Happy Valley, same writer as Scott and Bailey [Poss spoilers - added by MNHQ]

[MorrisZapp]

I thought it was brilliant, although some generational shifts confused me. The lead character played by Sarah Lancashire had a grandson but didn't look old enough.

The company boss had been friends with the accountant's father, that didn't add up did it? Or did I get that wrong.

Great to see the George Costigan and Siobhan Finneran reunited although not onscreen together.

Brilliant writing and simply superb acting I thought, anybody else enjoy it?

[Cocolepew]

The view from the back of Steve Ps characters house is amazing.

[Ploppy16]

DH calls it the car park - every time he drives through Sowerby Bridge he gets stuck in a traffic jam

[bleedingheart]

I thought there was quite a gear-change in the first episode, I know SL's character had spoken about her daughter's suicide but the scene with the daughter being kidnapped was pretty horrific and jarred with the exes having sex, community copper seen it all before, bumbling accountant scene setting. I'll keep watching it though. I think Sarah Lancashire is immensely watchable as an actor and Steve Pemberton is very good.
I fancy the actor playing the ex-husband too .

[BiscuitMillionaire]

I think Sarah L is outstanding. I hardly watch any crime dramas but gripped by this.
I heard an interview with the writer where she said she had spent time with local police, and they ironically refer to the area as Happy Valley because of the amount of drug-related crime. She also liked the title as it has a double meaning as there is also a good side to the area.

[Southeastdweller]

I like how Wainwright isn't afraid to make a drama that's so bleak. But we didn't need to see the knickers on the floor - we know the rapist kidnapper has either raped her or is going to, so no need to have it pointed out so heavy handedly.

It's unusual for a mainstream British TV drama to depict an innocent child being so undeservedly ignored by family members. I like that also.

[bantamgirl]

The neighbourhood policing team for that area is called Valleys NPT. It's split into north & south.

Halifax is looking beautiful I have to say in this programme.

The storyline about the little boy conceived via rape who no-one except his grandma loves or accepts is breaking my heart. His sweet little face when he asked about his grandma, I was nearly in tears.

And the rape was very uncomfortable to 'watch' although it was off screen. She conveyed her terror well with no speech.

I couldn't stop thinking about 'Ann' and 'Ryan' all night.

Brilliantly scripted and acted.

[cherryhealey]

I am loving it.

So different from Last tango In Halifax but good for all same reasons.

Great cast stunning location fast moving dialogue.

[MorrisZapp]

Stuart Jeffries in today's Guardian:

'i sneaked a peek at Tuesdays episode of BBC1 thriller Happy Valley and just want to say, if there is any better writing than Sally Wainwrights or a more winning performance than Sarah Lancashires on tv this year, then both would have to be heartbreaking works of shattering genius'.

[33goingon64]

Siobhan Finneran was also O'Brian in Downtown Abbey of course.

[LavenderGreen14]

utterly terrifying and brilliant at the same time.

[Southeastdweller]

Six episodes.

[Southeastdweller]

The first five minutes was really tense and brutal. Makes me wonder what else Wainwright has in store for us.

I don't like the wife with MS. She's not as bright as she likes to think she is.

[ILikeToClean]

It's pretty brutal but I'm really enjoying this - Sarah Lancashire is a fab actress! Think it needs to be horrible to show how something that was supposed to be fairly straightforward can get so out of control and events can spiral. It's a really good series with great acting.

[Southeastdweller]

Yes I agree, I like how the writer's not shying away from the brutality and ugliness of the storyline. It makes it that bit more credible and thus more unsettling to watch.

[slartybartfast]

a very good tv programme, for a change.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Best episode yet last night,I hardly breathed!

[Southeastdweller]

I thought the rapist was in that cellar, too.

[boofted]

Last night's episode was fantastic! I was scared to look when she went into the cellar! Can't wait for next week.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I screeched when the car reversed

[OneStepCloser]

Gosh, I started watching this thinking it was going to be a happy, nice, small town thingy, but OMG it's hard watching and quite brutal. Last nights murder of the policewoman was horrific, but I am quite enjoying it, acted and written really well. Must admit I think Sarah Lancashire is a really good actress and so is the rest of the cast.