Grantchester (ITV 2014, James Norton, Robson Green)

Period crime drama series set against the backdrop of the real hamlet of Grantchester, the drama focuses upon the life of Sidney Chambers, a charismatic, charming clergyman who turns investigative vicar when one of his parishioners dies in suspicious circumstances.

A tall and handsome man with a love of warm beer and hot jazz, Sidney is self-effacing, great company and a true romantic. He conscientiously undertakes his parish duties at the church of St Andrew and St Mary’s, and has the ear of his congregation who respect his unique moral insights and dry humour. Sidney thinks the best of people, but intuitively asks all the right questions which often results in an epiphany!

Troubled by nightmares and recurring flashbacks to the time he served in the Scot’s Guards, Sidney is the moral compass of the drama with a desire to put right the wrongs of the past – “we cannot erase our pasts however hard we try. Instead we must carry them with us into the future.”

It is Sidney’s unlikely partnership with gruff, down to earth Detective Inspector Geordie Keating that is central to Grantchester. Geordie’s methodical approach to policing complements Sidney’s more intuitive techniques of coaxing information from witnesses and suspects.

They are partners in crime and forge a true friendship as each offers a different insight into the crimes they begin to unravel.

Novelist James Runcie should know a thing or two about clergy life as he is the son of former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie.

A 90 minute Christmas special will air December 2016 and a third season will air in 2017.

In the Christmas special despite the fact that Amanda has left her husband Guy and is pregnant there is a definite love between her and Sydney. Meanwhile in the third season the new archdeacon Gabriel Atubo is on hand to remind Sydney that the needs of the community come before his own needs. Peter Davison will guest star as village solicitor Geoff Towler in season three.

production details
UK / ITV – Lovely Day / 12×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 6 October 2014 – 6 April 2016

Writers: Daisy Coulam, John Jackson, Joshua St Johnston / Novels: James Runcie / Music: John Lunn / Producer: Emma Kingsman-Lloyd / Executive Producer: Diederick Santer

cast
James Norton as Sidney Chambers
Robson Green as Detective Inspector Geordie Keating
Morven Christie as Amanda Kendall (Sidney’s love interest)
Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs Maguire (Sidney’s housekeeper)
Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating
Al Weaver as Leonard Finch (Curate)
Pheline Roggan as Hildegard Staunton
Fiona Button as Jennifer Chambers (Sidney’s younger sister)
Ukweli Roach as Johnny Johnson (Jennifer’s boyfriend)
Tom Austen as Guy Hopkins
Pip Torrens as Sir Edward Kendall (Amanda’s aristocratic father)