A new crime drama titled *Winter* centers on Ethan Winter, a forensic pathologist portrayed by Richard Armitage, who investigates murder cases with a distinctive—if unsettling—approach. The series debuted recently, featuring Winter as a character who frequently speaks aloud to the deceased during autopsies, blurring the professional boundaries traditionally associated with forensic pathology.
Set against a backdrop of icy, urban environments, the show follows Winter as he navigates complex investigations, often stepping beyond his formal role by meddling in police inquiries and handling evidence without standard precautions. The narrative also explores his personal life, including his haunted past marked by the murder of his journalist girlfriend—a storyline revealed gradually through interactions with a ghostly apparition and further investigation by Detective Inspector Lauren Bell, played by Annabel Scholey.
The characterization of Winter incorporates familiar crime drama tropes. He possesses the archetypal tragic backstory, an upscale apartment with modern design features, and an evolving, initially tense relationship with DI Bell. Their dynamic unfolds along a conventional "will they, won’t they" trajectory, adding layers of personal tension amid police procedural elements.
The plot touches on additional recurring genre devices, including strained marital relationships, hinted through DI Bell's husband’s frequent absences, and dramatic subplots such as a woman and her missing children concealed in a cave. Meanwhile, mysterious elements such as the presence of potassium cyanide in one victim’s stomach are woven into the investigation, though these aspects have met with mixed reception for their plausibility.
Stylistically, the series opens with a symbolic scene of Winter scaling a steep cliff and discarding his safety rope—an implied metaphor for his risky, rule-breaking approach to both life and work. This imagery potentially reflects his ambiguous relationship with mortality and danger.
While *Winter* attempts to combine atmospheric storytelling with character-driven drama, several elements have been criticized for relying heavily on clichés common within the crime genre. The series’ reliance on familiar character archetypes and sometimes awkward dialogue has tempered enthusiasm for its originality and impact. Despite hints at deeper storytelling, such as revealing the murdered girlfriend’s fate and exploring the emotional consequences, some scenes have been described as unintentionally comical or overly contrived.
Ultimately, *Winter* offers a blend of procedural investigation and interpersonal drama, but its conventional narrative and reliance on television formula may limit its appeal among viewers seeking a more innovative take on crime storytelling. The relationship between Winter and DI Bell remains a focal point as the series progresses, with implications for both their personal and professional paths.