Broadchurch has garnered critical acclaim ever since the first season aired back in 2013. Following the discovery of the body of a young boy, Danny Latimer, on the beach, the small town of Broadchurch was rocked by the murder and everyone became a suspect, as DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), tried to solve the crime. Ultimately, it was discovered that Miller's husband had murdered the boy, and Broadchurch season 2 focused on his trial.

Following the end of the second season, season 3 was immediately announced. This season of Broadchurch will be its last, as showrunner Chris Chibnall is moving on to Doctor Who, taking over from the departing Steven Moffat. While not a lot is known about the plot for the third season, it will reunite Detectives Hardy and Miller as they investigate a serious sexual assault in the aftermath of the Danny Latimer case. The first teaser for Broadchurch season 3 has now dropped online from BBC America, as you can see above.

It is possible (and this is only a theory) that the short teaser above gives us some clues about what to expect from Broadchurch season 3. As Miller, Colman looks tearful and worried, while there is also a shot of her son, Tom, looking at Mark Latimer as he's led away by what looks like two lawyers. Fans of Broadchurch will recall that Tom spent a lot of time visiting with Danny's dad, Mark, alone in a caravan before he eventually testified against Mark in the murder trial. Tom was also estranged from his mother for much of the series, blaming her for her dad's incarceration. At  the end of season 2, Joe Miller was found not guilty, but hounded from the town by his ex-wife and the Latimer family. Could Tom be trying to get revenge on those who drove his father away, or did something awful happen in that caravan?

Another cast member returning for Broadchurch season three, is Arthur Darvill (also of Doctor Who and Legends of Tomorrow fame) as Reverend Paul Coates. His character often served as a viewer decoy during the two previous seasons - and though he might not have been guilty of murder, there is something deeply suspicious about him. Could we see him being accused of something? It's a real possibility.

So far, only one actress is known to be joining Broadchurch in a substantial role in season 3. Julie Hesmondhalgh is best known in the U.K. for her role in the soap opera Coronation Street, as transgender cafe owner, Hayley Cropper, a role for which she has won much critical acclaim. She will take on the role of Trish Winterman in Broadchurch - and though she is said to play a key role, it is not known how she will fit into the narrative.

One final thing to watch out for, is the health of Alec Hardy. He has been battling illness since Broadchurch season one, and gradually getting worse. Will the end of Broadchurch coincide with the end of everyone's favorite moody detective? Either way, at least Tennant's next role after Broadchurch wraps up (voicing Scrooge McDuck in Disney XD's DuckTales reboot) will let the actor show off his lighter side again.

Broadchurch does not have an exact air date yet, but will return to ITV in the U.K., and BBC America in the U.S. in 2017.

Source: BBC America