The Only Suspect: Why ITV’s New Thriller Could Be More Than Just a Whodunit
There’s something about a psychological thriller set in the 90s that immediately piques my curiosity. Maybe it’s the nostalgia for an era that feels both familiar and distant, or perhaps it’s the allure of a time when secrets were harder to keep in a pre-internet world. ITV’s upcoming series, The Only Suspect, promises to tap into that intrigue, and personally, I think it’s poised to be more than just another gripping drama. What makes this particularly fascinating is its dual-timeline structure, jumping between the mid-90s Camden scene and the present day. It’s not just a story about a buried body—it’s a meditation on identity, guilt, and how the past refuses to stay buried.
A Tale of Two Eras: Cool Britannia Meets Modern Anxiety
One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s setting. The 90s Camden backdrop isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a character in itself. Cool Britannia, with its grunge fashion, Britpop anthems, and cultural renaissance, was a time of optimism and rebellion. But what many people don’t realize is that beneath the surface, there was a tension—a sense that the world was changing faster than anyone could keep up. Fast-forward to the present day, and that tension has morphed into something else entirely: a world of hyper-connectivity, where secrets are harder to keep but the stakes feel even higher.
From my perspective, this contrast between eras isn’t just a narrative device—it’s a commentary on how society has evolved. In the 90s, a buried body could remain hidden for decades; today, a single tweet could unravel everything. This raises a deeper question: Are we better off now that everything is exposed, or have we lost something in our rush to uncover the truth?
Kevin McKidd’s Complex Hero: A Man Unraveling
Casting Kevin McKidd as Alex is a stroke of genius. Known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Six Four, McKidd has a knack for portraying characters with depth and vulnerability. But what makes Alex particularly intriguing is his duality. On the surface, he’s a devoted husband, a pillar of his community. Beneath that facade, though, is a man living with a decades-old secret.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the show frames Alex’s dilemma. He’s not a villain in the traditional sense—he’s a man who made a choice in his youth and has spent his life trying to atone for it. As the nature trail project threatens to expose his past, we’re forced to ask: Does he deserve redemption? Or is the truth always worth uncovering, no matter the cost?
The Power of a Buried Secret
What this really suggests is that The Only Suspect isn’t just a thriller—it’s a character study. The buried body is just the catalyst; the real story is about the weight of guilt and the lengths people will go to protect their carefully constructed lives. If you take a step back and think about it, we all have secrets, whether big or small. The show seems to be asking: What happens when those secrets are no longer ours to control?
What many people don’t realize is that psychological thrillers often work best when they’re not just about the plot but about the human condition. Louise Candlish’s novel, which the series is based on, is renowned for its emotional depth, and I’m hopeful that the adaptation will retain that. The whiplash plot twists are exciting, sure, but it’s the characters’ inner turmoil that will keep viewers hooked.
Broader Implications: The Thrill of Uncertainty
In a world where binge-watching has become the norm, shows like The Only Suspect remind us of the joy of uncertainty. Unlike a Netflix series that drops all episodes at once, ITV’s weekly release format will allow viewers to marinate in the suspense, to speculate and theorize. Personally, I think this is a smart move—it builds anticipation and fosters a sense of community among viewers.
But beyond the format, the show taps into a larger cultural trend: our fascination with the past. Whether it’s through true crime podcasts, historical dramas, or nostalgia-driven marketing, we’re constantly looking backward. The Only Suspect combines this nostalgia with a modern sensibility, creating something that feels both timeless and urgent.
Final Thoughts: A Thriller with Substance
As someone who’s always been drawn to stories that dig beneath the surface, I’m genuinely excited for The Only Suspect. It’s not just a thriller—it’s a reflection on identity, guilt, and the passage of time. In my opinion, the best dramas are the ones that leave you thinking long after the credits roll, and this one has all the makings of a show that will do just that.
What this really suggests is that ITV might be onto something bigger here. In an era of formulaic dramas, The Only Suspect feels like a breath of fresh air—a show that’s willing to take risks and explore complex themes. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: I’ll be tuning in, not just for the twists and turns, but for the deeper questions it promises to raise.
