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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have thought Happy Valley was a gentle female led police show set in the picturesque Yorkshire dales?

108 replies

Greatly · 04/01/2023 14:21

Something like Doc Martin, but with a female lead.

I finally got round to watching the first season, thinking it would be a calming, relaxing show that would help me fall asleep.

Ended up binging the first season and still feeling slightly traumatised! How did i get it so wrong?!

Please no spoilers as i loved it and cant wait to watch the next two although hoping they are a bit less violent 😂

OP posts:
Pixiedust1234 · 04/01/2023 18:06

Iplayer must have removed the first series this week then. Will hurry up and watch series two before that gets removed too.

I have a feeling I watched it originally but cant remember it enough. Just the vague uneasiness of copper, van, moors, girl, very dark for tv vibe.

mamabear715 · 04/01/2023 18:09

That's the thing, @DorritLittle - sometimes I wish they'd use unknown actresses & actors as I always think of them in other roles. I could never watch James Nesbitt, as apart from not liking him particularly, he's in EVERYTHING.

DameHelena · 04/01/2023 18:10

I too am gutted No Offence has been canned.
The Responder is another good one. Bleak but at the same time often surprises you with humour and wit, as well as moving and humane moments.

awaynboilyurheid · 04/01/2023 18:21

Just binge watched the old series so that I could watch the new one and loved it! Sarah Lancashire is so good in it, she’s the kind of person who has seen it all before . Plus great support from the other characters who are all so believable too, thoroughly enjoyed it and it got me through round 2 of covid!

HerbErtlinger · 04/01/2023 20:25

Pixiedust1234 · 04/01/2023 18:06

Iplayer must have removed the first series this week then. Will hurry up and watch series two before that gets removed too.

I have a feeling I watched it originally but cant remember it enough. Just the vague uneasiness of copper, van, moors, girl, very dark for tv vibe.

I'm watching the first series on iPlayer now

CoffeeBoy · 04/01/2023 20:27

I thought the same as OP so never bothered with it and then started watching it yesterday and binge watched season 1 in a day yesterday.

currently watching season 2. Have to say I hate the whispering TEaching assistantI can barely watch scenes she’s in…..why on Earth does she whisper like that?

Theimpossiblegirl · 04/01/2023 20:38

I'm on season 1.
It's the least happy valley imaginable but soooo good.

UniversalAunt · 04/01/2023 20:42

No Offence - such larks!
The Responder - gave this a go not expecting much, but actually very good.
Scott & Bailey - Amelia Bullmore, say no more.

‘Line of Duty
Unforgotten
Strike
Vera
Vigil
Shetland
The Fall
Bodyguard
The Capture
Inside Man
Deadwater Fell
Scott & Bailey
Broadchurch
Bloodlands’

A great list to start with, noting most are set outside London etc, also:

No Offence - such larks!
The Responder - gave this a go not expecting much, but actually very good.
Scott & Bailey - another mention because of Amelia Bullmore, say no more.

viques · 04/01/2023 20:47

amicissimma · 04/01/2023 14:29

Try Last Tango in Halifax. Same brilliant Sally Wainwright script, same brilliant Sarah Lancashire acting, but mostly less violent.

And Forgotten if you like police dramas with a twist.

viques · 04/01/2023 20:47

Unforgotten!

LoveCillian · 04/01/2023 20:48

On my service series 1 was removed earlier this week
Series 2 still frees

Mybonnielad · 04/01/2023 20:56

Just watched the first episode and I 'm totally gripped. It's a bit violent - well, a lot actually, and the plot line reminds me of the film Fargo. There are quite a few similarities.

snowsilver · 04/01/2023 22:04

Pixiedust1234 · 04/01/2023 17:49

Where is everyone getting the first series from? I have to pay extra per episode but series two is free. And can I just watch it from Series two and still understand the dynamics?

No you really should watch season 1 first if possible.

ShellInner · 04/01/2023 22:26

It's called Happy Valley because that's the nickname the Police gave to the Calderdale area years ago, with the usual drugs / county lines problems.
It's always been filmed in the winter to make it look bleak and gritty in bad weather and low light - when in reality, the scenery in Wild West Yorkshire is stunning.

Original poster
Greatly · 04/01/2023 22:34

snowsilver · 04/01/2023 22:04

No you really should watch season 1 first if possible.

Show quote history

All 3 seasons are on iPlayer. @

OP posts:
LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet · 04/01/2023 22:36

Never seen it but I always assumed it was set in the Welsh valleys in a town called Happy Valley 😂

OooScotland · 04/01/2023 22:48

Oh you poor thing, I can see why it was a shock! Doc Martin with a female lead it isn’t.

I grew up in Halifax so I love it. My DH was going ‘well that was a bit much’ after S1 E1 and I was just thinking, ‘nah, that’s what its like’ 😆

Arseulaundress · 04/01/2023 22:50

Sarah Lancashire could read the phone book and I'd give her an oscar.

QueefQueen80s · 04/01/2023 23:09

Ooh thanks for this , always see it on iplayer and avoid as thought it was a gentle cheesy police drama.

UrsulaPandress · 04/01/2023 23:11

@ShellInner

Ssssh. We don’t want folk turning up.

mackthepony · 04/01/2023 23:13

Absolutely stellar for Lancashire, two amazing women

SwordToFlamethrower · 04/01/2023 23:21

Arseulaundress · 04/01/2023 22:50

Sarah Lancashire could read the phone book and I'd give her an oscar.

Same! I absolutely love her

Mxflamingnoravera · 04/01/2023 23:28

I've binge watched s1 and s2 over the last 3 days. I need s3, not just one measly ep a week.

Pixiedust1234 · 04/01/2023 23:30

I have no words... I can access series two for free..

To have thought Happy Valley was a gentle female led police show set in the picturesque Yorkshire dales?
Applesfortea · 04/01/2023 23:39

You need to be on bbc iplayer to watch it free - I think you're looking at Virgin TV there @Pixiedust1234