Down Cemetery Road Review: A Promising, If Unpolished, Spy Thriller Debut

Apple TV+ has released a new mystery series. It is called Down Cemetery Road. The show stars Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson. It is based on Mick Herron’s novel. Herron also wrote the Slow Horses books.

The series follows two women investigating a suspicious explosion. Their search uncovers a dangerous conspiracy. The show premiered on Wednesday, October 29.

A Story That Takes Its Time to Find Its Footing

The first season runs for eight episodes. Many episodes are over 50 minutes long. The story feels stretched at this length. The pacing is slow, especially in the beginning.

According to critical analysis, the central conspiracy is confusing at first. Key motivations are unclear for several episodes. The plot includes several red herrings that go nowhere. This can frustrate viewers expecting a tighter narrative.

Strengths That Shine Through the Rough Edges

Despite its flaws, the series has major strengths. The casting is superb. Emma Thompson plays a brash private investigator named Zoë Boehm. Ruth Wilson is a restless art restorer named Sarah Tucker.

Their chemistry is the show’s greatest asset. Fehinti Balogun also delivers a standout performance. He plays a menacing assassin named Amos. His character brings real tension and danger to the story.

The show finds its rhythm in the final episodes. The suspense builds effectively as the separate storylines converge. The strong acting makes the journey worthwhile, even when the plot meanders.

Ultimately, Down Cemetery Road establishes a compelling world with its lead characters. While the first season is uneven, the foundation is solid for future mysteries. The series has the potential to become another hit for Apple TV+.

Thought you’d like to know

Who created the Down Cemetery Road TV series?

Morwenna Banks adapted the series for television. She is also a writer and producer on the show *Slow Horses*. The series is based on the book by Mick Herron.

Is Down Cemetery Road connected to Slow Horses?

No, the shows are separate. They are both based on novels by the same author, Mick Herron. They exist in different fictional universes with different characters.

How many episodes are in the first season?

The first season contains eight episodes. This is two episodes longer than a typical season of *Slow Horses*. Most episodes run for over 50 minutes.

What is the main criticism of the show?

The main criticism involves its pacing and length. The story feels padded and meanders in its first half. It takes time for the central plot to gain momentum.

Who are the main stars of the series?

Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson lead the cast. Fehinti Balogun, Adeel Akhtar, and Darren Boyd play key supporting roles. The ensemble is widely praised.

Trusted Sources

The information in this article was compiled from reviews and reporting by trusted news outlets including The Hollywood Reporter.