The premiere of Irvine Welsh’s latest drama, *Crime*, has certainly caught viewers’ attention, especially with its focus on gender identity.
This comes on the heels of Welsh’s recent comments about feeling uncomfortable with the criticism directed at JK Rowling, which has only added to the intrigue surrounding the show.
The new season kicked off on Wednesday, delving into themes of gender identity that some fans find surprising given Welsh’s past remarks on the subject.
In the first episode of the second series, we follow Ray Lennox, portrayed by Dougray Scott, as he grapples with his sobriety while investigating a gruesome serial killer.
This killer is targeting victims in a particularly brutal manner, and the case hits close to home for Ray when it ties back to an attack on his former colleague, played by Rebecca Root, who is undergoing a gender transition.
The plot also features Ray’s nephew, Fraser, who shocks his family by attending a dinner in a dress. This scene escalates into a heated argument with Fraser’s mother, who insists on traditional gender norms.
Viewer Reactions
As the episode aired, viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their thoughts on the show’s handling of transgender issues.
Some viewers were intrigued by how Welsh, given his previous Twitter commentary on the trans debate, would address these themes in the plot. Others were enthusiastic about the series, praising it for its compelling opening and strong performances, particularly by Dougray Scott.
However, there was some frustration among fans who noted that the series had already been available on ITVX, leading to confusion about the “new” season.
Welsh’s Perspective on Trans Rights
In a recent interview with *The Times*, Welsh shared his views on JK Rowling and the broader debate about trans rights. While he admitted he doesn’t know Rowling personally, he expressed his discomfort with the way she’s been vilified and emphasized that the discussion about trans rights should not come at the expense of women’s rights.
Welsh further explained his decision to include trans characters in *Crime* during a talk at the Edinburgh TV Festival. He highlighted that the show explores a universal theme of personal discomfort and struggle, not limited to trans characters alone.
Commitment to Sensitive Representation
To ensure that the portrayal of gender identity was handled with care, Welsh included a trans advisor on set. This step was taken to address these sensitive issues thoughtfully and authentically, reflecting Welsh’s commitment to respectful representation in his drama.
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