TV series recommendation: McDonalds & Dodds

This is at least one thing my mother and I can agree on: we really like McDonald & Dodds - especially since it stars the low-key actor that is Jason Watkins. Anything he is in is bound to be good.

And for once, the crime series isn't based in London, or in Oxford, or in Manchester and not even in Scotland, but in the unlikely town of Bath. Genteel, Georgian Bath, where Jane Austen and her ilk used to 'take the waters', those 'waters' discovered by the Romans. It's refreshing to see a new backdrop to the crime stories. 

Jason Watkins plays Detective Sergeant Dodds, who is a bit of an oddball that the Chief Superintendent wants to get rid of. He is paired with the new Detective Chief Inspector, Lauren McDonald, who has transferred to Bath after a failed relationship. They are supported by a good recurring cast and a slew of old famous English actors that make special appearances.

McDonald has her difficulties in adjusting to Dodds (she finds it strange that he eats chips with butter), but, over time, she comes to appreciate his powers of observation and logic as well as his doggedness in digging up facts. Dodds is often like a dog with a bone. He won't let go.

I think what we appreciate most is the fact that the underdog comes out on top. 

Sadly, there have only been about eight 90-minute episodes so far, but I hope there will be a few more this year.