Watch McDonald and Dodds

McDonald and Dodds is a British detective drama series that first premiered on ITV in 2020. The show centers around a mismatched detective duo, DS Dodds and DCI McDonald, who team up to solve complex murder cases in Bath, England. DS Dodds is played by actor Jason Watkins, who is known for his roles in The Crown, W1A, and Trollied. He is a shy, introverted detective who has spent his entire career in the police force working behind a desk. As the series begins, Dodds is working on his last case before retiring from the force. Despite his lack of experience in the field, Dodds is highly intelligent and has a keen eye for detail, which makes him an asset to McDonald as they investigate crimes together.

DCI McDonald, on the other hand, is a streetwise, confident detective who is played by actress Tala Gouveia. She has a reputation for being brash and unorthodox, often disregarding rules and protocols to get results. Despite their differences in personality and approach, McDonald and Dodds make an effective team and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The dynamic between the two protagonists provides much of the show's entertainment value. The series balances the serious nature of their murder investigations with moments of levity and humor. The odd couple pairing creates plenty of obstacles and challenges, but it is through working together that they uncover the truth behind the crimes they are investigating.

The show's setting in Bath provides a unique backdrop for the murders that are investigated. The city's history and architecture are often used as inspiration for the series' intricate and sometimes bizarre murder cases. McDonald and Dodds have to navigate eccentric characters and quirky settings to get to the bottom of the crimes they are investigating. While the show's main focus is on solving the murders, the audience also gets to explore the history, culture, and landmarks of Bath through the detectives' sleuthing.

The writing and pacing of the show are excellent, with each episode providing a complete and satisfying story arc. The murder cases are complex, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the audience engaged and guessing until the final reveal. The show's style is similar to classic British detective series like Midsomer Murders and Lewis, with the added twist of the unlikely partnership between McDonald and Dodds.

The performances of the show's two leads are exceptional. Watkins and Gouveia have surprising chemistry, and their characters' personal lives are also explored throughout the series. Dodds' quiet and reserved nature is contrasted with McDonald's lively and impulsive personality. As the series progresses, they both begin to challenge each other and grow as detectives and people.

Overall, McDonald and Dodds is a must-watch for fans of British detective dramas. It has a unique and entertaining combination of humor, mystery, and drama that keeps viewers hooked throughout the series. The show's setting in Bath is a refreshing change of pace from the usual gritty urban locations of most detective shows, and the chemistry between its two leads is a joy to watch.

McDonald and Dodds is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on February 28, 2020.