Review: “Temple” Brings a Different Kind of Thrill

Adapted from the Norweigan TV series Valkyrien, Temple, which first aired in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2019, on Sky One, is set to be released in the United States, exclusively on Spectrum Originals, on March 9, 2020. The cast of Temple includes Mark Strong (Dr. Daniel Milton), Daniel Mays (Lee Simmons), Carice van Houten (Anna Willems), Catherine McCormack (Beth Milton), Tobi King Bakare (Jamie Harris), Lily Newmark (Eve Milton), and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them‘s Wunmi Mosaku (Mercy King).

The premise of Temple takes viewers on Daniel Milton’s journey deep into the underground of Temple station to conduct an illicit medical clinic for criminals and is described by Spectrum Originals as a “character-driven drama.”

In this character-driven drama, a brilliant but haunted surgeon must sacrifice everything for the ones he loves by opening an underground clinic.

Daniel is a surgeon in London who is no longer in practice but has found a way to continue practicing – for those who need it. How’d he get there, you ask? He got entangled with this business while trying to save his wife’s life.

Now, what happened to his wife, you ask? Wait and see. And wait you kind of have to. This series starts out with high action, an adrenaline rush as we begin our two stories that will eventually intertwine: the first criminal who runs from the scene of the crime only to get shot and need medical attention, and the medical surgeon who seems to be stealing from his old place of practice.

Lee is Daniel’s resourceful but impulsive friend who brings the bank-robbing criminal Jamie into their midst. Then Daniel, who needs help to save Jamie’s life – and his wife’s – brings Anna, another doctor who was close to him and his wife, into the mess. Can they work together to solve their issues and keep the secrets?

The first episode is jam-packed with action, but after that, the series’ pace seems to simmer down. I mean this in a literal way because I noticed there was more pausing than necessary within the episodes, but that’s just my nitpick. Additionally, the color palette that’s used is more dark and brooding. I’m about to get a little nerdy about this, so hang on: The color palette used is important not only because it makes everything seem darker, in terms of the theme, but also because it doesn’t draw attention to the screen. Good news: The darker colors and the slow pace don’t last the entire time, but just a warning. In fact, the show has so many twists and upbeats. While some characters are able to find ways to solve them, other characters cause the issue.

Temple is a very intelligent show. It aims to bring a different thrill to life than what I’ve seen on a variety of cop/detective or medical-themed shows. With a thrill, it brings an understated calmness that allows its audience to surrender and relax, only to be taken into the drama once more. Temple will be available to stream on Spectrum Originals on March 9, 2020. Keep your eyes peeled.