As BBC One unveils its glamorous Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero, ITV1 brings back its crime drama The Bay for a fifth series, continuing its low-key, but steady presence on the network. While Towards Zero offers a vibrant 1930s Devon backdrop and the allure of cocktail-filled Art Deco hotels, The Bay offers the quieter, more mundane setting of modern-day Morecambe.
The Bay marks its fifth season with Marsha Thomason returning for her third stint as DS Jenn Townsend, the family liaison officer. The series, which debuted in 2019 to fill the gap left by Broadchurch, has grown into ITV’s steady crime drama fixture, though it has yet to match the cultural impact of its predecessor.
The opening of this season, however, begins with a clever twist. The episode opens ominously with a young boy riding his bicycle near a white transit van, leading viewers to suspect a child abduction. But the van is a red herring, and the boy’s innocent words—“Mum, you’ll wake her”—reveal the real focus: the discovery of a woman’s body floating in a canal lock. This unexpected turn sets the tone for the investigation that follows.
The victim is quickly identified as Hannah, a student and eco-activist with a troubled past. Her fractured family, including a boyfriend with questionable motives and a history of mental health struggles, adds layers of complexity to the case. While her mother initially believes Hannah’s death to be suicide, the investigation points in another direction.
A glance at the guest cast reveals familiar faces that might bring added intrigue to the story. Neil Maskell and Leanne Best play Hannah’s estranged parents, bringing strong performances to their roles. Meanwhile, Hannah’s brother works at a local nuclear power plant, suggesting tensions with his eco-activist sister.
At the police station, budget cuts are in full effect. Leaking ceilings, broken boilers, and even closed staff canteens paint a picture of a force struggling with resources. Officers even bring their own pens to work, underscoring the dire situation. These financial strains are said to have led to the departure of DC Eddie Martin (Thomas Law), but DI Tony Manning (Daniel Ryan) remains, along with the ever-present DS James “Clarkie” Clarke (Andrew Dowbiggin).
Despite the procedural drama unfolding, Jenn’s personal life, particularly her partner Chris’s struggles with an Ofsted inspection, seems more of a side-note than a significant plot element. Though the series attempts to flesh out her character, she remains largely enigmatic, her stoic and calm demeanor in difficult situations offering little in terms of emotional depth.
Perhaps the most promising aspect of the season is the direction of the first three episodes by Shaun Evans, known for his work on Endeavour. Yet, despite the talented direction and strong guest performances, The Bay continues to lack a memorable lead or distinctive atmosphere, falling short of making the same impression as other iconic crime dramas.
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