The Stephen King crime series, Mr. Mercedes, has secured an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing renewed attention as it streams on HBO Max and Peacock. Developed by David E. Kelley and starring Brendan Gleeson as the retired detective Bill Hodges, the show offers a distinctive and intense entry into King’s vast array of screen adaptations, blending classic crime drama with the author’s hallmark themes of psychological tension.
Reinventing the Crime Drama with David E. Kelley’s Touch
Mr. Mercedes originated from King’s Bill Hodges trilogy—Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch—and first aired in 2017 on the Audience Network, completing three seasons before ending in 2019. Due to its original network’s limited reach and subsequent closure in 2020, the series struggled to find viewers during its run, remaining largely under the radar unless audiences subscribed to DirecTV. Now that it is available on major streaming platforms, a broader audience can access this moody adaptation, which so far has not been renewed for a fourth season.
Unlike King’s most famous adaptations, including Carrie, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption, Mr. Mercedes departs from supernatural horror by immersing itself in the intricacies of a long-form crime procedural. The story chronicles Hodges—a retired detective drawn back into a chilling investigation—who is haunted by the unsolved case of a serial killer, Brady Hartsfield, portrayed by Harry Treadaway. Brady, a sociopathic electronics store employee, becomes the focal point of an elaborate, psychological cat-and-mouse game that defines the show’s atmosphere.
The cast is rounded out by Holland Taylor as Ida Silver, Justine Lupe as Holly, Kelly Lynch, and Mary-Louise Parker. Notably, actor Anton Yelchin was originally set to play Brady before his passing. The adaptation’s depth is due in part to David E. Kelley’s expertise in legal and crime television, as seen in his acclaimed work on The Practice, Ally McBeal, and Big Little Lies, alongside input from writers such as Dennis Lehane and director Jack Bender, both recognized for their contributions to the crime thriller genre.
Complex Themes of Pursuit, Aging, and Masculinity
Mr. Mercedes delves into layered explorations of its central characters, particularly focusing on the psychological impact of crime and mortality. While the episodic format allows space to examine various figures circling Hodges and Brady, critics have noted that at times, the expanded scope can affect pacing and momentum. The development of side stories and secondary arcs, while adding richness, may detract from the series’ intense core dynamic.
At its best, Mr. Mercedes delivers a moody, atmospheric slow-burn reminiscent of classic neo-noir, using its visual style and emotional depth to unsettle and engage viewers. The show’s narrative tension is anchored by the juxtaposition between Hodges—the world-weary, gruff detective—and the younger, troubled Brady, highlighting generational divides and the struggle for power.
David E. Kelley’s production blurs boundaries between film and television, bringing a cinematic edge to the series and crafting a tone that immerses viewers in its brooding world. The show’s attention to emotional turmoil and the fraught psychological battles between its characters sets it apart from more conventional detective shows.
The Series’ Abrupt End and Uncertain Future
Despite critical acclaim and strong performances, Mr. Mercedes concluded after its third season, due to the dissolution of its original broadcaster amid broader shifts in the media landscape. Although King’s trilogy provided ample material, Kelley’s interpretation allowed the story and characters to flourish beyond the source novels, offering possibilities for continuation if future interest or platform support emerges.
Today, viewers seeking a distinctive Stephen King crime series can rediscover Mr. Mercedes on streaming services, appreciating its atmospheric depth, complex character studies, and innovative reimagining of crime fiction for modern television. The show stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of King’s storytelling and the creative talents of David E. Kelley and an accomplished cast, inviting speculation about what might come next for the Bill Hodges saga should the series be revived.
