ITV is already well-known for its abundance of criminal drama programming. Marcella and Unforgotten, like Endeavour, are now adding another genre to their extensive collection. Based on Peter James’ fiction novel series “Roy Grace,” Grace is slated to make its premiere. The book series itself is top-rated. The series consists of 18 volumes, many of which have been translated into 37 languages. Peter James, created by Endeavour’s Russell Lewis, adapts the books into the crime drama for its first run on ITV. So here we are, breaking down all you need to know about this new crime drama that will air on ITV.
About the Series: Saving Grace
Saving Grace is a TNT criminal drama television series that aired from July 23, 2007, to June 21, 2010. Holly Hunter co-stars with Leon Rippy, Kenny Johnson, Laura San Giacomo, Bailey Chase, Bokeem Woodbine, Gregory Norman Cruz, and Yaani King in the show. It is set in Oklahoma City and includes several pictures of local buildings and sites (such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial and the downtown skyline). However, the show was shot in Vancouver and Los Angeles. Everlast, an American rapper-musician, wrote and performed the show’s theme song. The series is rated TV-MA for language, sexuality, and violence in the United States.
The plot of Saving Grace:
Grace’s first two-hour feature-length episode will be based on Peter James’ debut novel. According to the synopsis, the series will begin with Roy Grace at the pinnacle of his career. During a local trial, his unconventional policing practices are called into question. Detective Grace Roy is broken down and disturbed by his wife’s disappearance six years ago. He is demoted over time to work on colder situations that don’t require much work. Working on complex cases feels like going back in time and revisiting old memories. Until Grace’s senior pal, Detective Sergeant Glenn Branson, approaches him with an unusual case. A successful local property developer mysteriously vanishes only days before his wedding.
The cast of Saving Grace:
Grace’s cast is led by John Simm, who has been on shows such as Life on Mars and Doctor Who. In this role, he adores the main character, DS Roy Grace. Richie Campbell (Waterloo Road and The Bill) replaces Simm as Detective Sergeant Glenn Branson. Rakie Ayola (Black Mirror and Holby City) plays Assistant Chief Constable Alison Vospe, and Laura Elphinstone (Game Of Thrones, Chornobyl, and Line Of Duty) plays DS Bella Moy. Amaka Okafor (The Split and Des) will play DC Emma Jane Boutwood, and Alisha Bailey (Save Me, Strike) will play Ashley Haynes.
Release Date of Saving Grace:
Grace Episode 1 will premiere on ITV on Sunday, March 14, 2021. It’s called “Dead Simple” and will last two hours. As previously stated, it draws inspiration from Peter James’ debut novel of the same name. The episode is expected to cover the entire plot of the story. In a recent interview, Russell Lewis developed and wrote the show and recently expressed his excitement about adapting the series. Russell has stated that he finds every story intriguing. He also remarked how much he admires Peter’s rigorous research and attention to detail. Lewis praised Peter’s long-standing, tight friendship with the cops. This includes knowledge about Brighton. All of which Peter seamlessly integrates and blends in Grace.
How does the Plot Begin?
The plot revolves around Grace Hanadarko, an alcoholic and promiscuous Oklahoma City detective. Grace encounters her “last-chance” angel in the season premiere when she runs down after a night of drinking and kills a pedestrian with her Porsche. In desperation, she begs God for help, and a scruffy, tobacco-sniffing guy named Earl comes. Earl, unfurling his wings to display his celestial origins, warns her she is on her way to Hell and asks if she is ready to surrender her life to God. When he finally vanishes, the person she hit disappears, as if the accident never happened. The tiny trace of the victim’s blood on her blouse is all that remains.
Following a 13-episode first season that aired from July 23 to December 18, 2007, Saving Grace returned for a 14-episode second season that premiered on July 14, 2008. The second season was split in half, with the first half airing in the summer of 2008 and Saving Grace’s third season premiered on June 16, 2009, relocating from the Monday night slot it had maintained for the first two seasons to Tuesday night. Despite its excellent ratings, the show’s producer, Fox Television Studios, terminated the series on August 13, 2009, citing weak international and DVD sales. TNT had initially planned a 15-episode third season, with nine episodes airing in the summer and six in the winter of 2009.
