Edinburgh locals 'really bugged' by 'glaring mistake' on hit Netflix series
Edinburgh locals have been left with 'bleeding ears' after sitting down to watch Netflix's latest detective series.
Department Q, which was filmed right here in the capital and in East Lothian, hit streaming on May 29. It's since become a topic of conversation - and not always for the right reasons.
Many viewers who live in, or know, Edinburgh have been 'really bugged' by one big aspect of the show. Throughout the series, one spot in the city is referenced - which many argue doesn't actually exist.
The characters talk of Leith Park, which has left locals 'really annoyed'. Cast and crew filmed at spots across the city, including Leith Links and the Calders.
It's likely that the decision was made to change links to park, to make sense for a global audience. The term links, in reference to a park or green space, is Scottish - and wouldn't make much sense to viewers other parts of the world.
However, that hasn't stopped residents from pointing out the change. Posting to X, one viewer said: "Watched the first episode, looks good.
"It really bugged me when they kept saying Leith Park - which one Keddie, Vici or what it probably is the Links. Irrational but bugged me."
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A second post added: "Just finished episode one and thoroughly enjoyed it (except for the references to Leith Park which made my ears bleed)."
A third said: "Leith Park really annoyed me!"
Edinburgh Comedian Jo Caulfield also highlighted other issues that bothered her husband when viewing the hit series. She posted to X: "Watching Dept Q (set in Edinburgh & Leith) with husband.
"HUSBAND: 'That bus doesn't go to Leith. And that street don't lead to the city council building.' ME: 'Shhhhh.' HUSBAND: 'And that bar is nowhere near that church.'"
Filming for the series took place in Spring last year. Production took over locations including spots in the West End, down at Portobello and at FirstStage Studios in Leith.
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It stars Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie, Kelly Macdonald, Alexej Manvelov, Shirley Henderson, Kate Dickie and several other big names.
Department Q hit Netflix on Thursday, May 29. It quickly rose to number one position on the streaming platforms TV section.
Variety branded it a 'riveting watch', adding: "'Dept Q is deeply intense and complex."
"Dark with neo-noir elements, the series' central mysteries are riveting, but its characters make it a standout."
Entertainment Weekly described lead actor Matthew Goode as 'grumpy perfection'. They continued: "The mystery comes to a satisfying — if a bit convoluted — conclusion, and Frank certainly leaves things open for more grim (and grimly funny) adventures with his Dept Q misfits down the line."
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