Netflix's Dept Q Was Made For Binge-Watching

Netflix's crime thriller catalog includes a compelling 9-part drama that offers everything one would expect from the genre. While Netflix has quite a few gripping crime thrillers in its TV catalog, the show in question stands out because it has been written and directed by the talented Scott Frank, who even made chess feel like a high-stakes thriller in The Queen's Gambit.

The 9-part show, titled Dept. Q, seems fairly typical on the surface. It focuses on a guilt-ridden detective who gets embroiled in a case that gradually starts to consume him. However, the more the series continues, the harder it becomes to ignore how it defies several conventions of the genre while bringing a whole new spin to several detective tropes.

With Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani as its creators, Dept. Q adapts Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen's book series, Department Q. Although the books have previously received movie adaptations, Netflix's Dept. Q proves Adler-Olsen's stories can work equally well on both the big and small screens.

Dept. Q Never Leaves A Dull Moment In Its 9-Episode Runtime

While many crime thrillers have troubled detectives as their leads, Matthew Goode's Carl Morck etches his own distinct identity. He is difficult to be around and even his gradually growing bond with his team of misfits is enough to keep most viewers intrigued throughout the show's runtime.

As Carl and his team solve the central case, Dept. Q also ensures that viewers immerse themselves in the ticking clock of the investigation by also giving glimpses of the victim's experience. This always keeps the stakes high, prompting viewers to become armchair detectives. The Netflix crime thriller also does not shy away from introducing some changes to the original books, which arguably make it better.

For instance, the shift in its setting from Copenhagen to Edinburgh gives it a more gothic and gritty atmosphere. Edinburgh's dark granite architecture and rainy backdrops make Dept. Q seem reminiscent of other hit Scandi-noir shows like The Killing.

Although Dept. Q has a fair share of bleak story beats, it is also packed with sharp wit and dark humor that make it even more compelling. Even when it comes to its central mystery, it has a strong "whodunit" element. However, instead of being purely driven by that, it also captures how it impacts the people involved in it.

The show never rushes towards a final reveal. Even so, it seems to slip by almost effortlessly because it keeps finding creative ways to keep you glued to the screen.

Dept. Q Has Already Been Renewed For Season 2 On Netflix

Fortunately, Netflix has renewed Dept. Q for another season. Considering how season 2's filming will begin in Summer 2026, it seems unlikely that it will premiere anytime before 2027. Scott Frank is set to return as both the primary director and showrunner for season 2, which promises that it will likely not experience any dips in quality.

While most details about its story remain under the wraps, it should primarily revolve around the second book, Disgrace, from the original Department Q novel series.

From a critical standpoint, Disgrace is often considered superior to the first book, Mercy, in the original series. Since season 1 adapted the first novel, Dept. Q season 2 might turn out to be even better than the opening installment.

Considering how Dept. Q has a lot going in its favor even in season 2, it is hard not to believe that the Netflix show's next installment will also not disappoint and eventually pave the way for even more follow-ups.