The crime drama “Mr. Mercedes,” starring Brendan Gleeson, has captured viewers’ attention on Netflix. This series, which has three seasons that aired originally on the Audience network from 2017 to 2019, is based on Stephen King’s popular novel trilogy, which includes “Mr. Mercedes” (2014), “Finders Keepers” (2015), and “End of Watch” (2016).
About the Series
Created by David E. Kelley, known for his work on “Big Little Lies” and “Ally McBeal,” “Mr. Mercedes” features a talented cast. Alongside Gleeson, the series stars Harry Treadaway, Holland Taylor, Justine Lupe, Jharrel Jerome, and Breeda Wool. The arrival of the series on Netflix is likely to introduce it to a wider audience.
Plot Summary
The narrative follows retired detective Bill Hodges, portrayed by Gleeson, who is haunted by an unresolved case. This case involves a perpetrator who killed 16 people by driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz into a crowd at a job fair. As Hodges grapples with this past case, he faces a new threat from Brady Hartsfield, played by Treadaway. Hartsfield seeks recognition and notoriety through his criminal acts, which puts Hodges in morally ambiguous situations.
Inspiration Behind the Story
While “Mr. Mercedes” is not based on a true story, it draws inspiration from real events. Stephen King revealed that a news story about a tragic incident at a job fair sparked his interest in creating this narrative. A driver had plowed into a crowd during a McDonald’s hiring event, which led King to creatively explore the implications of such violence in his work.
Critical Reception
The show has received significant acclaim from viewers. It boasts impressive ratings on IMDb, with many praising its writing, direction, and performances. Here are some highlights from viewer reviews:
- One reviewer rated it 9/10, calling it “one of the finest serial-killer procedurals.”
- Another gave a perfect 10/10, praising it as “Gleeson at his best.”
- A third identified it as an “incredible series” worth watching through all three seasons.
“Mr. Mercedes” is currently streaming on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, inviting new viewers to discover its compelling narratives and complex characters.
