Red Cap

Following on from the late 2001 pilot TV movie, Red Cap continues with it's portrayal of the British Army's elite Detective Squad, the Special Investigation Branch.

With star performances from EVERYONE, this is an unmissable show following the detectives each week investigating crimes committed by and against The British Army.

This show has a lot going for it. Thankfully, there are no soapy sub-plots. No romances (yet). And, the stories are fast-paced. It is a great detective show. Ex-Eastenders star Tamzin Outhwaite stars as Sgt. Jo McDonagh, a female trying to fit into what is a male-dominated arena. Other performances to look out for are James Thornton as Staff Sgt. Roper, a bit of a mystery man, but very good at his job. Also, Douglas Hodge plays the irascible Sgt. Major Burns, a man you wouldn't cross but would love to have on your side.

This is a review of Series 1 of Red Cap, which ended on a high (I won't spoil it). It is one of the best shows produced by the BBC these past few years and I hope it returns for a second series.

Red Cap is the best police/mystery series in years - intelligent and original along with a great cast. Good stories which do not meander into contrived "relationship" problems. Jo is a particularly wonderful character. She is intelligent and focused and just happens to be beautiful. This is not a pompous, histrionic or manipulative character (which is undoubtedly what she would be in an American show.)

RedCap gave us a decent Pilot movie and two good seasons. The show demonstrates strong production values and plot driven episodes. The decent plots were bolstered with intelligent scripts; the tiny cliché of envious female colleagues cropped up now and again but this usually served to help things along rather than hinder the action. As a starring vehicle for Tamzin I though she gave an engaging performance and had able support from the rest of the cast. Although this is a crime drama it is set within the British Military Police and allows the show to give us something out of the ordinary. At a time when the TV listings are awash with standard cop shows this was a welcome change. I understand that the previous (1960's) incarnation starring John Thaw was equally good. The BBC said that the show was too expensive (Shot in Germany) for a third series even though it was a ratings winner. I for one would happily pay the licence fee for quality shows like this rather than be force fed naff soaps. All episodes are being offered on Ebay. Why isn't there an official release? Unusual for the BBC not to want more cash!

After enjoying the two hour pilot and Series 1, I couldn't wait for Red Caps return. What a return it made!

With improvements in production and writing it had me gripped for all six 1 hour episodes. The cast really put there all into great story lines which kept you guessing from start to finish. We also get more of an insight in the past and present feelings of all the characters.

Only down side is the ending of episode six, it had to many unfinished story lines, leading me to believe that series 3 was on its way. But, have learnt recently it has been cancelled! So enjoy what has been done and enjoy it.

This is a top rate show and find the actors and the weekly shows to be a top quality and very good viewing. Having been in the Army and knowing what it is like to be a Military Police Officer I can relate to the program very well,the show it self it put together very well and the equipment in the background is very real and one very good point it has the blessing of the British military as shown in the end credits,the only down side of this program is I believe there is to be no series three. I thoroughly recommend this program and will be bitterly disappointed when the series finishes. Yours,

S.L.Dean Australia