece written by Thomas Hardy, which would have required authentic accents as they were much more defined then due to lack of mobility and travel.
rjimmer
says...
10:00am Wed 6 Mar 13
tigerpelz
says...
11:03am Wed 6 Mar 13
More seriously, I found the first episode somewhat dull and lacking in atmosphere - though of course it's great to see Dorset locations on the box.
Preston Terra
says...
7:12pm Wed 6 Mar 13
wessex-andy says...
10:16pm Mon 4 Mar 13