A man spends seven years behind bars for murdering his wife, only to have his conviction overturned. But returning home brings no happy ending. His children barely know him, his former friends remain suspicious, and the real killer may still be walking free. ITV’s psychological crime drama Innocent turns a seemingly straightforward murder mystery into an emotional story about justice, betrayal and the secrets hidden inside a family.
Originally broadcast in May 2018, the first series of Innocent stars Lee Ingleby, Hermione Norris and Daniel Ryan. Across just four episodes, it explores the consequences of a wrongful conviction and asks whether a man can ever reclaim the life he lost.
Seven Years in Prison for a Crime He Says He Never Committed
Lee Ingleby plays David Collins, a man convicted of murdering his wife, Tara.
After spending seven years in prison, David is released when his conviction is quashed. But being legally cleared does not mean everyone believes he is innocent.
His wife’s family remains deeply suspicious, while the years of separation have damaged his relationship with his children.
Determined to rebuild his life, David faces hostility from people who have already made up their minds about what happened.
The series quickly establishes its central dilemma: if David did not kill Tara, who did?
A Detective Reopens the Case
Hermione Norris portrays Detective Inspector Cathy Hudson, who leads the renewed investigation into Tara’s death.
As she examines the original evidence, contradictions begin to emerge.
People who once appeared trustworthy become potential suspects, while relationships surrounding Tara’s final days come under scrutiny.
Rather than revealing all its secrets at once, Innocent gradually shifts the audience’s suspicions from one character to another.
Every new discovery challenges the assumptions established earlier in the story.
That carefully constructed uncertainty is one of the drama’s strongest features.
A Family Torn Apart by Suspicion
The emotional heart of Innocent lies in David’s struggle to reconnect with his children.
Although he is no longer in prison, he cannot simply return to being the husband and father he was before his arrest.
His wife’s death has changed the family permanently, and years of suspicion have shaped how the children see him.
The drama also explores the anger and grief of Tara’s relatives, who are reluctant to accept that the man they blame may not be responsible.
These conflicting perspectives give the mystery greater emotional weight.
Instead of focusing only on finding a murderer, the series examines the damage that uncertainty and accusations can cause long after a crime.
Why Innocent Is Worth Watching
One of the biggest advantages of Innocent is its compact four-episode format.
The story moves quickly, with each episode introducing revelations that change the direction of the investigation.
Lee Ingleby gives a compelling performance as a man desperate to restore his reputation while dealing with the emotional consequences of imprisonment.
Hermione Norris brings determination and intelligence to the detective leading the case.
The supporting cast, including Daniel Ryan, contributes to the atmosphere of mistrust.
The series avoids excessive action, relying instead on tense conversations, conflicting accounts and the gradual exposure of secrets.
It is particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy British dramas such as Broadchurch and The Missing, where the investigation is closely tied to the personal lives of those involved.
The Final Verdict
Innocent is an absorbing British crime mystery that delivers suspense without requiring a lengthy commitment.
Its strongest element is the uncertainty surrounding David Collins: although his conviction has been overturned, the people around him still question whether he is telling the truth.
The drama builds tension through family conflict, hidden motives and an investigation that becomes more complicated with every episode.
For anyone who enjoys murder mysteries where every character has something to hide, this four-part ITV thriller is well worth discovering.