The Responder stars Martin Freeman in a way many have not seen him. Instead of the genial Dr. Watson or Bilbo Baggins, Freeman plays a police officer with a troubled past who isn't sure of his way back to happiness. His relationships with the rest of the police department are strained, but Freeman somehow still finds the human being in his dark character. This show is certainly not going to make a person laugh much, but the cathartic nature of the plot and the excellent acting will help the viewers forget the low parts of their own days.
- Lee Vowell
FanSided Site Expert
Why we needed this fandom this year
Even in the darkness, there is always light. This might not always be easy to find, but The Responder does not let you forget that ultimately. Freeman's character, Chris Carson, wants to help people even if he does not know how to help himself.
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
The Responder is bleak, and there is no way around that. But just like in Breaking Bad, the anti-hero is worth rooting for. If the show was only about sadness and pessimism, it wouldn't work. But the fact that the show and Martin Freeman leave just enough of an opening for a better future will pull you through.