Netflix’s Dept. Q, a gritty Scottish crime thriller, has taken the streaming world by storm, climbing to the top of the UK charts and securing the number two spot globally in 2025. Adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling Danish novels and reimagined as a tartan noir masterpiece, the series follows Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, as he navigates a labyrinth of trauma and mystery. After surviving a brutal attack that left his partner paralyzed and a colleague dead, Morck is relegated to a basement cold-case unit, only to confront his most haunting case yet: the disappearance of human rights lawyer Merritt Lingard. Fans are obsessed, flooding social media with praise for the show’s “exceptional” storytelling, and Goode himself has publicly begged for a second season to dive deeper into this chilling investigation. As viewers clamor for answers, the question looms: will Carl find justice, or will the darkness consume him? This isn’t just a show—it’s a gut-punch that lingers long after the credits roll.

A Scottish Noir That Redefines the Genre

Dept. Q, which premiered on Netflix in May 2025, transforms the Scandinavian noir of Adler-Olsen’s novels into a distinctly Scottish tale, set against the moody backdrop of Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and damp basements. Created by Scott Frank, the mastermind behind The Queen’s Gambit, the nine-episode first season introduces Carl Morck, a brilliant but deeply flawed detective grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a botched operation. The attack, which left his partner James Hardy (Jamie Sives) paralyzed and a young officer dead, haunts Morck, played with raw intensity by Goode. Reassigned to Department Q—a cold-case unit dismissed as a public relations stunt—Morck assembles a team of misfits, including former Syrian detective Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov) and troubled cadet Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne), to tackle cases others have abandoned.

The central mystery revolves around Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie), a human rights lawyer who vanished four years earlier on a ferry trip. What begins as a routine file review spirals into a web of corruption, betrayal, and dark secrets, with Morck’s investigation uncovering links to powerful figures and a possible cover-up. The show’s strength lies in its layered storytelling: flashbacks reveal Lingard’s brittle personality and personal struggles, paralleling Morck’s own demons, while the parallel investigation into the attack that scarred him adds emotional weight. Critics have hailed the series as “pure greatness,” with The Daily Mail giving it four stars for its “explosive plot twists” and Goode’s “terrific lead performance.”

The Scottish setting, a departure from the novels’ Copenhagen backdrop, infuses the series with a gritty, gothic atmosphere. Director Scott Frank told BBC Scotland News that scouting Edinburgh’s Royal Mile inspired the shift to tartan noir, allowing him to lean into the humor and humanity of Adler-Olsen’s characters. The damp, grimy basement of Department Q’s headquarters contrasts sharply with the sleek police stations of typical crime dramas, grounding the show in a raw authenticity that resonates with viewers. As one X user posted, “Dept. Q on Netflix is such a good crime thriller. Matthew Goode’s acting was next level! I hope they make season 2.”

Matthew Goode’s Plea for Season 2

At the heart of Dept. Q’s success is Matthew Goode, whose portrayal of Carl Morck has earned widespread acclaim. Known for roles in Downton Abbey and The Crown, Goode delivers a career-defining performance, blending acerbic wit with quiet vulnerability. In a July 2025 interview with Deadline, Goode expressed his eagerness for a second season, saying, “This is such a wonderful company of actors. I’m desperate to spend time with them again and dive deeper into Carl’s story.” His enthusiasm mirrors the fervor of fans, who have taken to social media with calls for renewal, with one X post declaring, “I need season 2 for #DeptQ like right now!!!”

Goode’s connection to the role is personal. In the Deadline interview, he described relating to Morck’s struggle with guilt and isolation, noting, “He’s a man carrying so much weight, but he’s still sharp, still fighting. That’s what makes him compelling.” The actor’s chemistry with his co-stars—particularly Manvelov’s stoic Akram and Byrne’s fiery Rose—elevates the series, creating a dynamic that feels both dysfunctional and familial. Goode praised his castmates, saying, “Leah [Byrne] is a revelation, and Alexej [Manvelov] brings such depth. We’re a band of misfits, just like the characters.”

Netflix confirmed Dept. Q’s return for a second season on August 19, 2025, with filming set to begin in early 2026 in Edinburgh. The announcement, reported by BBC News, thrilled fans, with Goode set to reprise his role alongside Manvelov, Byrne, and Sives. Scott Frank, who will write and direct, teased that Season 2 will adapt the next Adler-Olsen novel, The Absent One, promising “an even more interesting and relevant” case. “I’ve already got it in my brain,” Frank told LADbible, hinting at a story that delves deeper into Morck’s trauma and the unresolved ambush that shattered his life.

A Case That Haunts

The first season’s central case—the disappearance of Merritt Lingard—is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense. Lingard, portrayed by Chloe Pirrie with a mix of steely determination and fragility, is no mere victim. Flashbacks reveal her as a driven lawyer fighting for marginalized communities, but also a woman wrestling with personal demons, including a strained relationship with her boss (Mark Bonnar). Her vanishing on a ferry four years prior is initially presumed a suicide, but Morck’s team uncovers discrepancies: a missing phone, inconsistent witness statements, and a trail leading to Edinburgh’s elite.

The investigation unfolds with relentless tension, as Morck’s dogged pursuit clashes with his own unraveling psyche. A pivotal twist reveals Lingard’s connection to a broader conspiracy, with the season ending on a bittersweet note: her case is resolved, but the ambush that left Hardy paralyzed remains a mystery. Moira (Kate Dickie), Morck’s commanding officer, hands Hardy a file in the finale, suggesting a deeper cover-up within the police force. This unresolved thread has fans speculating wildly on X, with posts like, “That ending! Who set up Carl? Season 2 can’t come soon enough.”

The show’s emotional core is Morck’s struggle with PTSD, portrayed with unflinching honesty. Goode’s performance captures the detective’s volatility—snapping at colleagues one moment, crumbling in therapy sessions with Dr. Irving (Kelly Macdonald) the next. “Watching his guilt perfuse his soul is as compelling as the plot,” wrote The Guardian, praising the series as a “harrowing treat.” The supporting cast shines, too: Manvelov’s Akram brings quiet strength as a refugee rebuilding his life, while Byrne’s Rose, with her “unruly ginger hair” and sharp instincts, steals scenes as a detective haunted by her own past.

Why Fans Are Obsessed

Dept. Q’s meteoric rise is no fluke. With an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3/10 on IMDb, the series has struck a chord with audiences craving intelligent, character-driven crime dramas. Its blend of psychological depth and procedural grit sets it apart from flashier thrillers like Ozark or Mindhunter. “Binge watch recommendation – Dept Q (Netflix) Scottish crime series based in Edinburgh – thank me later,” one X user raved. Another called it “pure greatness,” comparing it to True Detective for its atmospheric intensity.

The show’s success lies in its ability to balance plot twists with human stakes. Unlike many procedurals, Dept. Q doesn’t shy away from Morck’s flaws—his arrogance, his temper, his refusal to confront his trauma. Yet, it’s his determination to seek justice that makes him relatable. As The Hollywood Reporter noted, the series “establishes a rich world with ample room for growth,” with nine more Adler-Olsen novels ripe for adaptation. Fans have flooded social media with theories about Season 2, speculating that Morck’s investigation into the ambush will uncover corruption at the highest levels.

The Scottish setting adds a unique flavor, with Edinburgh’s historic charm juxtaposed against its underbelly. Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey captures the city’s misty alleys and stark coastlines, creating a visual palette that mirrors Morck’s turmoil. The show’s humor, often dark and biting, provides levity—Morck’s sarcastic quips, like calling his basement office a “damp purgatory,” draw chuckles amid the tension. “It’s not hugely funny like Slow Horses, but the dynamics are very amusing,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter.

The Stakes for Season 2

The confirmation of Season 2 has fans buzzing about what lies ahead for Carl Morck and his team. The unresolved ambush—where Morck, Hardy, and a rookie officer were shot, with only Morck escaping unscathed—looms large. Season 1 hinted at a possible inside job, with Morck suspecting a corrupt officer, PC Anderson, who claimed a victim’s daughter called them to the scene, a detail disproved when no daughter was found. This thread, left dangling, promises a deeper dive into Morck’s past and the forces conspiring against him.

Scott Frank’s comments suggest Season 2 will tackle The Absent One, which follows Morck investigating a decades-old double murder tied to a boarding school elite. The novel’s themes of privilege and impunity could resonate in the Scottish context, with Edinburgh’s class divides providing fertile ground. Goode’s plea for a second season reflects his investment in Morck’s arc, particularly the detective’s battle to reclaim his sense of purpose. “There’s so much more to explore,” he told Deadline. “Carl’s not done fighting, and neither am I.”

The returning cast, including Pirrie as a potential flashback figure and Macdonald as Morck’s therapist, will deepen the ensemble’s dynamic. New characters, possibly drawn from Adler-Olsen’s novels, could introduce fresh allies or foes. Fans on X are already speculating about Moriarty-esque villains or a larger role for Hardy, whose paralysis adds a poignant layer to the team’s bond. “Atmospheric and binge-worthy,” wrote Rotten Tomatoes user Merrick S., praising Goode’s “mercurial performance” and Manvelov’s “outstanding” presence.

Challenges and Expectations

The road to Season 2 isn’t without hurdles. Dept. Q’s first season spent six weeks in Netflix’s global top 10, but Frank told LADbible that renewal depended on “the money and Netflix.” The streamer’s commitment suggests confidence, but maintaining the balance of plot and character will be key. Some critics, like The Daily Beast, noted the first season’s slow start, though its “structural cleverness” won them over. Season 2 must sustain the momentum while deepening Morck’s journey without veering into melodrama.

Budget constraints could also impact production. Season 1’s Edinburgh shoot, with its historic locations, was costly, and expanding the scope—potentially to rural Scotland or beyond—will require careful planning. Yet, Netflix’s investment in British dramas, evidenced by hits like The Crown and Black Doves, bodes well. “We can’t wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover,” Netflix executives Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin told BBC News, signaling enthusiasm for the series’ future.

A Gut-Punch That Resonates

Dept. Q is more than a crime thriller—it’s a meditation on trauma, redemption, and the cost of justice. Carl Morck’s journey, brought to life by Matthew Goode’s searing performance, captures the pain of a man caught between duty and despair. The disappearance of Merritt Lingard, with its twists and moral ambiguities, forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and accountability. As The Guardian put it, “This excellent crime drama is a grimy, gothic treat.”

For fans, the show’s emotional depth is its greatest strength. “Binge watching #DeptQ it is sooooo good,” one X user posted, echoing the sentiment of thousands hooked by its intensity. Goode’s call for Season 2 reflects not just his passion but the series’ ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level. Will Carl find justice, or will the darkness of his past—and the ambush that haunts him—consume him? As the wait for Season 2 begins, Dept. Q stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that doesn’t just entertain but leaves a lasting impact. This isn’t just a show—it’s a gut-punch you won’t forget.