Traces is a Scottish crime thriller that focuses on the intricate work of forensic scientists along with their police counterparts. They use science-tech. to catch the elusive criminals.
This UK drama is set in the beautiful landscape of Scotland. So, not only does it take us into the world of forensic science, but also we get to see the place in and around Dundee City.
Synopsis [official] of the Traces (S1/2019 & S2/2022) Series
In the first season, this crime story follows 23-year-old Emma Hedges (Molly Windsor), who takes up a new position as a lab assistant at the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. While attending an online forensics course, she discovers that the fictitious case study has a strikingly similar and shocking link to her past. As Emma digs deeper into the unsolved murder case, she soon realizes she should not trust anyone.
With the help of two female professors, Sarah Gordon (Laura Fraser) and Kathy Torrence (Jennifer Spence), she works on bringing a killer to justice. So, in Dundee, these three women join forces to uncover the truth about an unsolved murder case that’s very close to home.
In the second season, the lab assistant Emma Hedges (Molly Windsor) is now training to be a forensic chemist and is on the cusp of seeing her mother’s murder case finally resolved. Daniel MacAfree (Martin Compston) is to give evidence against his father. Will Emma and Daniel’s relationship withstand the pressure? Will justice be served?
Meanwhile, professors Sarah Gordon (Laura Fraser) and Kathy Torrance (Jennifer Spence) are investigating a deadly bombing campaign. Homemade devices are going off around Dundee, with critical clues hidden inside the bombs. Will the team track down the bomber before their identity goes up in smoke?
Spoiler Free Review of the Traces (S1/2019 & S2/2022) Series
We liked the basic storyline of the first season
Its mysterious storyline was one of the key reasons, why we picked this BBC crime show to watch. After this young lab assistant, Emma discovers that the fictitious case study taught in her institute has a link to her past. Thereafter, she along with the active help of Sarah and Kathy, the two female professors, works on bringing the killer of her mother to justice.
What else did we like in the first season of the show?
In the past, we have seen the CSI series. But this show made it more personal, as Emma’s tragic story and her forensic pieces of evidence drove this crime story. We liked the way, how the two professors and other members of the said institute joined hands to catch the elusive killer. The complexities of evidence gathering and deductions seemed interesting.
This show has some good acting by its ensemble cast members led by Molly Windsor (Emma Hedges), Laura Fraser (Prof. Sarah Gordon), Michael Nardone (DI Neil McKinven), Jennifer Spence (Kathy Torrance), Martin Compston (Daniel MacAfee), etc. All in all, it was a captivating crime thriller to watch, how they went about catching the murderer.
Then, what happened in the season two plotline
To be completely honest, we did not like the fact that justice was delayed, hence justice was denied. Furthermore, the central story of Emma (Molly Windsor) gets relegated to the backdrop. Instead, the new bombing case by incel takes centre stage in the second season. And then, there is a horrible case of a deceased young student and his tragic fate.
Its crime story still seemed interesting, if you can ignore certain aspects. For instance, Emma and her late mother did not get the justice and closure that they deserved.
What else did we like in the first season of the show?
So, in the second season, Laura Fraser (Prof. Sarah Gordon), Michael Nardone (DI Neil McKinven) Jennifer Spence (Kathy Torrance) and Laila Rouass (Azra McKinven) have taken charge of driving this story forward. It was good to see actress Laila Rouass after a long time, in the distant past, we had seen her on the Music Channels in India,
We think, that despite a few unexpected bumps in the story, all four of the actors have kept this show interesting with their good performances. We hope, in case they are coming out with its third season, then we get to see more of crime and less of personal love drama. Also, we would love to see Emma get justice.
Till then, we are keeping our fingers crossed.
And hoping for a better and much improved third season of Traces.
Ratings of this Crime Thriller Series set in Dundee, UK
| Season One (2019) Show | Season Two (2022) Show | |
| FM ratings | 3.75/5 | 3.70/5 |
Spoilers Alerts – the Crime Thriller Series set in Dundee, UK
A peek into the Six Episodes of the First Season (2019) show
First Episode
Emma Hedges’ return to Dundee brings her mother’s unsolved murder into sharp focus; resolved to find the truth, Emma puts love and life at risk as she fights to bring the killer to justice.
Second Episode
Emma soon feels overwhelmed by the police interest and wonders what she’s started; however, when the stars align to put Daniel in her path, Emma feels a deep connection.
Third Episode
McKinven’s enquiries ruffle feathers and a furious Julie chides Emma for dragging up the past; when Emma is threatened with a knife, it’s clear that someone’s hiding something.
Fourth Episode
Daniel faces a culpable homicide charge for the fire and wants to protect Phil’s reputation, but when Emma meets Phil for the first time, her instinct tells her to be wary of him.
Fifth Episode
Emma’s accusation against Phil drives a wedge between her and Daniel; McKinven urges Emma to stop sleuthing, as he’s certain that the person who killed her mother is known to her.
Sixth Episode
While Kathy oversees the excavation of Marie’s grave, Daniel gives McKinven the lead he needs to make an arrest, but it’s the exacting forensic science that finally brings peace to Emma.
A peek into the Six Episodes of the Second Season (2022) show
First Episode
Emma is now training as a forensic chemist, and is on the cusp of seeing her mother’s murder case finally solved; Daniel has returned to Dundee to give evidence against Phil.
Second Episode
A second bomb attack puts pressure on McKinven and Sarah to find and stop the bomber.
Third Episode
The task facing McKinven is more daunting than ever, especially now that his wife Azra is joining the investigation; meanwhile, Kathy’s PhD student sees more than she should.
Fourth Episode
Two suspects derail the investigation as McKinven and Sarah are consumed by their feelings; Kathy’s inability to communicate becomes a serious problem.
Fifth Episode
Another deadly explosion occurs; Sarah and McKinven’s growing attachment has consequences, as Kathy suspects Jean the Dean of having a secret to hide.
Sixth Episode
Sarah works with McKinven to prevent another explosion before making decisions about their future; Kathy realizes the necessity of change, personally and professionally.
Poster of this Crime Thriller Series set in Dundee, UK
Key details of this Crime Thriller Series set in Dundee, UK
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
| Original language | English (UK) |
| Age-restrictions | 15+ |
| Released (Season One) | December 2019 |
| Episodes (Season One) | Six (6) |
| Cast (Season One) | Molly Windsor (Emma Hedges), Laura Fraser (Prof. Sarah Gordon), Michael Nardone (DI Neil McKinven), Jennifer Spence (Kathy Torrance), Martin Compston (Daniel MacAfee), Anna Leong Brophy (Louise Chiu Jones), etc. |
| Taglines (Season One) | The evidence doesn’t lie. People do. A crime drama driven by a personal tragedy. |
| Released (Season Two) | February 2022 |
| Episodes (Season Two) | Six (6) |
| Cast (Season Two) | Laura Fraser (Prof. Sarah Gordon), Michael Nardone (DI Neil McKinven), Jennifer Spence (Kathy Torrance), Laila Rouass (Azra McKinven), Molly Windsor (Emma Hedges), Martin Compston (Daniel MacAfee), etc. |
| Network | BBC & Alibi |
Trailer of this Crime Thriller Series set in Dundee, UK
Featured Image & Posters of the Traces (S1/2019 & S2/2022) Series | Pic. Credit:- Alibi.
