New crime drama ‘Cooper and Fry’ debuts on Channel 5
A new crime drama titled Cooper and Fry has premiered on Channel 5, departing from the network’s customary themes by venturing beyond Yorkshire into Derbyshire. This fresh offering, based on Stephen Booth’s novels, features a captivating dynamic between its main characters, detectives Ben Cooper and Diana Fry, reports BritPanorama.
Rob James-Collier portrays DS Ben Cooper, a local officer accustomed to the rural settings of Edendale, while Mandip Gill takes on the role of DS Diana Fry, who has relocated from Leeds. Their partnership is marked by initial antagonism, as highlighted by Cooper’s superior’s remark on Fry’s unexpected move, describing her as “sickeningly over-qualified.”
The plot thickens as Cooper wrestles with the unresolved murder of his policeman father, creating tension as he obsessively investigates the case. Meanwhile, Fry grapples with her own mysterious past, evidenced by her elusiveness regarding persistent calls from a person named Dave, who ominously texts, “Wherever you are, I’ll find you.”
In their first case together, the detectives investigate a decomposed body found at a derelict farmhouse, prompting Cooper to evoke local folklore about protection from evil. Fry remains skeptical, yet the investigation leads them to critical clues involving the farm’s previous owner, Raymond, and a hidden drug operation.
Despite some contrived plot points, including Fry’s critical insight stemming from decongestant ingredients, the episode effectively introduces the characters and sets a compelling tone. Their evolving professional respect is underscored by Fry’s witty retort about her relocation: she quips that she has “been paid by the government to broaden the gene pool.”
As the episode concludes, Fry risks her safety to save Cooper in a tense confrontation, revealing both characters’ potential for deeper connections. The success of Cooper and Fry in capturing viewers’ interest will largely depend on the chemistry of its leads and the unfolding storyline.
‘Cooper and Fry’ continues on Wednesdays at 8pm on Channel 5 and is streaming on My5.
