Netflix’s latest hit series Department Q, which is steadily rising in popularity, sees Outlander star Alec Newman taking on a brand new role, after previously starring as Joseph Wemyss in the hugely popular Starz series
Fans of Outlander might spot a familiar face in Netflix’s new series, Department Q. The crime mystery drama has quickly climbed the UK charts to secure the top spot, captivating Netflix viewers.
The show is the brainchild of The Queen’s Gambit creator Scott Frank, with Matthew Goode taking on the lead role of DCI Carl Morck, a daring yet talented detective leading a fresh cold-case unit in Edinburgh.
Department Q is based on Afdeling Q, a series of ten Danish Nordic noir crime novels written by author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The show boasts an impressive cast, including Kelly Macdonald, Mark Bonnar, and Chloe Pirrie.
Alec Newman also joins the ensemble as Paul Evans, introduced as an enthusiastic climber, according to the Express.
While he may look different in his latest role, Outlander fans might remember him for his portrayal of Joseph Wemyss in the Starz romance drama, where he played the father of Lizzie Wemyss, portrayed by Caitlin O’Ryan, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Newman’s other roles include Edward Crowther in Protection, Niven Guthrie in Shetland, and Michael Byrne in Waterloo Road.
Viewers are also likely to recognize lead actor Matthew Goode from his previous roles in shows like Downton Abbey, The Crown, and A Discovery of Witches. Acclaimed actress Kate Dickie, known for her role as Lysa Arryn in the HBO series Game of Thrones, also makes an appearance.
Alexej Manvelov, the actor behind Akram in the series, couldn’t hide his excitement about joining such a stellar cast.
“It was just amazing,” he told Reach during an exclusive conversation. “I’m from Sweden and there’s a bit of a different style in Sweden where we’re a bit more process-oriented.
“But just to come in and work on this high level of craft of acting. It was amazing and the ensemble is just..
“I mean I’ve been a fan of Kate Dickie’s for ages, since Red Road,” he admitted, speaking of his co-star who plays DCS Moira. “So just to have a scene with her, I was like ‘Oh my god’.”
Netflix’s official description for Department Q details: “DCI Carl Morck is a brilliant cop but a terrible colleague. His razor-sharp sarcasm has made him no friends in Edinburgh Police.
“After a shooting that leaves a young PC dead, and his partner paralysed, he finds himself exiled to the basement and the sole member of Dept. Q; a newly formed cold case unit.
“The department is a PR stunt, there to distract the public from the failures of an under-resourced, failing police force that is glad to see the back of him.
“But more by accident than design, Carl starts to build a gang of waifs and strays who have everything to prove.
“So, when the stone-cold trail of a prominent civil servant who disappeared several years ago starts to heat up, Carl is back doing what he does best – rattling cages and refusing to take no for an answer.”