ITV's nightmarish new crime thriller The Dark makes a disappointing mistake

Look, as a culture and music writer, I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing in creator culture, but sometimes I get caught up in the hype and forget to check the facts. Take ITV's new crime thriller, The Dark, for example. On paper, it sounds like a gripping nightmarish tale that's been ripped straight from the true crime files. But, as I delved deeper into the show, I started to feel a sense of unease, like something was off.

The Dark is based on GR Halliday's debut novel, and it's clear that the writers have taken some liberties with the original material. The show's premise is simple: a young, lonely man is found dead in the Scottish Highlands, and DI Monica Kennedy (played by Laura Donnelly) is tasked with solving the crime. But as the series progresses, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary murder, the killer is using a uniquely nightmarish method of murder, and Monica is hot on their trail.

One of the things that drew me in was the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Monica and the killer. The show's creators have done an excellent job of building tension and suspense, making it feel like you're right there with Monica as she tries to piece together the identity of the killer. But, as the series wears on, the effect starts to wear off, and I found myself feeling a bit underwhelmed.

So, what went wrong? For starters, the show's reliance on a single, gimmicky plot device starts to feel like a cop-out. I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say that the show's use of a "branding mark" on Monica's arm feels like a lazy attempt to add some depth to the story. And, as I watched the show, I couldn't help but feel that the writers were relying too heavily on tropes and cliches.

Here's the thing: The Dark's release coincides with the World Cup, and let's be real, it's a tough time for TV-watchers. With the World Cup sucking up all the oxygen, it's no wonder that The Dark feels like a bit of a disappointment. But, even without the World Cup, I think the show would still feel like a misstep. It's a shame, because the cast is talented, and the setting is stunning, but, in the end, it's just not enough to save the show from its own flaws.

The Dark may have started out as a promising new crime thriller, but in the end, it feels like a missed opportunity. With its reliance on gimmicks and cliches, it's a show that fails to deliver on its promise. But hey, if you're a fan of crime dramas, you might still want to check it out, just don't say I didn't warn you.