The harrowing real-life murder cases that inspired Netflix smash hit Dept Q's leading lady as it rockets up the charts

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Dept Q's leading lady has revealed what helped her to get into character as the series rockets up the charts.
Actress Chloe Pirrie portrayed Merrit Lingard in the new Netflix hit which sees cranky detective Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode, attempt to solve Edinburgh 's cold cases from a shabby office.
Chloe shared how she prepared for her role by delving into real-life Scottish crime stories.
She watched BBC Scotland's Murder Trials documentaries, according to The Scottish Sun.
The docu-series delves into cold cases and murder investigations that unfolded in Scotland's High Courts, according to the synopsis.
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Actress Chloe Pirrie portrayed Merrit Lingard in the new Netflix hit which sees cranky detective Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode (pictured), attempt to solve Edinburgh 's cold cases from a shabby office
It covers chilling cases including the murder of Margaret Fleming who was callously killed by her 'carers' Edward Cairney and Avril Jones in Inverclyde, Scotland, some time between December 1999 and January 2000.
The documentary also covers the case of schoolgirl Caroline Glachan whose body was found in a river in 1996.
According to The Scottish Sun, Chloe said: 'I did a lot of research around the legal world in Edinburgh.
'The court system there has been televised quite a lot through the BBC documentary series Murder Trial so I could see how it works, and how it feels like a bit of a club.
'Merritt would absolutely exist outside of something like that, and actually be in conflict with it.
'That immediately told me she would be someone who is potentially not well liked – but that she probably doesn't give a s**t that that's the case.'
Based on Jussi Adler-Olsen's bestselling book series titled Department Q, the nine-part programme also features Guilt star Jamie Sives.
The new series has proved to be a hit with fans, climbing the charts and racking up an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 81% rating.
Fans have taken to social media with praise as one posted to X: 'Dept Q on Netflix is such a good crime thriller. Matthew Goode's acting was next level! I hope they make season 2 of this series.'
Dept Q has proved to be a hit with fans, climbing the charts and racking up an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 81% rating
Another rated it five stars and penned: 'Binge watch recommendation - Dept Q (Netflix) Scottish crime series based in Edinburgh - thank me later.'
'Just finished watching DEPT. Q on Netflix highly recommend it,' someone else gushed.
While a fourth penned: 'Dept. Q is exceptionally good! Absolutely great series! please bring back more seasons. Reminds me of #truedetective.'
'I gotta say, when it comes to detective shows, the British are cream of the crop. This new show on @netflix called #DeptQ is pure greatness,' someone else said.
One fan added: 'I need the season 2 for #DeptQ like right now!!!'
'Binge watching #DeptQ it is sooooo good, one more episode to go,' another penned.