Why Matthew Goode was scared of ‘Dept Q’ author
Before Enola Holmes three could bring back the saga of mysteries on Netflix, Scott Frank’s Dept Q jumped on the trend train. But when it did, it took a few liberties to make tweaks and turns here and there. Originally, Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen set the story in Copenhagen, Denmark. However, the Netflix series takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. In the show, Matthew Goode, who portrays DCI Carl Morck, recently let slip why he feared meeting Olsen.
In a recent conversation with Deadline, Goode revealed he recently met Olsen for the very first time. However, to everyone’s surprise, he also added, “I was quite scared.” The worries stemmed from the fact that instead of going by the book, Dept Q was brought into Edinburgh, and DCI Morck was made English. However, it looks like his fear was actually irrational. The actor continued that the author loved the series, and of course, that is a sign of relief.
“Obviously, Jussi gave Scott license to go ahead and change things in bits and bobs,” Goode explained. Because without the green light, Dept Q would be just another addition to the catalogue of adaptations that failed to live up to its original. Goode clarified that they weren’t instructed not to watch the other Danish adaptations or read the books. “We weren’t told. No, we weren’t dictated to it that way,” he added.
Goode recalled Frank’s suggestion, which basically meant breaking free of the constraints, given they were transporting the character and the story to Edinburgh. And considering the Dept Q author was impressed, the gamble has truly paid off. Every time an adaptation deviates, fans hold their breath for another showbiz misstep. But with Dept Q, the change was the USP.
Originally, Morck was Danish in the books. But in making him British through Goode, the canon has added another layer of intrigue. The Scandinavian noir was elemental in Olsen’s books. However, by putting it against the gothic backdrop of Edinburgh, it really encapsulated the ideal mix of intrigue and upheaval.
Well, the anxiety makes sense, given they knew they were doing something different, even if not whole. And since it was his initial meeting with the author, the apprehension was almost inevitable. However, from Goode’s revelation, it’s quite clear that Dept Q, even with its deviation, added to the success of the canon. Speaking of Olsen, he said, “He’s charming. Lovely.”
Even though he was the only English actor among the sea of Scottish-English people, he couldn’t have been more thankful for the opportunity. He didn’t just highlight his own experiences but of those who worked alongside on and off screen. Lastly, Goode also dropped a crumb that they’re “desperate” to do a second season, meaning we are probably about to get more of Detective Carl Morck.