Entertainment
Baptiste series 3 ruled out: Why the BBC detective thriller has to end now
The detective is back for what could be the final time (Picture: BBC)
Troubled Detective Baptiste has been winning over viewers for years, both as star of The Missing and spin-off show Baptiste – but he won’t be returning to our screens again following the upcoming second series.
Baptiste bosses Harry and Jack Williams have confirmed that they are not bringing the character, played by Tchéky Karyo, back in the future in order to ‘do right’ by the character.
He first arrived in The Missing back in 2014, appearing alongside the likes of Keeley Hawes, David Morrissey and James Nesbitt. The detective is now set to return alongside Killing Eve actress Fiona Shaw in series two of the self-titled spin-off show, which will soon return for the first time since 2019.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other press, writer Harry said there wouldn’t be another series despite initial plans for a trilogy.
‘When we finished Baptiste series one, we had an idea for a trilogy and it was all great and very exciting. And then we thought about it and what we didn’t ever want to do was somehow see him become another police officer.
‘We’ve had the joy of doing every year with telling big, bold stories that give him a proper journey.’
Speaking about the character, Harry added: ‘He’s not just a detective. He doesn’t just come in and find out some stuff and go home. You go through proper, big arcs. And every year we get these amazing actors we can’t believe we’re lucky enough to come and join us to tell amazing big stories, too.’
Elaborating on their decision to leave the spin-off after two series, he added: ‘I think we began to worry that it would become a formula. Do we suddenly make him just another cop?
‘When we wrote it we started to realise that if we did this, we wouldn’t get to do another one. It’s about doing the right thing for the character and not going “Hey, we’ll be back next year with more crazy adventures.” It’s something great, that we all love and we’re proud of’
Fiona Shaw is set to star in the second series (Picture: BBC)
It may be the last time we see Baptiste on our screens, but there’s a lot more to look forward to before then.
More: Baptiste
The upcoming six episodes catch up with Baptiste, who looks unrecognisable and turns to alcohol after a horrific event sent him on a downward spiral.
Pushing his wife Celia away and desperate for a distraction, he’s given a new lease of life when British Ambassador Emma Chambers (Shaw) seeks his help when her family goes missing.
Baptiste will air on Sunday July 18 at 9pm, with all episodes immediately available on iPlayer too.
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MORE : Baptiste season 2: Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw joins Tchéky Karyo in first look at new tragic mystery
