“Patience,” a British-Belgian television series, premiered on January 8, 2025, on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, marking a significant addition to the detective drama genre. This series is an adaptation of the acclaimed French-Belgian show “Astrid et Raphaëlle” (2019), reimagined with a new setting in York, England, though primarily filmed in Belgium. The show centers on Patience Evans, a neurodivergent woman with autism working in the Yorkshire police archives, whose exceptional analytical skills lead her to collaborate with Detective Chief Inspector Bea Metcalf to solve complex criminal cases. Starring Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience and Laura Fraser as Bea, “Patience” has garnered attention for its unique approach to representation and storytelling, though it has also sparked debates about its portrayal of autism. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the series, exploring its plot, critical reception, comparisons with its original counterpart, and its strengths and limitations.

Plot and Narrative

“Patience” follows the journey of Patience Evans, a woman with autism who works in the meticulous world of police archives, organizing and cataloging evidence from past cases. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Detective Chief Inspector Bea Metcalf, a seasoned investigator, recognizes Patience’s extraordinary ability to identify patterns and connections overlooked by others. This discovery propels Patience from the shadows of the archives into the heart of active investigations, forming an unlikely yet dynamic partnership with Bea.

The series unfolds through a series of intricate cases, each presenting a puzzle that tests the duo’s complementary skills—Bea’s seasoned intuition and Patience’s logical, detail-oriented mind. The narrative weaves together crime-solving with personal growth, delving into Patience’s past traumas and her struggles to navigate a world that often misunderstands her. Meanwhile, Bea’s character arc explores her own vulnerabilities, creating a balanced portrayal of two women bridging their differences. The setting in York adds a picturesque yet moody backdrop, though the Belgian filming locations occasionally lend an inconsistent tone to the British ambiance.

Critical Reception and Audience Feedback

“Patience” has received a generally positive reception, reflected in its 86% critics’ score and 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 14 and over 50 reviews respectively. On Metacritic, it holds a 66/100 rating, indicating “generally favorable reviews” from 12 critics. The series has been praised for its fresh take on the detective genre, with a focus on character development over plot-driven twists.

Positive Aspects:
Ella Maisy Purvis’s portrayal of Patience has been a standout, earning widespread acclaim. As an autistic actress herself, Purvis brings authenticity to the role, a point highlighted in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where she expressed pride in depicting an autistic adult with a nuanced emotional storyline. Critics from Rotten Tomatoes noted, “Distinguished by Ella Maisy Purvis’ terrific performance, Patience brings a fresh angle to the detective genre through character rather than plotting.” The chemistry between Purvis and Laura Fraser has also been lauded, with audiences on IMDb (7.5/10) and Reddit appreciating the supportive dynamic between Patience and Bea. IGN Movies described the duo as “compelling characters, intriguing cases,” emphasizing the emotional depth of their partnership.
Criticisms:
However, the series has faced criticism, particularly regarding its depiction of autism. The Guardian labeled it a “nuance-free take on neurodivergence,” arguing that the script and dialogue felt “illogical” and “unnatural” at times. On Reddit communities like r/AutisticPride and r/AutisticAdults, opinions were mixed—some praised the representation, while others found it stereotypical, suggesting the show overemphasized Patience’s skills as a direct result of her autism, potentially misrepresenting the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, Daily Mail reported viewers switching off after 10 minutes, citing a lack of engagement compared to the original series.

Comparison with the Original “Astrid et Raphaëlle”

“Patience” is a reimagining of “Astrid et Raphaëlle,” a French-Belgian series that has aired five seasons since 2019 and continues to grow. Both shows feature a neurodivergent female lead (Astrid Nielsen in the original, Patience Evans in the adaptation) partnering with a female detective to crack challenging cases. While sharing similarities, significant differences emerge upon closer inspection.

Similarities:
Both series emphasize the intellectual prowess of their autistic protagonists and the supportive dynamic with their detective counterparts. The core appeal lies in the blend of crime-solving with personal exploration, a formula that resonates with fans of procedural dramas.
Differences:
“Astrid et Raphaëlle” benefits from its longer runtime and deeper character development across multiple seasons. Fans on IMDb and Reddit have noted that the original offers “richer backstories” and “better-developed supporting characters.” In contrast, “Patience,” with its single-season format so far, feels rushed, as critiqued on Channel 4’s website, where some scenes resolve too quickly, diluting character complexity. The shift to a British setting in York, filmed in Belgium, has also drawn criticism for lacking authenticity, with Daily Mail readers pointing out jarring inconsistencies in the locale.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

Authentic Representation: Casting Ella Maisy Purvis, an autistic actress, is a bold move that enhances the show’s credibility. Her performance, as noted by PBS, adds a layer of realism rarely seen in mainstream media.
Character Dynamics: The relationship between Patience and Bea is a highlight, offering a heartfelt exploration of mutual support, which IGN Movies called a “compelling partnership.”
Innovative Approach: By focusing on neurodiversity, “Patience” attempts to redefine the detective genre, appealing to viewers seeking diverse narratives.

Limitations:

Autism Portrayal: The criticism of a stereotypical depiction suggests a missed opportunity to explore autism with greater nuance, as highlighted by The Guardian and Reddit discussions.
Script Quality: The script’s occasional lack of natural flow and rushed pacing detract from the overall experience, a point echoed by multiple reviewers.
Comparison to Original: The shadow of “Astrid et Raphaëlle” looms large, with “Patience” struggling to match the original’s depth, as noted across various platforms.

Conclusion

“Patience” (2025) stands as a noteworthy entry in the detective drama landscape, leveraging the unique perspective of a neurodivergent lead to offer a fresh take on the genre. Ella Maisy Purvis and Laura Fraser deliver compelling performances, and the series’ focus on character-driven storytelling is a strength. However, its portrayal of autism has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as progressive and others as reductive. Compared to “Astrid et Raphaëlle,” “Patience” falls short in depth and pacing, though it carves its own niche with a British twist. For fans of crime dramas and those interested in neurodiversity representation, “Patience” is worth a watch, though it leaves room for growth in future seasons.