Netflix’s Department Q Review: Brilliant Writing and Acting Struggle Under Bloated Length

Netflix’s Department Q reunites acclaimed writer Scott Frank, known for Out of Sight, Logan, and The Queen’s Gambit, with actor Matthew Goode in a chilling mystery series based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling novels. Despite the pedigree, the show suffers from one of the biggest problems plaguing today’s streaming era—bloated runtimes.

Premise: A Dark, Cross-Country Mystery

The series opens with detective Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) and his partner Hardy investigating a brutal stabbing that ends in a shocking shooting. Hardy is paralyzed, and Morck nearly loses his life, setting the stage for his transformation into a cop-on-the-edge. Forced to join the titular cold case unit, Department Q, Morck teams up with the logical Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov) and ambitious Rose (Leah Byrne).

Their first cold case revolves around Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie), a prosecutor who mysteriously disappeared four years earlier. Unknown to the detectives, Merritt is alive—trapped in a pressurized chamber, enduring torture as she attempts to uncover her captor’s identity from within.

Strengths: Acting and Writing Shine

Scott Frank’s sharp writing and the strong performances from Goode and the ensemble elevate the series. Goode’s portrayal of Morck balances bitterness and determination, while the dynamic between the detectives adds tension and depth. The show’s clever dual perspective—tracking Merritt’s ordeal inside the chamber alongside the investigators outside—offers a compelling narrative twist reminiscent of Oldboy.

Weaknesses: Pacing and Length Drag

Where Department Q falters is its excessive runtime. What could have been a taut feature film or a shorter limited series is stretched to nine episodes, causing the story to drag. The slow pace of uncovering the mystery, especially Merritt’s prolonged suffering, tests viewer patience and dilutes the impact of the final reveal.

The series struggles to justify its length, relying heavily on the central mystery without sufficient subplots or character development to sustain audience engagement over nine hours. By the time the kidnapper’s identity is revealed, much of the emotional weight has dissipated.

Comparisons and Context

This story was previously adapted in the 2013 Danish film The Keeper of Lost Causes, scripted by Oscar nominee Nikolaj Arcel. Without intimate knowledge of the original novels, it’s unclear where padding occurs, but the series often feels unnecessarily prolonged.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag

Department Q is a fascinating example of how streaming platforms’ “hours watched” goals can lead to overextended series. While the acting and dialogue offer plenty of moments to appreciate, the show’s pacing issues and repetitive scenes undermine its overall impact.

Recommendation: The series would benefit from tighter editing—perhaps a five to six-episode format or even a feature film. Despite its flaws, it remains worth watching for fans of dark mysteries and strong character work.