Matthew Goode on playing Carl in Dept. Q: Bathtub daydreams, character prep, and more

Dept. Q wastes no time in pulling you in with its dark mood and story. Based on the bestselling novels of Jussi Adler-Olsen, the Netflix series takes us to Edinburgh where Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck is sent to head a forgotten cold case unit in the basement of police headquarters. After a tragic case leaves one partner dead and another badly injured, Carl returns to work full of guilt and trauma. His first case in the new unit is the disappearance of a lawyer that has been unsolved for years.

The city of Edinburgh feels like another character in the show, with its gothic charm that complement the emotions of the story. Carl is joined by a small team who also carry their own scars. Akram is a refugee and former cop. Rose is a cadet trying to find her way after a personal struggle. Hardy is Carl’s old partner, now in a wheelchair. Their personalities bring both friction and heart to the basement office. Dr. Rachel Irving tries to guide Carl through his therapy sessions.

The response to the show has been really positive. It was in Netflix’s Top 10 for weeks. Dept. Q has already been renewed for a second season. And now fans are excited to see where the next story goes, and if it will still be one of the most talked about crime dramas of the year.

Dept. Q: Matthew Goode on playing Carl Morck

Fans of Matthew Goode's work knew he could bring depth and intensity to the role. He was exactly what Carl in Dept. Q needed. The creators wanted someone who could portray a haunted detective but still be relatable and human. Goode’s past roles in both drama and suspense made him a perfect fit.

Matthew approached Carl in Dept. Q with utmost care. He spent time understanding what made Carl the way he is. According to Town & Country, Matthew shared:

"I did a lot of research. I've got friends who've served in the armed forces and who have experienced PTSD. I don't want to be a parasite ever, but one of them was very useful to me. In fact, one of the reasons that we have the tennis balls [that the character uses to help manage his condition] is because my mate found he had to use a particular squash ball, which had a particular color dot on it. I don’t know why. Well, I do know why but I’m not going to go into it with you. There was stuff like that and then also spending a lot of time in the bath, which is my office. My wife has a real office, so I use the bathtub and I'm in there just daydreaming about what his life might've been."

He also spoke about his Dept. Q character:

"One of the things I love about these characters is that they're not just stock roles for a procedural drama. You slowly get to learn more about them, you get drip fed little moments throughout the season, and it helps make them three-dimensional and really fun to play. At the beginning, Carl’s just this f*cking a**hole; we know he’s suffering from some damage, he’s carrying physical and mental trauma, and while he’s a brilliant detective, he’s an awful colleague. But people’s lives are on the line and this is serious business. One thing Scott hates is sentimentality; sometimes things happen, and you can't help but be moved by them in a certain way, but I like to think we were quite uncompromisingly unsentimental with him. Still, by the end, I think you'll be moved."

Dept. Q fans will notice how Goode’s Carl feels authentic from the beginning. The way he interacts with his team, takes on the dark cases, and even finds moments of dry humor makes the character really special.

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