Review: Under Salt Marsh (Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2/6)
I've been eagerly awaiting Under Salt Marsh, primarily based on the trailer's promise of a brooding coastal atmosphere and the casting of two talented actors: Kerry Reilly and Rafe Spall. After watching the first two episodes, it's clear that the series lives up to the hype, offering a confident and atmospheric start with many intriguing elements yet to be revealed.
The story unfolds in Morfa Halen, a small coastal town in Wales that is perpetually on edge. The town is under threat from rising sea levels, opposition to coastal wall reinforcements, and the looming possibility of a severe Atlantic storm. We meet Jackie Ellis (Reilly), a primary school teacher who is recovering from a traumatic event, which the show cleverly keeps hidden, allowing Reilly's guarded performance to take center stage. In one of the opening scenes, Jackie attends a meeting at The Ship, a local pub, where residents discuss the rising sea levels and their futile attempts to protect the town. The sense of impending doom is palpable as a major storm approaches and evacuation warnings are issued.
The tension escalates when Jackie, after a clandestine meeting with her on-off lover, walks home across the marshland and discovers the drowned body of her student, Cefin. Jackie reports the death to the authorities but then takes an unusual step. She goes directly to Cefin's parents to inform them herself, a peculiar action that hints at Jackie's unconventional behavior. Reilly's portrayal of these moments is exceptional, capturing the complex emotions of guilt, compulsion, and suppressed panic.
As the tide recedes, Detective Eric Bull (Spall) is introduced, and it becomes apparent that he has a history with Jackie, a negative one. Bull is a fascinating character, with a buttoned-up demeanor, an unusual interest in local flora and fauna, and a personality that drives people away. His rude behavior towards his partner and the locals, as well as his unwelcome presence in the town, are all clues to his past. Bull's previous work in Morfa Halen, alongside Jackie, on the disappearance of her niece, Nessa, is revealed to have left deep scars. Jackie reminds him of his betrayal, and the resentment between them is palpable in their shared scenes. Yet, Bull's detective skills are also highlighted, showcasing his ability to make sharp and impressive deductions.
Under Salt Marsh draws strong comparisons to Broadchurch, particularly in its exploration of grief. Cefin's parents, Danny and Shell (played by Mark Stanley and Kimberley Nixon), are portrayed as complex, devastated individuals rather than mere plot devices. Their pain is raw, awkward, and deeply moving, just as it should be.
However, the show truly excels in its sense of place. The geography, climate, and topography of Morfa Halen are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The marshlands, the causeway, and the looming sea feel like integral parts of the story, not just backdrops. By the end of Episode 2, viewers will have a deep understanding of this town.
The mystery unfolds gradually, with a local beekeeper emerging as a potential suspect linked to both Cefin and the earlier Nessa investigation. Jackie and Bull initially pursue separate leads, driven by personal demons and professional duties, until it becomes clear that their combined efforts are more effective. After two episodes, Under Salt Marsh has laid a solid foundation. It is moody, patient, and character-driven, with strong performances that can carry its slower moments.
The real test will be how well the show resolves the emotional and narrative threads it has already introduced. For now, the series is making a strong case for itself, and the tide seems to be in its favor.
Paul Hirons
Rating: 4 out of 5
Under Salt Marsh is available in the UK on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
