Better: Everything you need to know about the BBC’s gritty police drama to rival Happy Valley

Virgin Radio

13 Feb 2023, 15:30

Missing Happy Valley? Don’t worry as the BBC are back with another intense police drama with Better. 

Starting tonight (Monday 13th February), the five-part gritty drama is centred in the criminal underworld of Leeds, and follows a corrupt police officer in cahoots with a high-ranking gangster. 

Could Better fill the massive telly void left by the last series of Happy Valley? Time will tell but before then, here’s everything you need to know about the new thrilling BBC series. 

Who stars in Better? 

Broadchurch star Andrew Buchan plays gangster Col McHugh, who has close ties with corrupt police detective Lou Slack, portrayed by Leila Farzad. Despite working together for 20 years, a devastating event in Lou’s life causes her to question their relationship. 

The likes of Peaky Blinders star Samuel Edward-Cook, Zak Ford-Williams, Vera’s Olivia Nakintu, Game of Thrones actor Anton Lesser and The Durrells star Lucy Black also make up the cast. 

For Andrew, playing the high-ranking gangster was a rather nerve-wracking experience, but one he was happy to jump into. 

During a Q&A at the Leeds premiere of Better, the Party Animals star told virginradio.co.uk and other press: “I think [the characters] are all 3D and incredible and complex. As an actor, you are inherently drawn to a character that has as many dimensions to them as possible. 

“I'm always drawn to characters that I'm slightly fearful of playing or don't quite know how to play yet, and feel a bit challenged by, because they’re complex in one way or another as everyone is.” 

What is Better about?

Better will explore the grey areas of right and wrong, and dive into the complexities of loyalty and family. 

The official BBC synopsis reads: “19 years ago, when Lou was a young police officer at her lowest ebb and Col a low-ranking but ambitious newcomer to the Leeds underworld, their paths crossed, and they struck a deal that changed their lives forever. The bargain allowed Col to become very rich and very powerful, and Lou to turn around her failing career. 

“A complex but special bond between the pair was forged, and so began Lou’s gradual slide into corruption. But now, when Lou’s family is brought to the brink of a tragedy, she must put right the wrongs that she has spent years rationalising and excusing, to have a second chance at a new, better life.”

Where is Better set?

The five-part drama takes place in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire, with the filming taking place in the city centre and surrounding areas.

The comparisons from fellow Northern police drama Happy Valley have previously been made, but the creators behind the show are adamant there is enough space in the telly world for both shows to stand on their own. 

Executive Producer Lucy Dyke said during the Q&A: “Shows like Happy Valley are amazing, but there's space for other shows as well. I think the more shows that we can make up here, the better. I hope that Better is as good a quality drama as Happy Valley. That's the dream, right? That's what you're sort of aiming towards. 

“I don't think there's pressure necessarily, but it's really good to have shows that are also amazing, alongside what we hope we're making and elevating. It makes you more ambitious, I suppose when you're making something when you're held up against shows like Happy Valley.”

When it came to choosing Leeds in particular as the backdrop, writers Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent added: “We wanted to get away from the things of cockney gangsters and set it aside. Then it was really about choosing a place where we felt it didn't come with too many sort of connotations connected to other shows and things like that, but also a place that was a really big cosmopolitan city. It’s very vibrant, very lively, very multicultural, with a lot to offer.”

Better begins on BBC One at 9pm tonight (Monday 13th February).