Here’s a bold statement: the BBC’s reboot of the beloved police drama Lynley has a glaring oversight that might just leave you scratching your head. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the series ticks all the boxes for a classic British detective drama, there’s one detail that feels oddly out of place. And this is the part most people miss: where are all the Norfolk accents?
The new adaptation of Lynley, now airing weekly on BBC One (with all four episodes available on BBC iPlayer), brings back the posh, Oxford-educated DI Lynley and his working-class counterpart, DS Barbara Havers. Based on Elizabeth George’s novels, the show transplants the duo from their original London setting to the ‘tricounty’ area of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. Fans of the genre will find plenty to love—stunning scenery, a mismatched policing pair, a grumpy boss, and, of course, heinous crimes to solve. Each episode, clocking in at around an hour and a half, is a solid case-of-the-week that’s perfect for cozy crime enthusiasts.
But let’s dive into the controversy. Norfolk, with its flat landscapes, quick-rising tides, and distinct accent, is a character in its own right. Yet, despite the show’s decision to set the story in this unique region, not a single character—not even the locals—speaks with a Norfolk accent. Sure, Lynley, as the future Earl of Asherton, wouldn’t naturally have one, and we can forgive Havers for her lack of regional twang despite her East Anglian roots. But what about the boat captains, shop owners, teachers, or even the rest of the police force? Not a single Norfolk drawl to be heard.
Here’s the kicker: the series was filmed in Ireland, around Dublin, Wicklow, and Cork, for BritBox. While establishing shots of the Norfolk Broads were used, the absence of local accents feels like a missed opportunity. Even if a UK audience might not always distinguish between Norfolk and West Country accents, for those with a keen ear, it’s a jarring disconnect. The show already aired in the US, where the lack of regional accents likely went unnoticed, but for a UK audience, it’s a small yet potent oversight.
And this is where it gets thought-provoking. The original novels weren’t set in Norfolk—Lynley and Havers worked out of the London Metropolitan Police. So, why choose Norfolk as the new setting and then ignore its most distinctive feature? It’s a peculiar choice that raises questions about authenticity and attention to detail. While the absence of Norfolk accents won’t ruin the show for most viewers, it’s a missed chance to ground the series in its setting and offer something truly unique.
As we noted in our review, Lynley isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a solid addition to the genre. Adding Norfolk accents wouldn’t have made it revolutionary, but it would have given the show a more authentic, rooted feel—especially for a series that broke from its source material to embrace this new location.
So, here’s the question for you: Does the lack of regional accents matter, or is it a minor detail that doesn’t detract from the show’s overall appeal? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Lynley is available now on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out the new edition of Living Legends, celebrating music icon Dolly Parton, available in newsagents or online for just £8.99.
