Crime drama fans are in for a treat this week as ITV's hit series Grace returns for its highly anticipated fifth season, airing its first episode on April 6, 2025. Starring John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, the new season promises to maintain the intensity that captivated viewers in previous installments.
The previous season ended on a dramatic note, revealing that Grace had an eight-year-old son named Bruno, a bombshell that will carry over into this new series. The plot description for the upcoming season states: "Follow the unconventional detective as he gets drawn into Brighton’s most complex crimes while grappling with mysteries in his own life." This season is expected to delve deeper into Grace's personal struggles, particularly the loss of his baby with girlfriend Cleo Morey, portrayed by Zoe Tapper.
Grace's return comes with a series of challenges. In a recent appearance on The One Show, Simm described the season's opening as "traumatic," noting that the couple is dealing with the emotional fallout of losing their baby while also trying to connect with Bruno, whom they didn't know existed until the previous season's finale.
The fifth season consists of four episodes, each inspired by the novels Dead If You Don't, Dead At First Sight, Need You Dead, and Find Them Dead by Peter James. Each episode will feature a different director, adding a fresh perspective to the storytelling. The first episode, titled Dead If You Don't, premiered as a feature-length special, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Sundays until April 27, 2025.
Joining Simm in the cast are Richie Campbell as DS Glenn Branson, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, and Brad Morrison as DS Nick Nicholl, among others. The show continues to be set and filmed in Brighton, with familiar locations such as Sydney Street and Brighton Marina featuring prominently.
Despite the excitement surrounding the show's return, some viewers have expressed concerns about the show's realism and pacing. Social media was abuzz with mixed reactions following the first episode. While some fans praised the gripping storyline and Simm's performance, others criticized the plot’s believability and the abrupt transitions between scenes. One viewer lamented, "This episode is slowly driving me mad. Places I've never heard of meant to be in Brighton, people turning up looking suspicious who've not been in it before," while another added, "#Grace this is boring so far."
However, the general sentiment among fans seems to lean towards enthusiasm. Many took to platforms like Twitter to express their excitement about the series' comeback, with one fan tweeting, "Good to see this episode of #Grace has picked up the pace again after the last series." Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "Enjoying watching #Grace always a good Sunday evening crime drama with the excellent John Simm."
As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to see the emotional depth of Grace's character explored further. Simm shared that the experience of portraying a detective grappling with personal loss adds a layer of complexity to the character. He remarked, "You realize quite quickly what's happened and they're also trying to deal with Bruno, who is now kind of living with him. It was a lovely challenge to play something like that. You need some dramatic tension, so it's much better to play something like that."
Tapper also reflected on her character's journey, highlighting the emotional weight of the scenes involving loss. She explained, "Cleo’s work is so intrinsic to who she is as a person. With Roy returning to work, they're processing their grief separately. She feels alone." This nuanced portrayal of grief is expected to resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into the personal lives of the characters amid the crime drama backdrop.
In addition to the emotional narrative, fans have noted some intriguing connections and references within the show. For instance, the introduction of a character named Kipp Kavinda, played by Abhin Galeya, has sparked discussions among viewers familiar with other crime dramas. Maya Sondhi, who plays Dr. Zara Kavinda, previously starred in Line of Duty, adding a layer of familiarity for avid fans.
Interestingly, the series has also faced scrutiny regarding its impact on the local property market in Brighton. Despite the show's popularity, real estate experts have reported that it has not led to a surge in property prices, with Kieran Carter from Sawyer and Co. Sales and Lettings stating, "It [The TV show Grace] hasn't had any effect on any house prices around here. The market is what it is." This revelation highlights the disconnect between popular media and real-world economic trends.
As Grace continues to unfold, audiences can expect a blend of gripping crime narratives and poignant personal stories. The show's ability to intertwine complex character arcs with thrilling plotlines has established it as a staple of British crime drama. With the promise of more twists and turns, fans are eagerly awaiting how Grace will navigate the challenges ahead, both in his professional life and personal journey.
In summary, the return of Grace marks a significant moment for fans of the series, promising to deliver both suspenseful crime-solving and heartfelt storytelling. As viewers settle in for the new season, the emotional stakes are higher than ever, setting the stage for a captivating viewing experience.
