David Tennanthas turned in dozens of fantastic performances over the years, but his role in this hitBritish crime dramais undeniably one of his best. Tennant is one of Britain’s most beloved working actors for a reason. His roles are complex, intriguing, funny, terrifying, scandalous, tragic, or heartwarming. As a viewer, his performances are always memorable, but one performance, despite sometimes being overlooked, is arguably more memorable than most.
Broadchurch, the harrowing British crime drama with a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, was one of ITV’s biggest hits when it premiered in the U.K. in 2013. It became internationally renowned, too, so much so that Fox even commissioned an American remake ofBroadchurch’s first season calledGracepoint, starring Tennant in the same role (though I’d strongly suggest sticking to the original).InBroadchurch, Tennant plays Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, a gruff, socially distant, yet undeniably caring police officergrappling with his failures and the effects of violent crime in a previously peaceful seaside town.
Broadchurch Features One Of David Tennant’s Best Performances Of All Time
Broadchurch Showcases Tennant’s Range As An Actor
Tennant’s performance inBroadchurchshouldn’t be overlooked. It’s certainly one of his most relatable roles – his shame, fear, worry, and detachment make DI Hardy almost painfully human. Underneath that rough exterior, though, Hardy is hiding his real kindness. He cares about the victims he represents, his investigative partner, DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), and works harder than anyone to get to the truth.Tennant’s body language in the role, his outbursts, and his moments of silence are all genuinely mesmerizing.
Though his role in season 1 is mostly limited to his work on the case of Danny Latimer’s death, his past and personal life come to the forefront in seasons 2 and 3. That’s when Tennant truly shines. His chemistry with his co-stars,particularly with Olivia Colman’s DS Miller, elevates his performance, too. Their unconventional yet effective partnership is a highlight of the show. His reluctant friendship with Ellie lifts him out of his darkest moments. They may call each other out, but they genuinely care as well. There’s an understanding between them.
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His Performance Is Subtle But Powerful
The admiration Tennant’s fans, myself included, have for him is understandable. His most memorable characters in shows and movies likeDoctor Who,Good Omens,Rivals,Marvel’sJessica Jones,Around the World in 80 Days, and franchises likeStar Warsare unforgettable. The Tenth (and Fourteenth) Doctor is a lovable, strong, sympathetic ball of energy. Tennant is snarky, funny, and tragically romantic as the demon Crowley inGood Omens, and his voice acting as the droid Huyang inStar Warsis wonderfully fun.
His dark, terrifying turn as Kilgrave inJessica Jonesis still, to this day, one of the strongest villain performances Marvel has ever produced on screen, and his role as the posh, oddly seductive, and scheming country lord Tony Baddingham inRivalsis second to none. And yet, all those characters and more have something in common: their personalities are larger than life.Tennant completely transforms into his characters in every role, his mannerisms and physicality shifting fully with every performance. He’s undeniably dedicated. You know it’s Tennant, but you only see the character on screen.
Tennant completely transforms into his characters in every role, his mannerisms and physicality shifting fully with every performance.
It’s different inBroadchurch.Alec Hardy is a more reserved character; Tennant even uses his natural accent in the show, which happens less often than you’d think. There’s no massive personality to hide behind, no dark sunglasses to obscure his eyes, no timey-wimey shenanigans or TARDIS to fall back on. Yet you still forget about Tennant and focus wholly on Alec Hardy.
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The case is important in a thrilling crime drama, but the characters leading the investigation must be just as compelling, if not more so. Tennant balances his work beautifully, leading the viewer through the crime while making his character feel real and honest at the same time. If you’re a fan ofDavid Tennantbut haven’t watchedBroadchurchyet, you’re in for a treat.
