A chilling wind is blowing through the world of crime drama, and it’s coming from the rugged, windswept coast of Pembroke Dock, Wales. The BBC’s latest offering, The One That Got Away, a six-part thriller that premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales on February 25, 2025, has already been dubbed a “deliciously dark and atmospheric” must-watch by critics and viewers alike. An English-language adaptation of the Welsh-language series Cleddau, this emotionally charged crime noir, written by Catherine Tregenna and produced by BlackLight TV, combines a gripping murder mystery with a complex love story, anchored by the return of a compelling detective duo: DI Ffion Lloyd (Elen Rhys) and DS Rick Sheldon (Richard Harrington). With its intricate plot, evocative Welsh setting, and top-tier performances, The One That Got Away is poised to captivate audiences and cement its place as a standout in the genre. Here’s why this series is the next binge-worthy obsession for crime drama fans.
A Murder That Reopens Old Wounds
Set against the moody, salt-marsh landscapes of Pembroke Dock, The One That Got Away begins with a shocking crime: the murder of student nurse Abbi Rayner, found strangled in Cleddau Woods with ligature marks on her neck and a mysterious “heart knot” carved into a nearby tree. The brutality of the killing echoes a double murder from 12 years prior, a case that left deep scars on the small coastal community. With a suspect already behind bars for the earlier crimes, the discovery of Abbi’s body raises chilling questions: Is there a copycat killer at large, or was the wrong person convicted all those years ago? The investigation, led by DI Ffion Lloyd and DS Rick Sheldon, becomes a forensic examination of not only the crime but also the town’s buried secrets and the detectives’ own tangled past.
The series’ premise is classic crime drama fare, yet it stands out for its psychological depth and meticulous plotting. Written by Catherine Tregenna, known for her work on Law & Order UK, Lewis, and DCI Banks, The One That Got Away weaves a narrative that is both a whodunit and a whydunit, exploring the human cost of violence and the ripple effects of unresolved trauma. The murder of Abbi Rayner serves as a catalyst, stirring up old wounds in Pembroke Dock and forcing the community—and the detectives—to confront uncomfortable truths. As The Guardian notes, the series is “a great psychological drama attached to a cracking crime thriller,” balancing suspense with an astute portrait of complicated relationships.
The Detective Duo: A Complicated Past Fuels the Present
At the heart of The One That Got Away is the electrifying dynamic between DI Ffion Lloyd and DS Rick Sheldon, former lovers whose broken engagement 12 years ago left unresolved tensions. Played by Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Hidden) and Richard Harrington (Hinterland, Poldark), the duo is reunited when Ffion is called back from Cardiff to lead the investigation, while Rick, now married to nurse Helen (Rhian Blythe), is already on the case. Their shared history, marked by a failed engagement and lingering hurt, threatens to derail the investigation as personal and professional lines blur. The BBC describes their partnership as “a forensic love story,” and it’s this emotional undercurrent that elevates the series beyond a standard procedural.
Elen Rhys brings a fierce intensity to Ffion Lloyd, a detective whose return to her hometown forces her to confront not only the murder but also her fractured relationships with her sister Lisa (Hannah Daniel) and mother Delyth (Sharon Morgan). Rhys, who filmed the series in her native Wales, has spoken about the joy of working on a project that captures the essence of Welsh life, saying, “Catherine Tregenna’s writing blew me away. It’s not your typical crime drama; it goes much deeper.” Richard Harrington, a BAFTA Cymru winner for Hinterland, infuses Rick Sheldon with a mix of charisma and moral ambiguity. His character’s infidelity and questionable decisions have drawn criticism from some viewers, with one X post calling him “a creep” and “a liability,” yet others praise Harrington’s ability to make Rick’s flaws compelling.
The chemistry between Rhys and Harrington is palpable, with their scenes crackling with unspoken history and unresolved longing. As Good Housekeeping notes, the series promises an “electrifying love story” alongside its murder mystery, making the duo’s personal struggles as gripping as the case itself. However, the romantic subplot has divided audiences, with some, like a Wales Online reviewer, arguing that Rick’s lack of redeemable qualities makes the love story “confusing and unnecessary.” Regardless, the interplay between Ffion and Rick ensures that the emotional stakes are as high as the investigative ones, keeping viewers hooked.
A Stellar Cast and Authentic Welsh Noir
The One That Got Away boasts a stellar Welsh cast, many of whom are familiar faces from other acclaimed crime dramas. Rhian Blythe (Keeping Faith) plays Helen, Rick’s wife and a nurse who worked alongside the victim, adding another layer of personal connection to the case. Sharon Morgan (Pobol y Cwm) and Hannah Daniel (Hinterland) bring depth to Ffion’s family dynamics, while Mali Ann Rees (Lost Boys & Fairies) and William Thomas (Steeltown Murders) round out the ensemble as DC Mogsy Morgan and Griff Lloyd, respectively. The cast’s authenticity, combined with the series’ bilingual filming in both English and Welsh, grounds the story in the cultural fabric of Pembrokeshire, making it a standout in the Welsh noir tradition alongside Hinterland and Hidden.
Filmed on location in Pembroke Dock and south Wales during the winter of 2023, the series uses its setting to maximum effect. The bleak, windswept landscapes of the Cleddau estuary, with its salt marshes and moody skies, mirror the story’s dark tone. The cinematography, praised by Wales Online as “faultless,” captures the “chilly bleakness of small-town life,” while the use of weather to set scenes adds to the atmospheric tension. Unlike some crime dramas that rely on CGI, The One That Got Away keeps its visuals grounded, with no artificial effects to detract from its realism.
An Intricate Plot That Keeps You Guessing
The plot of The One That Got Away is a masterclass in pacing and misdirection. As Ffion and Rick delve into Abbi Rayner’s murder, they uncover connections to the “heart knot” murders from 12 years ago, raising doubts about the original conviction. The investigation takes unexpected turns, with new evidence linked to Ffion’s sister Lisa and a school gunman adding layers of complexity. The series’ six episodes, each around 58 minutes, are designed for binge-watching, with Good Housekeeping calling it “the perfect binge-worthy treat.” However, some critics, like those on IMDb, have noted that the pacing slows in the middle episodes, and the plot can feel “predictable” or “cobbled together from familiar tropes.”
Despite these critiques, the series’ twists and turns have been widely praised. The Guardian calls it “an irresistible treat for thriller fans,” highlighting its smart plotting and satisfying conclusion. The investigation’s forensic focus, combined with the personal drama, creates a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. As Ben Bickerton, executive producer at BlackLight Television, stated, “The audience will be gripped not only by the high-stakes crime story but also by the complex love story at the heart of the show.”
A Standout in Welsh Crime Drama
The One That Got Away arrives at a time when Welsh crime dramas are gaining international acclaim, following in the footsteps of Hinterland and Keeping Faith. Its bilingual production, filmed simultaneously in Welsh (as Cleddau) and English, showcases the strength of Wales’ creative sector, supported by Creative Wales and distributed by Banijay Rights. The series has been compared to Scandinavian noir classics like The Killing and The Bridge, with Wales Online noting that Welsh crime dramas “could easily give their Scandi equivalent a run for their money.” However, some critics, including Wales Online, argue that the genre needs to evolve, citing fatigue with familiar tropes like violence against women and predictable narratives.
Viewer reactions on X have been largely positive, with posts praising the “gorgeous” Welsh scenery and the “top-notch performances” of Rhys and Harrington. One user (@welshcrimefan) wrote, “The One That Got Away is pure Welsh noir magic. Elen Rhys and Richard Harrington are electric, and the plot keeps you guessing!” Another (@tvaddict22) noted, “Binged The One That Got Away on iPlayer. The Ffion-Rick drama is as gripping as the murder case!” However, some expressed disappointment with the ending, with one user (@crimejunkie88) calling it “abrupt” and “unsatisfying.”
Why The One That Got Away Is Unmissable
With its intricate plot, compelling detective duo, and evocative Welsh setting, The One That Got Away is a standout addition to the crime drama canon. Its blend of psychological depth, atmospheric tension, and a fraught love story makes it a worthy successor to Broadchurch and Hinterland, with a unique Welsh flavor. All six episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with broadcasts on BBC One Wales and BBC Four, including a double bill on March 1, 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the twists of a murder mystery or the emotional complexity of Ffion and Rick’s relationship, this series promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. As Prima enthuses, “We can’t wait to watch the psychological thriller!” Don’t let The One That Got Away slip through your fingers—it’s a dark, gripping journey that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
