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The series is set in Ceredigion(Image: S4C)
The gripping police drama has had viewers utterly “gripped” from its very first episodes, as they watched the “creepy” setting unfold across three compelling seasons.
Originally broadcast in Welsh in 2013, it wasn’t until the following year in 2014 that an English-language version hit screens, and it was at that point that word truly began to spread about the fresh and thrilling crime drama.
The BBC series Hinterland, also known in Welsh as Y Gwyll, made history as the first television drama on the network to incorporate both English and Welsh dialogue throughout. It is the show’s Welsh roots, language and landscapes that resonate so powerfully, leaving a lasting impression on countless viewers who witnessed their own culture portrayed in a way they had never previously seen.
At the heart of the story is DCI Tom Mathias, a gifted detective burdened by a troubled past, who flees London and finds himself in mid-Wales. There, he is partnered with DI Mared Rhys, and together they tackle dark and brutal murders across the region, drawing comparisons to acclaimed dramas such as Line of Duty and Broadchurch.
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There are three seasons to ‘binge-watch’ (Image: S4C)
The series leans heavily on the stark, unforgiving landscape of the Welsh coastal county of Ceredigion, with its rugged coastline and sweeping mountains playing an integral role throughout. The local scenery surrounding Aberystwyth frequently mirrors the dark and dangerous nature of the characters, adding a persistent and unsettling sense of dread.
One viewer headed to review site Rotten Tomatoes to share their opinion, writing: “Hinterland is dark, stormy and a little creepy. I love this show, partly because it is filmed in Borth and Aberystwyth where I used to holiday as a child with my grandparents, so I enjoyed seeing these beautiful landscapes again and everywhere I recognised.
“The use of the Welsh and English languages is mixed together well. Filmed primarily through the autumn and winter months to intensify the dark and gloominess of murder, mystery and death.”
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The Welsh coastal setting plays a central part in the show(Image: S4C)
A further fan echoed this sentiment, saying: “Fantastic show and the first season is amazing. Sets out the style of the show and introduces the characters brilliantly. The Welsh setting is beautiful, and it is filmed really well. Acting is first class, and the stories told are chilling and gripping.”
Rounding out the police team is Richard Harrington as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias, alongside Mali Harries as Detective Inspector Mared Rhys and Alex Harries as Detective Constable Lloyd Elis. It’s their standout performances, combined with the distinctive setting, that enabled the show to run for three full seasons.
One devoted viewer said: “Loved this series. Loved the cast, the script, the cinematography, the acting, and the direction. Learning about a new culture was a bonus. Going to write the same review for each season. Totally binge-worthy.”
The series ended in December 2016, having reached the pinnacle of its three-season run, with every episode now available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.
