Don Gilet’s Forgotten Thriller Lochness Now Streaming on Netflix

Introduction

If you’re a Death in Paradise fan twiddling your thumbs waiting for the next season, there’s a hidden gem you might’ve missed: Lochness, a 2017 thriller starring Don Gilet, who plays Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in the sunny crime drama. This six-part ITV series, originally called The Loch, is now streaming on Netflix, and it’s a dark, twisty ride that’s perfect for anyone craving a murder mystery with a Scottish chill. Gilet’s role as forensic psychologist Blake Albrighton is a far cry from his Caribbean detective work, showing off his range in a story about a rural community rocked by a brutal killing. Why does this matter? It’s a chance to see a familiar face in a gritty, lesser-known series that’s resurfaced just when we need a distraction. Think Broadchurch meets The Killing, but with Highland scenery. Let’s break down why Lochness is worth your time, what makes it tick, and how it holds up.

Why Lochness Stands Out as a Thriller

Lochness isn’t your typical crime drama. Set in the fictional Scottish town of Lochnefoy, it kicks off with a local man’s body found at the base of a mountain, his brain partially removed. Yeah, it’s grim. The show, which aired on ITV in 2017, hooks you with its eerie atmosphere and a community where everyone’s a suspect. Don Gilet’s Blake Albrighton works alongside detectives played by Siobhan Finneran and Laura Fraser, unraveling a web of secrets. The series’ strength lies in its pacing—six episodes keep things tight, with subplots that tie neatly into the main mystery. Viewers on X in July 2025 have been buzzing about its Netflix revival, with posts calling it “a sleeper hit” for its suspense and stunning Scottish visuals. But it’s not flawless. Some fans on IMDb noted the thick Scottish accents of minor characters can be hard to parse. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss key clues. Subtitles help, but don’t expect a second season—ITV didn’t renew it, which some argue was a mistake.

Don Gilet’s Performance as Blake Albrighton

Don Gilet shines as Blake Albrighton, a forensic psychologist who’s all brains and intensity. Unlike his Death in Paradise role, where he’s solving crimes under palm trees, here he’s dissecting minds in a damp, foggy town. His character digs into the killer’s psyche, offering insights that drive the investigation. Gilet’s ability to balance calm expertise with understated tension is a highlight, especially in scenes with Finneran’s tough detective. According to a 2017 Radio Times review, Gilet’s performance “grounds the show’s wilder twists.” But it’s not perfect. Some viewers on X felt Blake’s backstory was underexplored, leaving gaps in his motivations. If you’re used to Gilet’s charm in Death in Paradise, this darker role might surprise you. Don’t expect much warmth—Blake’s all business. Missing his nuances could mean missing half the show’s depth, so watch closely.

The Plot and Setting: A Scottish Murder Mystery

The plot of Lochness centers on Lochnefoy, a sleepy town where a murder shakes the community. A local man’s body, found mutilated, sets off a manhunt. The post-mortem revealing part of his brain was removed adds a gruesome twist that keeps you guessing. Is it a serial killer? A one-off? The show’s setting—rugged Scottish mountains and misty lochs—feels like a character itself. Cinematography, praised in a 2017 Guardian review, captures the Highlands’ haunting beauty, making every scene feel heavy. The pacing builds suspense, but some fans on Rotten Tomatoes complained about too many red herrings. If you skim through episodes, you might get lost in the subplots. Stick with it—the finale’s twists, as one X user put it in July 2025, “hit like a truck.” Binge it with focus, or you’ll miss how the clues connect.

Reception and Why It’s Worth Streaming

When Lochness aired, it got solid reviews but didn’t become a cultural juggernaut. A 2017 Den of Geek article gave it 3.5/5 stars, praising its “versatile characters” and “spectacular” visuals but noting uneven police procedural elements. On Netflix in 2025, it’s found new life, with X posts calling it “criminally underrated.” Fans love the unpredictable twists—one viewer on IMDb said, “I couldn’t stop watching.” But not everyone’s sold. Some found the local cops’ chaotic approach frustrating, with one Reddit thread from June 2025 calling it “a bit like amateurs bumbling through.” The show’s 60% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects this split. If you expect a polished Line of Duty, you might be let down. Go in for the atmosphere and Gilet’s performance, not airtight plotting. Ignoring its flaws could overhype it, so temper expectations.

How Lochness Fits into the Crime Drama Landscape

Lochness arrived when crime dramas were booming—think The Fall or Shetland. Its rural setting and psychological angle set it apart, but it faced stiff competition. Compared to Death in Paradise, it’s darker and less formulaic, leaning into character-driven suspense over cozy resolutions. A 2017 Variety piece noted its attempt to blend Broadchurch’s emotional depth with Hannibal’s macabre edge. It doesn’t always nail the balance—some subplots, like a teen romance, feel tacked on. X users in 2025 compare it to Netflix’s Your Honor, citing similar moral gray areas. If you skip it, you’re missing a unique entry in the genre, but don’t expect it to redefine it. Watching distractedly could make the dense plot feel disjointed, so give it your full attention.

Common Mistakes When Watching Lochness

Binge-watching Lochness sounds tempting, but rushing through it’s a trap. The show’s layered subplots demand focus—miss a scene, and you’re lost. One X post from July 2025 warned, “Don’t watch this half-asleep; the clues are subtle.” Another mistake is expecting a Death in Paradise-style vibe. Gilet’s in both, but Lochness is grim, not sunny. Some viewers, per IMDb reviews, got annoyed by the accents, assuming they’d pick it up without subtitles. Bad move—turn them on. Also, don’t assume it’s a serial killer saga; the single-season format wraps up the mystery. Ignoring the setting’s role is another misstep. The Scottish landscape isn’t just pretty—it shapes the story’s mood. Skimping on attention to visuals or dialogue could leave you confused by the end.

FAQs

What is Lochness about, and why should I watch it?
Lochness is a 2017 ITV thriller set in a Scottish town rocked by a gruesome murder. Don Gilet plays a forensic psychologist helping detectives uncover a killer. It’s a must-watch for Death in Paradise fans craving something darker, with stunning Highland visuals and tight pacing. Stream it on Netflix for a six-episode binge that keeps you guessing.

How does Don Gilet’s role in Lochness compare to Death in Paradise?
In Lochness, Gilet’s Blake Albrighton is a cerebral, intense psychologist, unlike his charismatic Detective Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise. The former is all about mind games in a grim setting, while the latter thrives on charm in a sunny mystery. Both show his versatility, but Lochness is moodier.

Why didn’t Lochness get a second season?
Despite solid reviews, ITV didn’t renew Lochness. A 2017 Radio Times article suggested it struggled against bigger crime dramas like Broadchurch. Fans on X in 2025 still lament the cancellation, citing its potential. The self-contained story wraps up, but some felt it left room for more.

Is Lochness worth watching if I don’t like crime dramas?
If crime dramas aren’t your thing, Lochness might still hook you with its psychological depth and Scottish setting. But its grim tone and complex subplots could overwhelm. Try an episode—Gilet’s performance and the visuals might win you over, per 2025 Netflix viewer buzz on X.

How does Lochness compare to other Netflix crime shows?
Lochness shares DNA with Your Honor or The Undoing for its moral ambiguity and small-town secrets. It’s less polished than Line of Duty but moodier than Death in Paradise. Its 60% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed reception, but fans praise its twists.

Conclusion

Lochness is a gritty detour for Death in Paradise fans, showcasing Don Gilet in a chilling role as a forensic psychologist. Its Scottish setting, twisty plot, and 2017 ITV roots make it a compelling Netflix binge in 2025, despite not getting a second season. The show’s not perfect—some subplots drag, and accents can trip you up—but its atmosphere and Gilet’s performance make it worth a shot. Don’t rush through it; the clues demand focus. If you’re into crime dramas with a psychological edge, stream it now. Share your thoughts in the comments or on X—did Lochness grip you or fall flat?