*In the Dark* is difficult to pin down, combining elements of crime drama with dark humor and presenting a central character who’s seriously flawed but captivating. It's a series that isn’t hesitant about portraying its main character as unlikeable, which makes her journey all the more intriguing and surprisingly relatable. The show centers on Murphy Mason (Perry Mattfeld), a young woman in her twenties who struggles with alcohol, cynicism, and self-destructive tendencies, and happens to be blind. Her life involves a job at a dog training school she dislikes, casual relationships, and an honest way of interacting with people that often pushes them away. Tyson, a young man who is her only real friend, is murdered one night in an alleyway. When the police dismiss her account due to her disability, Murphy becomes fixated on finding out who killed him, pulling along her reluctant guide dog, Pretzel, and several unwilling helpers into the dangerous criminal world of her city. Perry Mattfeld’s performance is a standout—the entire production relies on it, and she delivers with remarkable dedication. She portrays Murphy’s blindness realistically, avoiding stereotypes while focusing on the practical challenges and immense frustration that come with it. Beyond that, she fully embodies a character who often creates her own problems—she's sarcastic, manipulative, and emotionally damaged. However, Mattfeld also brings out a vulnerability and fierce loyalty in her portrayal, making you want to support her even when you disapprove of the choices she makes. Murphy Mason is an unusual protagonist for a television detective series. She lacks a badge, special abilities, or exceptional intelligence; instead, she possesses determination, a talent for getting under people’s skin, and an ability to listen and remember details that others overlook. Her disability isn't portrayed as a superpower; it’s a challenge she uses to her advantage, leveraging the assumptions people make about her. While there is a "case-of-the-week" structure, the series’ core lies in the ongoing mystery surrounding Tyson’s murder and its consequences. The supporting characters—including her clumsy friend Felix (Morgan Krantz) and initially skeptical police detective Dean (Rich Sommer)—are given their own complex storylines, evolving from observers into a dysfunctional group bound by trauma and secrets. However, Murphy's abrasive personality, which is also the show’s greatest strength, can become tiring over time. Her tendency toward self-sabotage and her treatment of people who care about her can be difficult to endure. Some of the seasonal mysteries require a significant suspension of disbelief, and the recurring pattern of poor decisions can feel repetitive. **8/10 - A Sharp, Addictive, and Deeply Human Drama.** *In the Dark* is an underappreciated series that deserves more attention. It’s a daring, gritty, and often surprisingly humorous show that turns conventional crime-solving tropes on their head with a protagonist you won't easily forget. Perry Mattfeld’s performance is exceptional, anchoring a story about solving a crime as much as it is about a troubled person discovering a distorted sense of purpose and connection in the darkest aspects of her world. Watch it if you appreciate anti-heroes, dark comedies, and character-driven mysteries with a truly original lead. Skip it if you prefer protagonists who are likable and morally sound or if you’re looking for a straightforward police procedural.

Source on TMDB