Red Cap

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.)

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.

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!

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Following on from the successful pilot episode first broadcast in December 2001,Red Cap has now been made into a six-part TV series for the BBC.Initially,it seemed like a bit of a gamble turning a successful,one-off episode into a continuous series which could wear the premise thin and make the stories become predictable or silly.But,on the contrary,the stories in the Red Cap series really require you to use your brain,and full of interesting and exciting twists and turns that sustain viewer interest right until the end.You have to pay attention to everything that is being said and inferred so that you don't lose track of the story,and this is always a great thing with thrillers.Tamzin Outhwaite is also extremely well cast as the heroine of the story,and is very engaging to watch perform.Fine programming from the BBC.Gee,if only they'd show it on Saturday night.****

Sergeant Jo McDonagh is a member of the Special Investigations Branch of the Military Police in the British Army. Her unit is stationed in Germany. The unit's role is to investigate serious crimes, often murders, involving the British Army.

Great crime-drama. Certainly not your average crime-drama, as it is set in a military base and the crimes involve British Army soldiers (as victims, or perpetrators, or both). Brings together a military setting with detective work - what could be better?

Good plots, all filled with a decent amount of intrigue and suspense, plus some good character depth make for a great series.