Netflix’s Dept. Q, the gripping adaptation of the bestselling Danish crime novels, made a moody and suspenseful debut earlier this year — but despite its high production value and compelling leads, the first season didn’t hit the mark for everyone. Now, with whispers of Season 2 quietly gaining momentum, star Matthew Goode is stepping forward with a bold call to action: fix the flaws before they film again.

🚨 What Went Wrong in Season 1?

While Dept. Q brought cinematic visuals and an intriguing dark tone to the screen, critics and die-hard fans of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novels pointed out that the emotional complexity and psychological intensity of the original material was watered down in translation.

Some viewers felt that the pacing lagged, certain plot twists were telegraphed too early, and character development — especially for Detective Carl Mørck — was too restrained. Others praised the show’s atmosphere but missed the gritty Nordic realism that made the books so beloved.

Matthew Goode, who portrays the haunted and driven Carl Mørck, recently broke his silence in an interview with The Times, stating:

“We have an amazing foundation — the novels are brilliant, the fans are loyal. But we have to be honest: we didn’t get everything right in Season 1. If we’re going to continue, we need to go deeper, darker, and be braver with the writing.”

📅 When Could Season 2 Arrive?

According to insiders close to the production, Netflix is already in early talks about greenlighting Season 2, with a potential late 2025 or early 2026 release window. Scripts are reportedly in development, and producers are consulting closely with Adler-Olsen to ensure greater fidelity to the books.

Netflix has not officially confirmed the renewal, but the early traction and Goode’s rising public interest have sparked speculation that an announcement may come this fall.

🎬 What Will Season 2 Focus On?

If the second season follows the novel chronology, it will likely adapt The Absent One — a darker, more violent story that plunges Mørck and his assistant Assad into the world of elite boarding school cover-ups, murder, and revenge. It’s a perfect setup for the grittier tone Goode seems to be advocating.

Fans are also eager to see more of Assad’s backstory, as well as the emotional toll Mørck’s past continues to have on him — something that Season 1 only lightly touched on.

📣 Fan Reactions and the Pressure on Netflix

On social media, fans have been vocal in both their appreciation of Goode’s performance and their frustrations with the show’s inconsistencies. Many are applauding Goode’s candor and are hopeful that his behind-the-scenes influence could steer the series in a stronger direction.

“I love the books and really wanted to love the show. Matthew Goode is perfect for Mørck — but Season 1 needed more soul. I hope they get it right next time,” one Reddit user wrote.

Netflix has increasingly embraced dark, cerebral crime dramas in recent years, but the competition is fierce. With juggernauts like Mindhunter, The Fall, and Broadchurch still fresh in viewer memory, Dept. Q must evolve to stand out.

🧩 Final Thoughts

Dept. Q still has massive potential — and with Matthew Goode speaking up, fans are more hopeful than ever that the showrunners will listen. Season 2, if done right, could become a defining chapter in Netflix’s growing library of prestige European thrillers.

The question now is: will Netflix take the leap and get it right this time?

Stay tuned — and if you’re a fan of slow-burn mysteries and flawed detectives, keep Dept. Q on your radar. Season 2 may just be the redemption arc this series needs.