Storytelling remains classic whodunit fare focused on investigation, secrets, and human fallibility, with no overt social justice lectures, identity-politics premises, or critiques of patriarchy or systemic oppression as narrative drivers. The main progressive element is the casting of mixed-race actress Carlyss Peer as DS Kate Miskin, a recurring sidekick originally depicted without specified non-white ethnicity in the source novels; this change introduces 1970s racial dynamics as a subplot layer alongside her gender and class background, creating rivalry with DS Masterson.

Other supporting roles show standard period-appropriate casting without forced alterations to core characters or settings. Audience and critic responses note the adaptation's fidelity to the books' tone and spirit, with only incidental commentary on the diversity update rather than widespread backlash or praise for messaging.