As ever, they're joined by a host of guest stars in each episode, with one famous face set to pop up in season 4 being that of Victoria Hamilton, the actress best known for her work on shows such as COBRA and The Crown, the latter of which she played the Queen Mother in.
Gouveia and Watkins spoke exclusively with RadioTimes.com about working with Hamilton, and the latter revealed that his character, Dodds, has a "sort of dalliance" with her character, Dora.
Gouveia said: "I loved Victoria Hamilton. I think she was such a pro. I just loved watching her work and then I forget that, ‘Oh, I’m in a scene with her – OK, I better concentrate, step it up!’."
Watkins added: "I had a lot to do with her. It’s a great departure… Dodds fancies her a bit. He actually has a sort of dalliance, or it looks like he’s heading that way, which is very unusual because he’s been shut down in that respect for such a long time. There’s potential with this character."
Victoria Hamilton as Dora in McDonald & Dodds. Mammoth Screen for ITV
Hamilton is set to appear in the show's third episode, so fans will have to wait until then to see how that storyline unfolds.
He said: "I think if you're making a show with [cosy crime] in mind, that's very dangerous. Although it's a whodunnit, [McDonald & Dodds] is quite a complex show.
"In terms of the script, you've got this great conundrum puzzle, but then it might touch on the cultural misappropriation of the blues [and] obviously, because of our relationship, some of the people we meet [display] a slight shadow of racism.
"But it's all played in a very subtle way and instead of it being a gritty documentary about one of those serious subjects, it's actually something that is enjoyable to an audience [but] touches on much more serious subjects."
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
