ITV series The Bay returned over the weekend following a two-year hiatus, with Marsha Thomason back as DS Jenn Townsend as she tackles a new case.
However, eagle-eyed viewers noted a bizarre blunder not long into the opening scenes of Monday's episode, leaving one to ask "what's going on?"
It came as a major inconsistency baffled fans as the Morecambe Bay-based series aired a confusing conversation.
DS Townsend joined DI Anthony "Tony" Manning (Daniel Ryan) at a cliffside scene following the discovery of a missing man's body.
The Bay returned for series five on Sunday
ITV
The two began to discuss their next steps, talking about the need for forensic evidence.
While they spoke, the duo referred to how "late" it was on two separate occasions, despite the obvious daylight.
Manning told Townsend she didn't need to stay at the scene "at this hour of the night," and it was later stated forensics would have to begin their work tomorrow due to the late hour.
Viewers were immediately distracted from the plot as they questioned the confusing description.
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Marsha Thomason reprised her role as DS Jenn Townsend
ITV
Taking to X, one viewer asked: "#TheBay they are talking about 'this time of night' but it looks like mid-afternoon."
"What time of night is that, Tony? It only looks about 6PM," a second pointed out.
Another shared: "#thebay is it just me but they keep saying it’s so late at night but it’s clearly daytime you can see the bl**** sun in the sky!"
"Do they think we’re stupid enough to notice that their 'time of night' is literally day time? What’s going on?" one more asked.
"Are they in a different time zone to us because? That's day time my hun," quipped another X user.
"Obvious they are filming through the day and trying to pass it off as night time…" someone else echoed.
However, the series debut also saw some praise from other viewers, with one commenting: "I LOVE THE BAY! It literally makes my week, such gripping storylines every time."
"Anyone else binging The Bay in one go? I simply cannot do split weeks for the episodes," another agreed. (sic)
The opening episode of the new series of the crime drama saw Townsend back at work shortly after her father's death.
Endeavour star Shaun Evans has also joined the cast fresh from his role in the Inspector Morse drama, which concluded in 2023.
He was praised by Manning star Ryan, who recently told The Mirror: "I was very nervous to work with Shaun, interestingly. I guess possibly because he's played the king of the cops, he's played the cop of all cops.
ITV The Bay fans spotted a plot hole just minutes into Monday's episode
ITV
"You're getting directed by Morse and you just think 'Oh, please don't think I'm rubbish', that was my main concern. 'Please don't see through my pretence'."
He went on to describe Evans as "very good to work with," adding the new series "looks amazing".
