As a standalone show it was pretty good but here's the problem - it was pretty much lifted from the original Broadchurch - shot for shot and identical dialogue so writing the screenplay would have been a virtual copy and paste. So obviously you have to rate this a little lower. Tennant was excellent as always but the accent did slip a few times. The female lead is not a patch on Olivia Colman (but who is?). The big advantages were the lovely Alisen Down (I just want to give her a hug every time I see her) and obviously the absence of Lenny Henry is a massive plus. It was a shame that everyone who has seen Broadchurch would be dismissing all the red herrings straight away and - maybe if they changed the killer from the original would have got it a 9 rating.
80 Reviews
Obviously, it's no Broadchurch
velliott-398566 June 2023
But watchable and entertaining if not a top-rate thriller with the acclaimed character range, complexity, atmosphere and acting chops Broadchurch brought to this genre. Then most shows touted as Broadchurch quality aren't.
David Tenant's detective is intentionally charmless and interpersonally challenged. His partner would be fired in real life for her sappy lack of professionalism as, though repeatedly warned, she keeps advocating for the family. And none of the lesser roles are very interesting.
Love the beachy town. Plot fairly involving. Nick Nolte does an entirely credible job playing an old geezer while the young journalists could be played by anybody nice looking.
I find it irritating, in reality too, that the family vs police theme revolves around their resentment at not being let inside all the investigative operations, thinking, discoveries. Police don't help because they refuse to explain exactly why total transparency is out of the question, their liason is equally ill-equipped to field family's frustration, and at times, detectives promise to keep them abreast when to do so risks undermining attempts to find the culprit and could jeopordize a future court case.
More than half way through I can't yet predict who done it though I can spot some red herrings.
If you are a Tennant fan and can suspend the obvious comparison to Broadchurch, by which this version is a hands-down impoverished relative, give Gracepoint a chance. Undemanding, rather bland fare, but not as awful as some critics claim.
David Tenant's detective is intentionally charmless and interpersonally challenged. His partner would be fired in real life for her sappy lack of professionalism as, though repeatedly warned, she keeps advocating for the family. And none of the lesser roles are very interesting.
Love the beachy town. Plot fairly involving. Nick Nolte does an entirely credible job playing an old geezer while the young journalists could be played by anybody nice looking.
I find it irritating, in reality too, that the family vs police theme revolves around their resentment at not being let inside all the investigative operations, thinking, discoveries. Police don't help because they refuse to explain exactly why total transparency is out of the question, their liason is equally ill-equipped to field family's frustration, and at times, detectives promise to keep them abreast when to do so risks undermining attempts to find the culprit and could jeopordize a future court case.
More than half way through I can't yet predict who done it though I can spot some red herrings.
If you are a Tennant fan and can suspend the obvious comparison to Broadchurch, by which this version is a hands-down impoverished relative, give Gracepoint a chance. Undemanding, rather bland fare, but not as awful as some critics claim.
Gracepoint
chriscoll7926 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I like Gracepoint. And having already seen Broadchurch doesn't change that opinion. I don't know what shows air opposite that time slot, but was surprised to hear that the show is struggling for ratings. The cast is great, David Tennant is good-looking (check out the miniseries "Spies of Warsaw," where he has the starring role), the story line keeps the suspense level high, the seascapes are awesome, and I look forward to the scene where Danny's mother takes revenge on the woman with whom her husband had a brief affair. The only thing I would change is to clarify why Danny was killed. Broadchurch left me at least a little bit uncertain about what happened exactly, both before and after Danny was killed. I'm not asking for gore! Just clarification of the motive, etc. But, tune in! You won't be disappointed. But I will be very disappointed if the show is pulled before the series concludes.
Quite Terrible
drednm19 April 2021
Godawful remake of the British series "Broadchurch" with David Tennant repeating his role as the lead investigating cop and Anna Gunn replacing Olivia Colman as Miller. The only other "names" in the cast are Jacki Weaver as Susan and Nick Nolte as Jack. The rest of the cast is lousy and act as if they're in a daytime soap.
The series tries to be a scene-for-scene remake of the British series and makes one ask, "What's the point?"
Tennant is a real oddity, trading in his normal Scottish accent for some sort of flat American one that seems forced. Gunn is a decade too old for the part of Miller.
The actress playing Beth is too strident and the actors playing Mark and the priest are way too creepy to gain any sympathy.
Stick to the original and don't waste your time of this muck.
The series tries to be a scene-for-scene remake of the British series and makes one ask, "What's the point?"
Tennant is a real oddity, trading in his normal Scottish accent for some sort of flat American one that seems forced. Gunn is a decade too old for the part of Miller.
The actress playing Beth is too strident and the actors playing Mark and the priest are way too creepy to gain any sympathy.
Stick to the original and don't waste your time of this muck.
Judge It On Its Own Merits
Tillmont4 October 2014
I understand that many folks are staying away from the show because they are upset that FOX has made a mirror image of a highly regarded series, seemingly merely for the fact that it was "too British" for American audiences.. But as my cable option only added BBCAmerica half way through the network's broadcast of "Broadchurch" I have waited with baited breath for the "Gracepoint" and the very talented David Tennant to arrive on my screen. I was not disappointed. I urge folks to judge "Gracepoint" on its own merits. Yes, it was wrong for FOX do to what it did. But even if "Gracepoint" is a pale imitation of the original, it still is vastly superior to most USA fare. It pains me to think that drivel such as "Scorpion" becomes a hit with U.S. audiences while intelligent dramas such as "Gracepoint" flounder.
Involving mystery in a small town - plus there is Anna Gunn
phd_travel23 October 2014
Tuned in because of Anna Gunn. Like many I miss Breaking Bad even Skyler. This 10 episode mystery drama is quite involving. A small Northern California coastal town suffers a tragedy when a young boy is found dead.
Anna plays a police detective and David Tennant who her new boss. David has a bit of an owlish expression with the eyes but it's not that bad now he is older. Anna acts more disheveled and emotional than on Breaking Bad and it's interesting to see her in a different character. Michael Pena (just seen in Fury) plays the murder victim's father. Nick Nolte has a small role.
The story itself is interesting you want to see who dunnit. It's not too Twin Peaks surreal and mysterious - relatively grounded and realistic. At least it can't drag out too long since it's only 10 episodes.
Anna plays a police detective and David Tennant who her new boss. David has a bit of an owlish expression with the eyes but it's not that bad now he is older. Anna acts more disheveled and emotional than on Breaking Bad and it's interesting to see her in a different character. Michael Pena (just seen in Fury) plays the murder victim's father. Nick Nolte has a small role.
The story itself is interesting you want to see who dunnit. It's not too Twin Peaks surreal and mysterious - relatively grounded and realistic. At least it can't drag out too long since it's only 10 episodes.
Best thing I've seen in a long time.
Aregie28 October 2014
I am generally not fond of remakes. But I haven't watched Broadchurch, and I am glad, because it hasn't influenced my watching this show with an objective eye.
Reading some of the reviews, I am really surprised at the criticism, and I'll bet that at least half of it is based in comparison. Other comments, though, like uneven accents - who cares? Why can't a Brit play an American? It's a shame, I think, that this couldn't have been a Canadian network production, as it was filmed in Canada with a Canadian supporting cast. The blend of accents doesn't bother me.
The acting is extremely good, and naturalistic, as is the script. There is some really artful camera work. The story is unfolding in a very compelling way, which leaves me wanting more. As the series goes on, it's beginning to have a little Twin Peaks flavour. Best thing I have seen in a long time.
Reading some of the reviews, I am really surprised at the criticism, and I'll bet that at least half of it is based in comparison. Other comments, though, like uneven accents - who cares? Why can't a Brit play an American? It's a shame, I think, that this couldn't have been a Canadian network production, as it was filmed in Canada with a Canadian supporting cast. The blend of accents doesn't bother me.
The acting is extremely good, and naturalistic, as is the script. There is some really artful camera work. The story is unfolding in a very compelling way, which leaves me wanting more. As the series goes on, it's beginning to have a little Twin Peaks flavour. Best thing I have seen in a long time.
Tennant is the reason for watching this
IdgeE11 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It's really hard to NOT compare to Broadchurch, and I'm sure it's true vice versa, if you've seen Gracepoint first. There's no avoiding it, so go in knowing that and work with it.
David Tennant never disappoints, at least not for me. He stays true to his character, love it or hate it. His character is cold and methodical, and he puts himself in it all the way, accent included.
Michael Peña as Mark Solano was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't seen him in such a serious role before and he was fantastic! I'll definitely follow him more.
Biggest disappointment, which of course is the lead, Anna Gunn. She's awful in this, and I have never watched Breaking Bad, so this is my only chance to make an opinion. She's miscast. Her character is simply a local detective who is investigating a local crime with people she knows and loves, while remaining professional. Gunn's characterization makes her look like a loser, and her boss' decision to pass her over is definitely warranted. Right from the start, she's unprofessional in just about every area. I guess the awkwardness that she shows with her counterpart (Tennant) makes her character more believable, but I suspect she's actually not comfortable acting beside him personally and just stumbles through the role. This was thoughtless casting and it could possibly be why so many people can't put their finger on why they didn't like the series.
Another miscasting was of the daughter. We should be irritated by her and on the verge of hating her, but the actress (Madalyn Horcher) doesn't show enough nastiness as Chloe to convince us of anything. She didn't pull off the emotion needed for the character. The clothing choices and, hairstyle, makeup or lack of, all fell short of what a 6itchy teen should look like, especially in that setting. She didn't come across as a teen with angst, instead she looked like she could have just been a roommate of the family because she looks 10 years older than she should. I couldn't get past that part. Just a bad fit.
I did have appreciation for Virginia Kull as Beth Solano, her emotions were on point here, and she even showed a bit of contempt at Mark, which locked in that character's personality. Wardrobe did a great job with her, her outfits fit her persona.
So, yeah, go in knowing that it's not as well acted as Broadchurch is, which changes the vibe. But the story is still consistent and that's the bigger picture. We are supposed to follow every lead along with the detectives, and every lead brings a believable suspect. That's what made the Broadchurch version so compelling: you hate everyone at some point, you want them to go down for a reprehensible crime, and then you're pulled into another one just as quickly. And you're saddened because nearly every person in this town "could" be guilty of killing the boy.
David Tennant never disappoints, at least not for me. He stays true to his character, love it or hate it. His character is cold and methodical, and he puts himself in it all the way, accent included.
Michael Peña as Mark Solano was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't seen him in such a serious role before and he was fantastic! I'll definitely follow him more.
Biggest disappointment, which of course is the lead, Anna Gunn. She's awful in this, and I have never watched Breaking Bad, so this is my only chance to make an opinion. She's miscast. Her character is simply a local detective who is investigating a local crime with people she knows and loves, while remaining professional. Gunn's characterization makes her look like a loser, and her boss' decision to pass her over is definitely warranted. Right from the start, she's unprofessional in just about every area. I guess the awkwardness that she shows with her counterpart (Tennant) makes her character more believable, but I suspect she's actually not comfortable acting beside him personally and just stumbles through the role. This was thoughtless casting and it could possibly be why so many people can't put their finger on why they didn't like the series.
Another miscasting was of the daughter. We should be irritated by her and on the verge of hating her, but the actress (Madalyn Horcher) doesn't show enough nastiness as Chloe to convince us of anything. She didn't pull off the emotion needed for the character. The clothing choices and, hairstyle, makeup or lack of, all fell short of what a 6itchy teen should look like, especially in that setting. She didn't come across as a teen with angst, instead she looked like she could have just been a roommate of the family because she looks 10 years older than she should. I couldn't get past that part. Just a bad fit.
I did have appreciation for Virginia Kull as Beth Solano, her emotions were on point here, and she even showed a bit of contempt at Mark, which locked in that character's personality. Wardrobe did a great job with her, her outfits fit her persona.
So, yeah, go in knowing that it's not as well acted as Broadchurch is, which changes the vibe. But the story is still consistent and that's the bigger picture. We are supposed to follow every lead along with the detectives, and every lead brings a believable suspect. That's what made the Broadchurch version so compelling: you hate everyone at some point, you want them to go down for a reprehensible crime, and then you're pulled into another one just as quickly. And you're saddened because nearly every person in this town "could" be guilty of killing the boy.
An Open Mind is a Beautiful Thing, You Should Try It.
Pipkin_Sweetgrass6 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Only slightly spoiler-ish...
I went into this as a Broadchurch fan. In fact, a Broadchurch super-fan. I bought the DVDs and almost have them memorized. Gracepoint, however, was made for those who have never seen Broadchurch, which is most of America. That said, it has been made abundantly clear that after the second episode the stories diverge and we are assured that the ending winds up in a very different place. In fact, so much so that should there be a season 2, Carver's story will be radically different to that of his UK counterpart.Knowing this, I went into viewing Gracepoint on its own merits. I was not disappointed. Carver is a bit different, angrier, more cynical, still broken but more aggressive, almost like a wounded or cornered creature. I love the difference. Anna Gunn's Olivia is quite different as well. She is quicker to bite back and I like that, too. As to plot I've already spotted what is either a game changer or one hell of a red herring...cause of death in the child, Danny Solano. I also love the score. Written by Grammy Award winning drummer for They Might Be Giants, Marty Beller, it is as haunting as the score for Broadchurch but has an underlying feel of menace, eeriness and foreboding. Tennant's accent is fine. It's a non-specific east coast accent which is good. Especially given that there is no one true American accent. Here we are a fluid society, so movable that many of us have blended accents, so ignore any complaints you hear about it. I say well done, Mr. Tennant! The final scene...I won't spoil it...left me feeling chilled and filled with foreboding, this huge, mysterious thing, breaching, then sinking back into the dark depths. It felt like a simile for death. The acting by the platinum quality cast is solid, the production values are set high above that of any network show...this could have been a high-grade pay channel show...so yes, even as a Broadchurch super-fan I am well pleased with Gracepoint.
I went into this as a Broadchurch fan. In fact, a Broadchurch super-fan. I bought the DVDs and almost have them memorized. Gracepoint, however, was made for those who have never seen Broadchurch, which is most of America. That said, it has been made abundantly clear that after the second episode the stories diverge and we are assured that the ending winds up in a very different place. In fact, so much so that should there be a season 2, Carver's story will be radically different to that of his UK counterpart.Knowing this, I went into viewing Gracepoint on its own merits. I was not disappointed. Carver is a bit different, angrier, more cynical, still broken but more aggressive, almost like a wounded or cornered creature. I love the difference. Anna Gunn's Olivia is quite different as well. She is quicker to bite back and I like that, too. As to plot I've already spotted what is either a game changer or one hell of a red herring...cause of death in the child, Danny Solano. I also love the score. Written by Grammy Award winning drummer for They Might Be Giants, Marty Beller, it is as haunting as the score for Broadchurch but has an underlying feel of menace, eeriness and foreboding. Tennant's accent is fine. It's a non-specific east coast accent which is good. Especially given that there is no one true American accent. Here we are a fluid society, so movable that many of us have blended accents, so ignore any complaints you hear about it. I say well done, Mr. Tennant! The final scene...I won't spoil it...left me feeling chilled and filled with foreboding, this huge, mysterious thing, breaching, then sinking back into the dark depths. It felt like a simile for death. The acting by the platinum quality cast is solid, the production values are set high above that of any network show...this could have been a high-grade pay channel show...so yes, even as a Broadchurch super-fan I am well pleased with Gracepoint.
Soapy acting and direction, but the storyline hooked me in
Tushpi1 May 2022
I binge watched this on cable so it was good enough overall.
I felt it was slow and stilted in the early episodes but the story itself is good with interesting characters so kept me involved
I had watched Broadchurch years ago and at that time I was glued to the screen it was so gripping. I had however forgotten who had done it so I kept watching this version.
The performances of all the actors in Broadchurch was great and the plot full of unexpected twists and turns. I found this US remake much slower, softer more melodramatic. The actors playing the parents of the dead child were not convincing in their grief and anguish, especially the father who mumbled and seemed monotone in his emotions. The mother often looked and sounded younger than her teenaged daughter which was distracting. David Tennent was brooding and unkempt looking and his emotions raw.a brilliant actor. The portrayal of his relationship with his daughter was unconvincing and didn't seem relevant to the story as it wasn't developed and went nowhere.
Anna Gunn put in a fine performance in parts but it wasn't consistent. There were some good supporting characterisations, the most interesting being the vicar, an Odd character that I remain intrigued by. Jackie Weaver was menacing but this is not her best work ( see The Boys if you want to see Jackie brilliantly play malevolent) All in all if you like a Soap with a bit more bite this is it. Not as good as the original but still quite good.
I felt it was slow and stilted in the early episodes but the story itself is good with interesting characters so kept me involved
I had watched Broadchurch years ago and at that time I was glued to the screen it was so gripping. I had however forgotten who had done it so I kept watching this version.
The performances of all the actors in Broadchurch was great and the plot full of unexpected twists and turns. I found this US remake much slower, softer more melodramatic. The actors playing the parents of the dead child were not convincing in their grief and anguish, especially the father who mumbled and seemed monotone in his emotions. The mother often looked and sounded younger than her teenaged daughter which was distracting. David Tennent was brooding and unkempt looking and his emotions raw.a brilliant actor. The portrayal of his relationship with his daughter was unconvincing and didn't seem relevant to the story as it wasn't developed and went nowhere.
Anna Gunn put in a fine performance in parts but it wasn't consistent. There were some good supporting characterisations, the most interesting being the vicar, an Odd character that I remain intrigued by. Jackie Weaver was menacing but this is not her best work ( see The Boys if you want to see Jackie brilliantly play malevolent) All in all if you like a Soap with a bit more bite this is it. Not as good as the original but still quite good.
Broadchurch is Better
NerdyNinja499 August 2016
Gracepoint doesn't quite work for me. I was stunned by Broadchurch when I first watched it. Even though Gracepoint has almost exactly the same script, it lacks all of the magic that makes its British counterpart so good.
One of the things I noticed immediately is the show has that typical crime drama mood and lighting. Part of the reason I like Broadchurch so much is the beautiful lighting and cinematography that casts a stark contrast to the story line. It is evident in the setting alone how catastrophic of an event this is for the town. Gracepoint doesn't do that, which is disappointing.
The show also lacks the little bits of humor that many of the British actors (Olivia Colman and Jonathan Bailey especially) brought to the show. Yes, it's a very serious show, but those tiny moments of humor were what allowed me to fall in love with their characters so quickly. I never really felt attached to the characters in Gracepoint. I think this is partly due to the fact that the acting just isn't as good. To be fair, Broadchurch pulled in some of the best actors in Great Britain and it is hard to match that.
On a more personal level, it took me a while to get used to David Tennant's American accent. It's not bad (although he certainly doesn't rival Hugh Laurie's abilities); it is just distracting with how used I am to his Scottish (or British) drawl. Even so, I was glad they brought him in for the role. Tennant somehow manages to make Carver feel like a very different character, even with such a similar script, and that was fascinating to watch. He didn't show the same emotional underbelly as Hardy, however, and it took away from the character's likability (which does take a while to build in the original series). Even Tennant's character feels like a flattened version of his Broadchurch double.
Overall, I'd say it is a decent series. It isn't any worse than many other crime dramas you can watch on television here in the United States, it just doesn't live up to its fantastic source material.
One of the things I noticed immediately is the show has that typical crime drama mood and lighting. Part of the reason I like Broadchurch so much is the beautiful lighting and cinematography that casts a stark contrast to the story line. It is evident in the setting alone how catastrophic of an event this is for the town. Gracepoint doesn't do that, which is disappointing.
The show also lacks the little bits of humor that many of the British actors (Olivia Colman and Jonathan Bailey especially) brought to the show. Yes, it's a very serious show, but those tiny moments of humor were what allowed me to fall in love with their characters so quickly. I never really felt attached to the characters in Gracepoint. I think this is partly due to the fact that the acting just isn't as good. To be fair, Broadchurch pulled in some of the best actors in Great Britain and it is hard to match that.
On a more personal level, it took me a while to get used to David Tennant's American accent. It's not bad (although he certainly doesn't rival Hugh Laurie's abilities); it is just distracting with how used I am to his Scottish (or British) drawl. Even so, I was glad they brought him in for the role. Tennant somehow manages to make Carver feel like a very different character, even with such a similar script, and that was fascinating to watch. He didn't show the same emotional underbelly as Hardy, however, and it took away from the character's likability (which does take a while to build in the original series). Even Tennant's character feels like a flattened version of his Broadchurch double.
Overall, I'd say it is a decent series. It isn't any worse than many other crime dramas you can watch on television here in the United States, it just doesn't live up to its fantastic source material.
Simply beautiful
lameconi7 October 2014
Watched Gracepoint 1st episode for the second time.David Tennant is incredible as Emmett Carver, he needs only a look on his eyes or a movement of his body to give life to a character. He can plays virtually everything and always be extraordinary. Love the accent too, the way he says "go away" to Ellie, was just..WOW. I don't compare his character with the one in Broadchurch. Here he is Emmett Carver and I see Emmett Carver, more cynical, less sickly. Anna Gunn is a wonderful surprise.Her Ellie is really impressive. She was a more resolute Ellie and this is a good thing as she aimed for a promotion. Less emotive than Olivia Colman, (I know Bafta and all, but somewhat I found her overacting on emotions) a good thing as cops are trained to cope all kind of tragedies. Very good Kevin Zegers as Owen and Virginia Kull as Beth was stunning. As a mother, I immediately felt her grief like was mine, and cried. Jack Irvine was a creepy Tom. I reserve judgment for the rest of the cast as their character will develop in following eps. I appreciated the great work on photography made by Mr Grillo and the stunning scenery. Less slow motion (good) and a minimal soundtrack no towering above the scene, in peak scenes there were just a few acoustic guitar's chords. Overall a great work, and more important, the Maestro's signature. Chris Chibnall and his script were acknowledged at the opening credits. Bravo. BTW, I watched Broadchurch 12 times, 9 times in o/v, 2 in Italian version and 1 in french version, own the DVD set and know the lines by memory. I reset everything and my approach to Gracepoint was made with fresh eyes and open mind. The result is amazing. Gracepoint is great.
Just watch Broadchurch
itsgotmyleg15 August 2023
I get why they wanted to make an American remake of the fantastic Broadchurch. I really do. But they were so concerned with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
Inferior in every possible way, Gracepoint lacks all the charm, character and brooding of the original. On paper, the cast is fantastic - Michael Peña, Anna Gunn, Nick Nolte, and a returning David Tennant. But the performances are so flat compared to the stirring emotional turns from Broadchurch. I think Anna Gunn has it worst of all. She's a great actor and I've loved her in Breaking Bad and Deadwood. But she's no Olivia Colman, and her Ellie Miller falls so flat and feels so two-dimensional. Maybe if I hadn't seen Broadchurch first, I'd have thought differently. But Olivia Colman's Miller was so raw and biting and wonderfully flawed that Gunn's performance seems a mere shadow in comparison.
David Tennant returning in the same role (albeit, with a different name) was surprising. It was jarring to hear much-loved lines from Broadchurch delivered with a (not always great) American accent. He is still amazing in the role, but it just didn't ring as true in Gracepoint as it did in Broadchurch.
If you haven't seen Broadchurch, give this one a go. If you have, maybe skip this as it pales significantly in comparison.
Inferior in every possible way, Gracepoint lacks all the charm, character and brooding of the original. On paper, the cast is fantastic - Michael Peña, Anna Gunn, Nick Nolte, and a returning David Tennant. But the performances are so flat compared to the stirring emotional turns from Broadchurch. I think Anna Gunn has it worst of all. She's a great actor and I've loved her in Breaking Bad and Deadwood. But she's no Olivia Colman, and her Ellie Miller falls so flat and feels so two-dimensional. Maybe if I hadn't seen Broadchurch first, I'd have thought differently. But Olivia Colman's Miller was so raw and biting and wonderfully flawed that Gunn's performance seems a mere shadow in comparison.
David Tennant returning in the same role (albeit, with a different name) was surprising. It was jarring to hear much-loved lines from Broadchurch delivered with a (not always great) American accent. He is still amazing in the role, but it just didn't ring as true in Gracepoint as it did in Broadchurch.
If you haven't seen Broadchurch, give this one a go. If you have, maybe skip this as it pales significantly in comparison.
Stop the US remakes!
candelach9 May 2017
There was absolutely no point to this remake. Apart from Kevin Zegers being a better actor than his English counterpart, "Gracepoint" is inferior to "Broadchurch" in every way. The pace doesn't really work for American TV and the actors lack the raw- and realness we were given with the British townfolk in the original. The ending is the only thing halfway original about this piece but frankly who would sit through the tedious episodes leading up to it?
Intelligent & entertaining; Please renew for second season
agardsmith12 December 2014
I enjoyed Gracepoint for several reasons. The performances by the actors were engaging. The score excelled at bringing to the surface the subliminal emotional responses. The cinematography and editing was reminiscent of Hitchcock; beautiful and haunting, calm wilderness juxtaposed with terrifying urbane landscapes. I watched Gracepoint because it was great story telling. I would rather watch the retelling of an excellent story I have not heard than spend one second watching any of the swill called "reality television". I certainly hope this series is renewed for a second season. It was scheduled against Thursday night football and Scandal, which made it a ratings orphan from the start. Then there was the professional critics who reviewed it after only one or two episodes and found it lacking because it was so similar to the BBC incarnation of the year before. I am surprised they would be so harsh to have an "American" version of a series praised so highly. One would think they would encourage better shows however they originate so we can stop being assaulted by the moronic programs currently offered. For example, do these professional critics really think Gracepoint was inferior to new shows like 'Selfie' or 'A to Z' or almost any reality show. Please, do not let the moderate ratings of this first season allow this show to leave the American airwaves. It has thoughtful writing on the human condition. It is a very good police procedural series. Give it time to flourish with the current cast, crew and writers.
Why Americans
evanokane8 August 2018
Why do you Americans always have to make a bad verision on uk shows face it the uk is better at music tv shows America has had a lot of good movies so have we just don't copy a British film. In Gracepoint it is the exact same as broadchurch I'm so annoyed
... storyline flaws coming at the ending make it less satisfying
bjarias8 July 2022
... series overall was fairly well done, but did not need to be ten hours in length, five or six would have done just as well.. Tennant's the more well known name here, and he does well playing the less likable of the two leads... Anna Gunn outside of this series and the very well known Breaking Bad production are her two main TV series... in her lengthy career she really should have been involved-cast in more small screen leading-roles ... the show itself is decent, it just has-needed too many suspects to fill up time, and it really's not one that would be watched again.
A show that worked on both sides of the Atlantic . . .
purrlgurrl19 December 2014
Easily as well done as the British "Broadchurch", on which it is almost entirely based. David Tennant is impressive in both the UK and US shows, playing the abrasive "interloper" detective recruited to a small town police force, taking the job away from a local woman on the force who applied for it. His arrival coincides with the murder of an 11/12 year-old boy and the series follows the investigation and hunt for the killer (much like the first season of The Killing a few years back). It also highlights the working relationship between the detective and the woman he beat out for the his job (Anna Gunn). The chemistry between them is terrific and their scenes together are reason enough to watch. Michael Pena and Virginia Kull are also standouts as the parents of the murdered boy.
In both series the killer is revealed to be the same character, but the reveal is handled just a little differently between them. In the UK series, we can imagine that the main characters will come back and carry on (and indeed Broadchurch was renewed). However, the ending of Gracepoint is more suited to a one-airing mini-series, which it feels as though it was meant to be despite Fox's announcement that Gracepoint was canceled after one season. But really, it never felt as though it was meant to be a long-running series, especially with Tennant's commitment to the UK original.
I watched both shows simultaneously and am no end of impressed with Tennant's talent and ability to Americanize his character. Despite a few accent slips in the first episode, his accent was firmly nailed down by the second.
In both series the killer is revealed to be the same character, but the reveal is handled just a little differently between them. In the UK series, we can imagine that the main characters will come back and carry on (and indeed Broadchurch was renewed). However, the ending of Gracepoint is more suited to a one-airing mini-series, which it feels as though it was meant to be despite Fox's announcement that Gracepoint was canceled after one season. But really, it never felt as though it was meant to be a long-running series, especially with Tennant's commitment to the UK original.
I watched both shows simultaneously and am no end of impressed with Tennant's talent and ability to Americanize his character. Despite a few accent slips in the first episode, his accent was firmly nailed down by the second.
Is it possible to be fair with this series?
drunkespeare16 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
With all the negative stuff I have to say, I have to admit that I'm hooked on Gracepoint. And that's for one reason: I want to find out who killed the kid, and find out why everybody in that town is so stupid. Seriously. Maybe I should apply for a job as a detective there; I would've solved this mystery in one day.
I gave Gracepoint a 6 because I'll feel stupid giving it a 1 or 2 after admitting I've watch every episode so far.
I'm including a "spoiler" if you have not seen any episodes of Gracepoint, but I seriously doubt that it will spoil anything. The script and acting has already spoined Gracepoint more than I or anyone else possible could. Good actors, but they have to work with the script and the director. So, on to my comments.
OK, here comes the so-called spoiler: In the first episode, a kid gets killed and the search begins for the killer. One detective's son, Tom, is a good friend of the dead kid. When Tom learns about his friend's death, he immediately cleans the hard drive on his computer and erases information from his cell phone. The female detective's son, Tom, tells her that he and the dead kid talked on the phone and texted each other. More than once Tom's mom mentions this fact to the other detective and he does not see that as being important. Duh!
Cell phone text messages are stored and can be retrieved. Wonder how Tom could scrub only certain files and still have all the programs and applications still operate. Yep, the kid uses the computer the next day as if he's done nothing to it. Anyway, if it is possible to scrub only certain files, computer geeks can be retrieve those files. At least in three episodes, Tom mentions having texted the dead kid, but nobody is interested to see what the texts were about. I'm on episode 7 or 8, and still nobody has looked at Tom's computer fro email messages or examined his cell phone. But that's not my big problem with Gracepoint.
Loved Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad, and she's an excellent actor. Too bad she didn't make enough money from BB to hold out for a better part. I'm sure it was her agent who committed this crime against good parts. In Gracepoint, Anna Gunn plays the stupidest detective ever. But when the cops can't find the dead kid's cell phone, nobody thinks about asking Tom to see his cell phone to see what the dead kid's last text message said, or see who their friends are. The way this investigation is going, I wouldn't be surprised if the killer get tired of not being caught and turned him or herself in.
I gave Gracepoint a 6 because I'll feel stupid giving it a 1 or 2 after admitting I've watch every episode so far.
I'm including a "spoiler" if you have not seen any episodes of Gracepoint, but I seriously doubt that it will spoil anything. The script and acting has already spoined Gracepoint more than I or anyone else possible could. Good actors, but they have to work with the script and the director. So, on to my comments.
OK, here comes the so-called spoiler: In the first episode, a kid gets killed and the search begins for the killer. One detective's son, Tom, is a good friend of the dead kid. When Tom learns about his friend's death, he immediately cleans the hard drive on his computer and erases information from his cell phone. The female detective's son, Tom, tells her that he and the dead kid talked on the phone and texted each other. More than once Tom's mom mentions this fact to the other detective and he does not see that as being important. Duh!
Cell phone text messages are stored and can be retrieved. Wonder how Tom could scrub only certain files and still have all the programs and applications still operate. Yep, the kid uses the computer the next day as if he's done nothing to it. Anyway, if it is possible to scrub only certain files, computer geeks can be retrieve those files. At least in three episodes, Tom mentions having texted the dead kid, but nobody is interested to see what the texts were about. I'm on episode 7 or 8, and still nobody has looked at Tom's computer fro email messages or examined his cell phone. But that's not my big problem with Gracepoint.
Loved Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad, and she's an excellent actor. Too bad she didn't make enough money from BB to hold out for a better part. I'm sure it was her agent who committed this crime against good parts. In Gracepoint, Anna Gunn plays the stupidest detective ever. But when the cops can't find the dead kid's cell phone, nobody thinks about asking Tom to see his cell phone to see what the dead kid's last text message said, or see who their friends are. The way this investigation is going, I wouldn't be surprised if the killer get tired of not being caught and turned him or herself in.
Excellent show
deniseschickel29 November 2014
Love this show! Can't wait for the next episode. I originally started watching it because of David Tennant - saw him in another drama recently and wanted more. He is amazing. Love to watch him. The plot is interesting, lots of characters with their own story lines, complex relationships and plenty of mystery.
Just saw an article on the possibility that it may not be renewed! Had to write a review to ask Please Don't Cancel This Show! Especially because we don't have a conclusion to the crime yet.
There are plenty of characters in this show to merit more story lines in the future. Keep it going! Think the writing is excellent.
Just saw an article on the possibility that it may not be renewed! Had to write a review to ask Please Don't Cancel This Show! Especially because we don't have a conclusion to the crime yet.
There are plenty of characters in this show to merit more story lines in the future. Keep it going! Think the writing is excellent.
Exactly the same, but different
studioAT19 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Broadchurch was such a huge hit in the UK that it was inevitable that the US would want to do something with it. Why they couldn't just have bought the rights and shown it as it was I don't know. But anyway, we ended up with this American version, oddly with David Tennant playing the same character...albeit with longer hair.
It sort of works. We get two more episodes than the UK version, which allows for more backstory to be filled in, and more twists to occur, but nothing that really we missed in the UK version. The 'different killer' bit, which was the selling point when the show aired here, isn't actually that dramatic, and in fact is a concept we've seen done in soaps lots of time before.
It's an honest attempt, but the UK version reigns supreme.
It sort of works. We get two more episodes than the UK version, which allows for more backstory to be filled in, and more twists to occur, but nothing that really we missed in the UK version. The 'different killer' bit, which was the selling point when the show aired here, isn't actually that dramatic, and in fact is a concept we've seen done in soaps lots of time before.
It's an honest attempt, but the UK version reigns supreme.
Addictive, Wonderful Show
shoppervick15 November 2014
Gracepoint is the perfect 10 episode show. The locale is a craggy sea town with colorful characters and moody weather. The storyline moves somewhat slowly, but it's an enjoyable ride to take while you learn who killed Danny. Along the way you learn a little about each character who may, or may not, have done the deed. It's annoying that people compare it to Broadchurch. The show does what it's supposed to do - it entertains you. Each week I wait with anticipation for the next episode. That is the recipe for a successful television show - when the viewer is drawn back time and again. If Fox makes another 10 episode mystery in the fictional town of Gracepoint after this one is over with Detectives Gunn and Carver working to solve the case, I will be sitting in front of my TV again each week. Bravo Fox!
Why are BBC screenplays dumbed down for US audiences?
sheilameagher8 December 2014
Firstly, if I had not watched Broad Church (the BBC Original of this screenplay), I would have given this series a 10 out of 10. The casting of Grace Point is great, the cast is strong, the site selection is excellent (usually I can recognize locations across the US and Canada - I actually did not with this series - Yeah!). However, I did watch Broad Church. I loved Broad Church. Unfortunately, the screen play was altered between the two productions. I can not decide if Grace Point was changed to simplify or dumb down the complex issues the characters are forced to face on this journey or if it is to not address some issues in favour of other issues or maybe to please the puritanical sensibilities of the censors. Sadly, regardless of why huge aspects have been minimized or excluded, it greatly lessens the viewers experience. My advice is watch Grace Point, than watch Broad Church and prepare to explore more and larger concepts in a far greater depth. Possibly, a great parenting tool to start conversations with others ( but be very prepared first). If you are only going to watch one - Watch Broad Church. The second time I watched Broad Church I did it on the treadmill and it made the workout awesome. Tons of things to think about! Yeah for a cerebral but personal journey through tragedy.
Why bother ?
zenjunkie4 April 2015
Broadchurch or Gracepoint? I'm sorry but I don't understand why this remake was necessary. Why bother? On the face of it, Gracepoint looks OK but - I say again, Why? Firstly, Broadchurch was faultless. It was probably the best drama of its kind. Ever. Why mess with perfection? Secondly, why oh why get David Tennant to do it all over again? They could at least have had the decency to let some American play the part instead of persuading Tennant to adopt an uncharacteristic American accent. (I also question David Tennant's sanity in accepting this role - money maybe). And for the record, Danny's father in this version is totally unconvincing and does not have the impact it should. Somehow, there is this inability for Americans to follow the 'Britishness' of the English language. What is that all about? We, in England, suffer American programmes on a daily basis (some very good / others really not so good) and we don't complain about it. We don't feel the need to make our own version of American programmes. We have the intelligence to decipher the Americans relentless ability to completely deconstruct the English language and what's more we put up with it. Strangely, we also have the ability to understand all of your distinctly odd dialects. If Americans would just get over themselves and watch the original Broadchurch, I'm sure they could not be anything other than moved and amazed by it. I watched the first episode of Gracepoint and decided there was no point in watching any more. Having seen Broadchurch I was not interested in seeing a different version to compare it to. People of America, do yourselves a favour - watch the original.
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