Ca t of Trace (TV Serie ): Full Li t of Actor and Character
For fans of British crime dramas, Traces offers a tense, character-driven story set in Scotland’s forensic world. The series follows a young intern caught in a murder investigation that ties back to her mother’s death, and it’s the cast that brings those emotional stakes to life.
Seasons: 2 · Episodes: 12 · Original network: BBC Alibi · First aired: 2019 · Last aired: 2022 · Main cast size: 6
Quick snapshot
- No official reason given for ending after season 2
- Whether a third season could ever be revived
- Exact cancellation reasons remain unconfirmed
- Whether the show will be picked up by international streaming services
- Whether the cast would return for a potential revival
- No season 3 – series ended in 2022
- Available on BBC iPlayer and Alibi catch-up
Ten key facts, one pattern: the series balances a compact cast against a richly layered forensic crime story.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full title | Traces (TV series) |
| Genre | Crime drama |
| Creator | Amelia Bullmore |
| Original network | BBC Alibi |
| First episode date | 2019 |
| Last episode date | 2022 |
| Number of seasons | 2 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Main cast | Molly Windsor, Laura Fraser, Jennifer Spence, Martin Compston, Michael Nardone, John Gordon Sinclair |
| Filming location | Dundee, Scotland |
How many seasons and episodes are there of Traces?
Season 1 overview
- Episodes: 6 – premiered 9 December 2019 on Alibi
- Story arc: Intern Emma Hedges joins a forensic team and reopens her mother’s unsolved murder.
- Cast introduction: All six main actors appear, establishing the central trio of Emma, Sarah Gordon, and Kathy Torrance.
Season 2 overview
- Episodes: 6 – released February 2022
- Story arc: Emma and the team face a new case involving a high‑profile murder trial.
- New cast additions: Morayo Akandé as Trina, Phil McKee as Jimmy Levin (Rotten Tomatoes)
Who are the main actors in Traces?
Main cast list
- Molly Windsor as Emma Hedges – the forensic intern at the centre of the mystery (Wikipedia)
- Laura Fraser as Sarah Gordon – a chemistry professor at the University of Tayside
- Jennifer Spence as Kathy Torrance – a professor of forensic anthropology (TV Guide)
- Martin Compston as Daniel MacAfee – construction company director and Emma’s romantic interest
- Michael Nardone as DI Neil McKinven – the lead detective
- John Gordon Sinclair as Professor Hans – head of the forensic team
Supporting characters
- Morayo Akandé as Trina (season 2) (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Phil McKee as Jimmy Levin (season 2) (Rotten Tomatoes)
- John Bett as Judge (season 2) (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Robert McCafferty as Bar Officer (season 2) (Rotten Tomatoes)
The compact main cast means every character carries significant weight – when an actor disappears in season 2, viewers notice the hole more than in sprawling ensemble dramas.
Is Traces worth watching?
Positive aspects
- Strong female leads – Windsor, Fraser, and Spence anchor the drama with credible forensic detail.
- Compact, bingeable format – two seasons of six episodes each, no filler.
- Scottish setting adds atmospheric authenticity, even if mostly filmed in Bolton.
- Audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes are generally positive, particularly praising the cast.
Criticisms
- Pacing can feel slow – the procedural elements sometimes outrun the emotional stakes.
- Limited episodes mean some plot threads are resolved too quickly.
- Not all critics were convinced; some found the forensic jargon heavy.
What do critics say about Traces?
Critical reception overview
- Rotten Tomatoes aggregated critic scores place the series in the “fresh” range, though exact audience numbers vary (Rotten Tomatoes).
- General consensus: the cast elevates a competent but not groundbreaking crime script.
- Comparisons to other Scottish crime dramas (e.g., Shetland) highlight Traces’ smaller scope.
Notable reviews
The Dundee setting is used beautifully – the city becomes another character in the forensic puzzle.
— The Scots Magazine (review of season 1)
Strong performances from the core cast make even the slower episodes worth watching.
— Rotten Tomatoes audience review
The pattern: critics agree that Traces succeeds because its actors sell the science and the emotion in equal measure.
Where was Traces filmed?
Main filming locations
- The series is set in Dundee, Scotland, but the majority of filming took place in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
- Key Dundee landmarks are referenced in dialogue, and some exterior shots use Scottish backdrops.
Dundee as a setting
- The fictional University of Tayside and surrounding streets anchor the forensic team’s world.
- Dundee’s industrial‑waterfront character gives the show a distinct visual identity that Manchester stands double for.
If you visit Dundee hoping to see the exact lab or lecture hall, you’ll be disappointed – but the city’s spirit is woven into the script and character dialogue.
The implication: the show’s visual identity relies more on script than on-location shooting.
Is there a season 3 for Traces?
Renewal status
- No season 3. The series concluded with its second season in 2022.
- IMDb lists the series as 2019–2022, confirming it has ended.
- BBC Alibi has not announced any revival or spin‑off.
Reasons for ending
- No official explanation has been given, but the story arcs in season 2 provide a natural conclusion.
- Budget and scheduling constraints are common reasons for such decisions, though unconfirmed.
Traces timeline
- 2019: Season 1 premieres on Alibi (9 December)
- 2020: Season 1 concludes; no immediate renewal
- 2022: Season 2 released in February
- 2022: Series concludes; no season 3 announced
- 2024: BBC One broadcasts both seasons (30 March)
The catch: despite a two‑year gap between seasons, the narrative never lost its core audience – and the 2024 BBC One run introduced the show to a wider terrestrial audience.
What we know for sure
- Traces has exactly 2 seasons and 12 episodes
- The main cast includes Molly Windsor, Laura Fraser, Jennifer Spence, Martin Compston, Michael Nardone, and John Gordon Sinclair
- Filming was primarily in Bolton, despite the Dundee setting
- No season 3 has been produced or announced
- The series is available on BBC iPlayer and Alibi catch‑up
For UK viewers who missed the original run, Molly Windsor’s performance is easy to catch on the 2024 BBC One broadcast – but don’t expect a continuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the lead character in Traces?
Emma Hedges, played by Molly Windsor, is the lead character – a forensic intern whose personal history drives the plot.
How many main characters are there?
There are six main cast members across both seasons.
Which actor plays DCI Neil McKinven?
Michael Nardone plays DI (or DCI) Neil McKinven, the lead detective.
Are there any recurring actors across both seasons?
Yes, the core six actors appear in both seasons, while season 2 adds new supporting characters.
What network produced Traces?
The series was produced for and originally aired on BBC Alibi.
Can I watch Traces on streaming?
Yes, it is available on BBC iPlayer and Alibi catch‑up services.
Is Traces based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional crime drama created by Amelia Bullmore from an original idea by Val McDermid.
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