The Five

I regard myself as an exacting and selective viewer of crime series/dramas - although I have seen hundreds of them, both "old" ones with a crime per episode, and "modern" ones where cases and participants intertwine and 1-2 cases dominate the whole series.

Following the Scandinavians, the Brits have found the latter's perks as well, and when based on a solid author's works (here: Harlan Coben), the result is versatile and pleasing. References to the past, mysterious events then and now, plot of several levels, realistic characters and - last but not least - performed by a cast as a team (still, I would spotlight Tom Cullen, Lee Ingleby, Michael Maloney, Geraldine James) makes The Five one of the most captivating crime series in recent years. As the scenes passed smoothly and mysteries were logically substantiated, then even the "sweet", "non-British" ending did not impair my general opinion of this series.

And as I did not guess the real thing behind this DNA issue, I can easily give my 8 strong points and recommend it to all those fond of mystery thrill without the helping hand of a vigilante or superhero.

The squealing sound effects were so distracting and annoying in episode one, I couldn't continue to watch. Too bad since the premise was interesting.

The disappearance of a young boy some decades previously is the scene setter for a complex mystery drama from the pen of Harlan Coben. When the child's DNA appears at a crime scene, the four friends charged with his care must confront the ghosts of their past and resolve the mystery and conflicting hopes of their present life. The plot successfully weaves in and out between mystery thriller, police procedural and personal drama. The four lead characters are well written and, crucially, well contrasted. Each actor can hold the screen in progressing the narrative and the different personal narratives dovetail very well. are The casting of their younger selves is excellent. Good supporting cast too, with back stories complimenting the central narrative. Tight direction keeps us apace with the many twists and turns in the plot. The end is both surprising and convincing. Really superior drama. Strangely, considering the addiction to series these days, the story is so self-contained that it's hardly likely to spawn a sequel. Nevertheless, writing and direction and acting of such high calibre that some future collaboration would be welcome.

I love this show. Great cast, scripts, directing, the whole ball of w. All the twists and turns and things you expect.

My one and only problem is the sound editing and music. I guess that's really two problems. The music is...well, it's just bad. But it's also really loud. This is a perennial joke in the music business: "How was the band?" "They were awful. But at least they were really loud!"

But that's bearable. What is unbearable is the recurring, ear-splitting 2.7Khz tone that keeps floating in and out. If you have tinnitus, be wary when watching this show. Watch it! But watch out. Especially with headphones. That tone is goddawful. I can still hear it shrieking around in my head.

Otherwise, fantastic.

Finally finished watching this with my partner and what a superb ending (don't worry, no spoilers!). With the exception of the nonsensical notion that the main characters, despite not being policeman and worse, being witness to the crime in question, are constantly allowed to be involved in the investigation, this series was perfect...

An excellent story (I shall have to pick up a couple of Harlan Coben novels I think), incredible acting across the whole cast, a great soundtrack, well-rounded characters, superb casting (especially where different actors were required for the same characters 20 years apart). I could go on, but in short, if you haven't started this already, do! It's still available on Sky/Now TV Box Sets at the time of writing.

It's shows like this and Utopia which so many US TV shows (which seem to get all the plaudits) really should take note of. No dragging out of episodes where you wait 6 episodes just to get 1 new piece of information. No leaving cliffhangers at the end of the 1st series to leave it open for a 2nd. None of this 'oh well you've got to get through the first 2 seasons, but then it gets good, honestly'. Just a perfect one off series which is rounded off properly and if anything moves a little too quickly. Seriously, each episode contains the equivalent of around 3 'US season finale' type moments, you'll find yourself rewinding just to make sure you'd seen things right.