A review by an autistic man

Neurodiverse Mondays

A touching new crime drama is airing on Wednesday nights. At its heart is Patience, an autistic woman who possesses a remarkable talent for solving puzzles. As a self-taught criminologist in the Yorkshire Police records department, she navigates her world with a unique perspective.

Patience’s talents go unrecognised until Bea, a Detective Inspector, notices her. Together they solve complex crimes in the historic centre of York.

This show gently explores the theme of autism through a tender sub-plot where Bea becomes aware of her son, Alfie, displaying behaviours reminiscent of Patience. However, the heart of the show lies in the idea that viewing situations from diverse perspectives can open up new avenues for understanding and problem-solving. Additionally, it touches on the overwhelming ‘paper mountain’ of societal pressures and the profound impacts they have on individuals’ lives. (Paper Mountain Girl is an episode title.)

The Guardian review of the first episode expressed concerns about the stereotyping of autistic characters, and I find that perspective valid for that particular episode, though it is explained better in the second. As an autistic individual watching, I felt a deep connection to Patience’s struggle with stress, as it mirrored my own experiences when I’m on the verge of a meltdown—I needed to pause and gather myself before I could rest. This isn’t a complaint; rather, it speaks to the depth of the character portrayal. Furthermore, with its focus on a diverse range of neurodiverse characters, often portrayed by neurodiverse actors like Ella Maisy Purvis, the show goes beyond just depicting autism; it courageously challenges the neurotypical paradigm and invites viewers to reconsider conventional ways of thinking and living.

Patience has one form of autism and hyperlexia, she has very set ways of doing things, not following these can lead her to shutdowns and burnout. Alfie, on the other hand, had a meltdown about having a gherkin in his sandwich.

The strength of this show is also its weakness. It works best when the two leads, Purvis and Laura Fraser who play Patience and Bea, are together, so it’s a shame the first episode took so long before they got together.

I also hold a fondness for the heart of York, knowing it quite well. Just a train ride away, I’ve enjoyed countless day trips and even a few overnight stays there. However, it feels as though this show doesn’t quite capture the warmth of the city, the vibrant energy of crowds bustling along Stonegate and The Shambles. There are quieter places too, so I can escape the bustle when I need to, which is frequently.

Patience draws inspiration from the French and Belgian drama Astrid et Raphaëlle, yet its essence reaches even further back in time. The narrative of crime dramas featuring partners with contrasting abilities has long captured our imagination, tracing back at least to the iconic duo of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Picture a world where their roles are reversed, with Watson as the detective and Holmes as the assistant, both portrayed as strong women navigating the complexities of a modern landscape, all while anchored in the charm of a historic city that whispers stories of the past. This is the ambiance that Patience evokes.

Patience as a show is a bit hit and miss, but it hits most of the time.

I hope that this TV show, which features a weekly murder, doesn’t scare people away from visiting York! I mean, who wouldn’t want to explore a charming city known for its history, even if it comes with a side of fictional crime? In December, we found ourselves at the Novotel York Centre, a child and dog friendly hotel just a short riverside walk away from the historic centre—perfect for when you need to dash back after a night of sightseeing and totally not plotting your own mystery!