Thinking it was a BBC drama, I was too excited to watch this show only to be highly disappointed. What I absolutely hate is the intertwining of two or three stories. No conclusion can ever come out of them. And I felt the same about this show. So here is what got me so annoyed- Detective Ember Manning is a recent widow and a mother of one daughter, Hannah. As a seasoned detective, Ember is assigned to investigate a case of arson at the local boat hut, a place that holds significant personal history for her. This boat hut, with its iconic jetty, was once owned by her late husband. Since his passing, it has been sold to an arrogant newcomer from out of town, creating a palpable tension in the community. The investigation into the boat hut fire is not just another case for Ember; it strikes a deeply personal chord, intertwining her professional responsibilities with her own past. This situation is one of several 'leveling up' narratives interwoven into the broader theme of a northern town struggling to keep up with the times.
Another subplot revolves around the tragic story of a local schoolgirl who attempted suicide after becoming pregnant by a much older boyfriend. The identity of this older boyfriend and his involvement in the girl's desperate act remain shrouded in mystery. Ember, determined to uncover the truth and bring justice, realizes that identifying the father is crucial to understanding what drove the girl to such a desperate measure, assuming she wasn’t coerced into the act.
Complicating Ember's investigation is her daughter, Hannah, portrayed by Ruby Stokes. Hannah, deeply embedded in the school’s social scene, holds vital information that could break the case wide open. Despite her knowledge of the gossip and whispers circulating among her peers, Hannah stubbornly refuses to divulge any details to her mother. This tension between mother and daughter transforms the narrative into a gripping police procedural, where one of the significant obstacles is a defiant teenager withholding critical information.
As Ember navigates the complexities of her professional duties, she also grapples with the personal challenge of persuading her daughter to cooperate. This dynamic adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the difficulties of balancing familial relationships with the demands of a high-stakes investigation. The Jetty not only delves into the procedural aspects of solving a crime but also explores the emotional and psychological strains placed on those involved, particularly when the barriers to the truth are so close to home.
The plot, though intricately woven, tends to fall into predictability. The complexity of the narrative, while ambitious, often feels convoluted. Despite these shortcomings, the cast delivers remarkable performances, with Jenna Coleman as Ember standing out as particularly impressive. Coleman's portrayal of the determined detective adds depth and authenticity to the character, making her both relatable and compelling. However, the strength of the actors' performances can't entirely salvage the plot's weaknesses. There are moments when the show is interesting, but again they get lost in the sea of too many stories involved.
Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times