By Tianna Corbin

Copyright glasgowlive

Warning this article contains spoilers for the first episode of Coldwater*.

ITV viewers were left underwhelmed on Sunday night during the premiere of the new series, Coldwater.

The six-part drama follows a family who relocate to the rural Scottish haven of Coldwater after a violent incident in a London park, witnessed by John – played by Andrew Lincoln who admitted he initially turned down the role twice.

However, it appears that the show failed to captivate audiences from the outset, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment, reports the Daily Record.

One viewer lamented: “Cold, stormy Sunday meant a sofa day – but my goodness the hype around #coldwater ended in such a let down! Had to switch off.. Great cast – storyline not so much.”

Echoing, another person responded: “I’m 15 mins in and seriously considering doing the same.”

A third viewer shared: “So far very uninspiring this drama. Just ridiculous decisions being made by people. All a bit odd. Onto episode 2.”

Another added: “I was going to give #coldwater ago, but after that start I’m thinking twice.”

One viewer criticised: “Every character has been totally unbelievable so far #coldwater.”

However, it appeared as though some viewers were backing the new series as one person commented: “11 minutes into streaming the 1st episode on ITVX and I’ve found myself gasping with shock with my hand over my mouth AND laughing out loud. Very promising and #AndrewLincoln is delivering as usual.”

Another posted: “#Coldwater has been gripping so far. It’s definitely one of my favourite Andrew Lincoln performances since #TheWalkingDead!”.

Meanwhile in the programme, John and his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) encounter their new neighbours, Tommy (Ewen Bremner) and Rebecca (Eve Myles).

Whilst John is immediately taken with Tommy, the same cannot be said for his wife, who appears less than enthusiastic.

Later, John chooses to go for a night-time jog, where he encounters a violent individual in the woods with whom he’d previously clashed.

As the situation intensifies, John strikes the man with a rock, abandoning him for dead.

Racing home in terror and drenched in blood, he’s abruptly disturbed by Tommy, to whom he reveals what has just unfolded.

While his neighbour seems understanding, advising him to retire to bed, wash up and remain silent about the incident, there appears to be something more sinister afoot.

Nevertheless, matters take a sinister twist when Tommy chooses to travel to the crime scene, where he discovers a very much breathing man attempting to seek assistance following the assault.

Though it first appears he intends to help, Tommy murders the man and transports him to a caravan, where he ignites the entire structure. A synopsis for the series reads: “When John’s long-repressed rage finally explodes with disastrous results, he finds himself unexpectedly indebted to his new friend. But how long will it take for him to figure out just how dangerous Tommy really is?”.

The second episode hints that John is battling to deal with the shame of his actions, oblivious to the fact that he didn’t actually murder the man.

Though a strange hunting expedition shifts his outlook, it appears that Tommy’s grip over him is strengthening.