# Blue Murder (2003)

> A Manchester detective inspector leads her squad through murder investigations while balancing a demanding career with family life.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/12997

## Facts

- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 19
- Episode runtime: 60 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: crime, drama
- Created by: Cath Staincliffe
- Network: ITV1
- Cast: Caroline Quentin, Ian Kelsey, Paul Loughran, David Schofield, Catherine Jenkins, Mia Smith, Nicola Maxfield, Eden Garrity
- TMDB rating: 7.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364797/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: gritty, serious, grounded, tense, character driven

## Synopsis

Blue Murder (2003-2009) is a British crime drama series created by Cath Staincliffe for ITV1. Caroline Quentin plays DCI Janine Lewis, a Manchester detective inspector who leads a murder squad alongside DI Richard Mayne (Ian Kelsey) and DS Butchers (Paul Loughran), while DCS Hackett (David Schofield) presses from above. The engine of the series is the grinding pressure of each homicide case, from the first body through interviews, dead ends and the slow build of evidence, while Janine struggles to keep her home life with her daughters Ellie (Eden Garrity) and Charlotte (Rosanna Brett and Caitlin Brett) intact. Each story is self-contained within a run of episodes, giving the show a case-driven rhythm across five seasons and nineteen hour-long episodes. Set in contemporary Manchester, it is an ITV procedural with a gritty, grounded atmosphere, where bleak urban settings and emotionally weighty investigations are balanced by warmth in the detectives' relationships. Its tone is serious and character-focused, with the squad's internal rivalries and loyalties adding texture. Viewers who enjoy Prime Suspect, Line of Duty and Cracker will find resonance in its blend of police work and personal drama.

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