ITV viewers appeared sorely divided over the reboot of classic cop drama Van Der Valk last night
The three-part series, which got underway yesterday evening (Sunday, April 26), follows the story of Dutch sleuth Piet Van Der Valk as he investigates the link between two murders in Amsterdam.
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A remake of the popular ’70s series of the same name, the new show stars Marc Warren as Van Der Walk – a role previously played by late actor Barry Foster.
Different theme tune
But despite its sleek new look and recognisable cast, viewers at home were torn over the the 2020 reimagining.
Some on Twitter said they loved the new series, particularly as it took them to the beautiful streets of Amsterdam and away from the UK’s ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
Others branded the programme “dull”, “boring” or “miscast”.
Many on both sides of the debate missed the original show’s iconic theme tune, Eye Level.
One viewer tweeted: “Really enjoyed #VanDerValk, especially in these days of #lockdown visiting beautiful Amsterdam. Looking forward to seeing the next episodes. I do miss the original theme tune, but this arrangement has something about it I quite like.”
Another on Twitter said: “Gave it a try – 30 mins later – gave up. Politically correct, could have been anywhere, awful acting/directing/wooden performances. I will stick to real good drama on Netflix/Walter Presents, thank you #VanDerValk.”
It won’t be recommissioned.
A third wrote: “Watched new #VanDerValk and actually remember the storyline from the original! Marc Warren is perfect, and I’ve always adored Maimie McCoy (swoon). Just please bring back the Eye Level theme tune! Otherwise loved it!”
“It was dull.. boring…” said a fourth, adding: “No wonder @ITV didn’t plug this show… It won’t be recommissioned after this current block… #VanDerValk.”
Not everyone hated it
Someone else said: “Excellent first episode, enjoyed it thoroughly, well done everyone #VanDerValk.”
Really enjoyed #VanDerValk especially in these days of #lockdown visiting beautiful Amsterdam. Looking forward to seeing the next episodes. I do miss the original theme tune, but this arrangement has something about it I quite like.
— Della Blair (@GreenWitch72) April 27, 2020
Gave it a try – 30 mins later – gave up. Politically correct, could have been anywhere, awful acting/directing/wooden performances. I will stick to real good drama on Netflix/Walter Presents thank you #VanDerValk
— Sally Pethybridge (@SallyRose49) April 27, 2020
Watched new #VanDerValk and actually remember the storyline from the original! Marc Warren is perfect, and I’ve always adored Maimie McCoy (swoon). Just please bring back the Eye Level theme tune! Otherwise loved it!
— Jem (@daddygorge) April 27, 2020
It was dull.. boring… No wonder @ITV didn’t plug this show.. It won’t be recommissioned after this current block.. #VanDerValk
— Tanya ~Tc ~💙 (@tctantan) April 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/Chrisdu04861426/status/1254659050261958656
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“I really enjoyed the new #VanDerValk series, music and all,” tweeted a sixth. “I also loved the original. Nothing wrong with moving with the times.”
Another viewer said: “An insult to a iconic programme, poor Barry foster would be turning in his grave… Really looked forward to it all day Sunday until the start of the program. Where’s Eye Level gone? What an utter rubbish theme tune. That’s me finished watching now, it’s a utter insult. #vandervalk.”
“Really wanted to like #VanDerValk,” someone else said. “But managed to be both dull and ludicrous, and horribly miscast.”
I really enjoyed the new #VanDerValk series, music and all. I also loved the original. Nothing wrong with moving with the times.
— Sally Esposito (@salbourne) April 27, 2020
An insult to a iconic program poor Barry foster would be turning in his grave … Really looked forward to it all-day Sunday until the start of the program where's eye level gone ??? What a utter rubbish theme tune that's me finished watching now it's a utter insult . #vandervalk
— KEVIN FOXALL (@KEVINFOXALL4) April 27, 2020
Really wanted to like #VanDerValk , but managed to be both dull and ludicrous, and horribly miscast.
— WhatNow (@SonnerSounds) April 27, 2020
– Van Der Valk continues this Sunday (May 4) at 8pm on ITV
What did you think of the first episode? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.