When a fire ravages a property in a picturesque Lancashire lake town, Detective Ember Manning, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, is thrust into a complex investigation. The blaze appears to be linked to a podcast journalist delving into a cold case of a missing person and an illicit relationship involving a man in his twenties and two underage girls. As Ember inches closer to uncovering the truth, she finds her own life unraveling, forcing her to reassess everything she thought she knew about her past, her present, and the town she has always called home.
“The Jetty” is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a detective thriller. It tackles profound questions about sexual morality, identity, and memory, particularly in the context of the post-Me Too era. The series, consisting of four 60-minute episodes, is produced by Firebird Pictures, a BBC Studios-owned production label. Created and written by Cat Jones, directed by Marialy Rivas, and produced by Natasha Romaniuk, the show features Jenna Coleman as an executive producer alongside Elizabeth Kilgarriff, Cat Jones, Sarah Wyatt, Marialy Rivas, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. BBC Studios is handling international distribution, and the series is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Monday, July 15.
In an interview, Cat Jones, the writer, creator, and executive producer, elaborates on the plot of “The Jetty.” The story revolves around Detective Ember Manning, who begins investigating an arson case in her hometown. This investigation leads her to a local sex offender and a 17-year-old cold case of a missing person. As Ember delves deeper, she is compelled to reflect on her own past and teenage years, questioning whether the things she once considered normal were actually acceptable.
Jenna Coleman, who plays Ember, describes her character as prickly, stubborn, proud, and free-willed, yet warm and loyal. Ember is also very funny, thanks to Cat Jones’ sardonic and dry writing. Throughout the series, Ember undergoes an awakening, rediscovering herself after the death of her husband, who passed away a year before the series begins. As she pursues the truth and solves the case, her past continually catches up with her, forcing her to re-examine her own relationships and identity.
Ember’s relationships are central to the narrative. She shares a sisterly friendship with her daughter Hannah, played by Ruby Stokes. Having had Hannah as a teenager, their age gap is small, creating a unique dynamic. Ember’s relationship with her sidekick Hitch, played by Archie Renaux, is filled with banter and tough love. She challenges Hitch constantly, pushing him to take things more seriously and distance himself from his murky past.
Archie Renaux, who plays Hitch, describes his character as young at heart and eager to impress. Hitch has a complicated relationship with the Ashby family, having grown up around them in their pub. Ember helps Hitch realize the importance of distancing himself from his past to avoid trouble.
The scenic lake town setting adds an element of mystery and elusiveness to the story, mirroring Ember’s relationship with her past. The town’s beauty contrasts with the dark secrets it harbors, making it the perfect backdrop for a thriller.
Laura Marcus and Bo Bragason, who play Caitlin Owen and Amy Knightley, respectively, describe their characters as polar opposites. Amy is impulsive, calculated, and unapologetically herself, while Caitlin is introverted and shy. Their relationship is tumultuous, with Amy being a bad influence on Caitlin but also pushing her out of her comfort zone.
Amelia Bullmore, who plays Sylvia, Ember’s mother, describes her character as spiritual and creative but disappointed with her life. Sylvia’s relationship with Ember is complex, filled with envy and pride, while her love for Hannah is more straightforward and protective.
Weruche Opia, who plays Riz, a crime podcaster investigating the cold case of a missing girl, describes her character as headstrong and determined to uncover the truth. Riz’s relationship with Ember is one of mutual respect, as they both seek the truth.
Director Marialy Rivas explains that “The Jetty” is a detective meets coming-of-age series, with Ember and Caitlin both going on journeys of self-discovery. The series stands out from other crime dramas by intertwining past and present storylines, creating a unique narrative.
“The Jetty” promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking series, exploring themes of memory, identity, and sexual morality in a post-Me Too world. With its compelling characters and intricate plot, it is sure to captivate audiences and spark important conversations.
Source: BBC, Firebird Pictures
