Virgin Radio
22 Jul 2024, 10:10
The debut episode of series four of McDonald & Dodds left fans feeling very satisfied after the policing duo managed to solve a rather relatable case hidden right under their noses.
Jason Watkins returned as DS Dodds alongside Tala Gouveia as DCI Lauren McDonald for the beloved ITV crime drama’s return on ITV yesterday (21st July) and fans were treated to a brand new case involving the murder of a woman who vanished nearly 30 years before.
While viewers were gripped as the duo sought out the killer, there was also a pretty puzzling occurrence back at the police station that everyone was “relieved” to see resolved.
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In the series four debut, DS Dodds’ much-loved office chair had been snatched from its rightful home and replaced with a faulty one.
Clearly unimpressed with his new seat, Dodds was left with his feet not even being able to touch the floor, and he remained without his office chair for the run of the episode… until the thief came clean.
Chief Superintendent Mary Ormond (Claire Skinner) confessed: “There’s no easy way to share this, I stole your chair. My own chair malfunctioned, and I like to have my feet on the ground when I’m working.”
Clearly feeling guilty for her office etiquette blunder, Ormond managed to get Dodds a brand new chair, but not just any old chair – an upgraded chair.
“A Mark 4,” Dodds replied upon seeing his fresh-out-the-box throne, seemingly trying to hold back his emotions.
Fans watching along at home were also thankful to see Dodds reunited with his chair, with one viewer writing on X: “Well @Jason__Watkins I’m just relieved we found out what happened to your chair. The cheek of it #McDonaldandDodds.”
Another commented: “Loved the first episode of #McDonaldAndDodds -@Jason__Watkins is a phenomenal actor. Btw, I know how DS Dodds feels about his chair…someone swapped mine at work once. I was mortified…and I couldn’t rest till I got it back!”
“Well, thank goodness we found out who stole Dodds’s chair! #McDonaldandDodds,” replied a third.
If you haven’t seen any of the first three seasons of McDonald & Dodds, the narrative throws together the two titular detectives, who have seemingly nothing in common. Despite their differences, the wildly ambitious DCI McDonald and the shy DS Dodds forge a friendship and effective partnership as they take on puzzling cases.
Alongside Watkins and Gouveia, those who are also returning to the cast for the new episodes are Outnumbered’s Claire Skinner as Chief Superintendent Ormond and EastEnders star Charlie Chambers as DC Goldie. Meanwhile, Bhavik C. Pankhania (World On Fire) is new in the line up as DC Lee.
McDonald & Dodds continues Sunday nights on ITV1 at 8pm. Catch up on all episodes on ITVX.