Happy Valley viewers and critics praise ‘sensational’ end to the series

Last night Happy Valley fans tuned in to watch the season finale, calling it ‘sensational’ and a ‘masterclass’.

The third and final series aired on Sunday evening at 9pm as fans across the nation tuned in to see how the gripping BBC drama would finally end, after weeks of speculation. After nine years and three series, with a 120 minute final episode, they were not left disappointed.

Both TV critics and viewers praised the conclusion to the hit show written by Sally Wainwright as they described it as a ‘sensational end to a truly great drama’ and a ‘heart stopping triumph’.

TV critic Lucy Mangan from the Guardian called the final episode ‘brutal, tender, funny, compelling and heartbreaking to the last’ in her five-star review.

The Telegraph’s Anita Singh called it ‘a finale of understated, heartbreaking brilliance’, as she said: “Not since Line of Duty has a drama finale been so eagerly awaited.

“Thankfully it didn’t end like Line of Duty,” Singh added, referring to the divisive conclusion of the other police drama’s latest series. “Instead, show creator Sally Wainwright delivered an ending that satisfied.”

Singh added that the scriptwriter did ‘challenge our perspective’, although she ultimately decided the finale ‘was not the most gripping episode of this series’ as she continued: “For heart-stopping drama, Royce’s escape from court was the high point.

“But it showed everything we loved about Catherine Cawood: Her toughness, her vulnerability, her sense of humour.”

Actress Sarah Lancashire has been praised for her straightforward, no-nonsense, and witty portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood, likewise has James Norton for his portrayal of the evil criminal, Tommy Lee Royce.

Mangan said of the pair, ‘Separately, they are brilliant. Together, they are invincible.’

For the West Yorkshire-set show’s finale, Wainwright delivered ‘neat but truthful resolutions to every part of the story,’ as the critic added that the swansong ‘had redemption, justice, bitter laughs and fire in its blood’.

At the Shoulder of Mutton pub – which is in the centre of Hebden Bridge and featured briefly in season two – held a final episode viewing night, with a huge serving of Yorkshire puds for everyone to tuck into as they sat perched on the edge of their seats.

As reported by the BBC, Landlady Lesley Wood called it the ‘most dramatic TV since JR was shot,’ as she referred to the famous 1980 storyline to the US show Dallas.

The finale is expected to have attracted big ratings. The first episode of the third series has now been watched by more than 10.5 million people, including on live TV on New Year’s Day and on BBC iPlayer since.

The i Newspaper’s Rachael Sigee also said: “Sally Wainwright’s exceptional dialogue didn’t let up for a second as she concluded a story that has spanned almost a decade.”

Fans took to social media to give their five star reviews as well as the critics. James Topham tweeted: “‘We’ve had another bit of a tussle. I won.’ Was Shakespearean.”

Karl Cunliffe also tweeted: “Sarah Lancashire has just delivered one of the greatest performances in television history. Extraordinary.”

With Fern Britton writing: “So emotional and tense and beautifully written and performed. Wholly satisfying.”

Emily Benn added: “Just Give Sarah Lancashire the awards now. All of them. In a different universe”.