Criminal Record

I really enjoyed Criminal Record. Some reviewers claim they've seen the same story a thousand times, but that's nonsense. Yes, it's a police procedural, but there are a bunch of different threads interwoven that keep the viewer guessing until the final scene - and then opens up another possible can of worms right before the credits roll. The acting by the two leads (Jumbo and Capaldi) is first-rate. They play off each other like a cat and a mouse - and neither of them is above breaking the rules to get what they want. As far as complaints that the show is too long and drawn out, I hear that time and again about pretty much every show I watch. Personally, I think people have forgotten about letting a story unfold at its own pace, rather than cramming non-stop action and cliffhangers into every episode. Criminal Record may not be the best or most original show ever, but I think 8.5/10 is a fair rating for this excellent series. I don't think Apple TV+ has any plans for another season, but if they do I'll certainly be watching.

As a US resident I've become used to a particular approach to the subject of racism in policing, perhaps more closely hewing to stories originating in the states versus in the UK where this show is set.

The characters and their situations are more nuanced then many I see in crime dramas. After 4 episodes I am still not completely certain of the motivations of one(of the two) major characters. I suspect there is more beneath the surface then is readily apparent, but I'm not certain, and I'm enjoying the (potential) shades of gray as they surface.

The acting is impressive and the script well written.

In summation, if your looking for a formulaic approach each episode you will probably be disappointed. Stereotypical characters, ditto.

I could still be let down by where the show leads, in which case I will come back and modify my score and this associated review, but for now I'm enjoying the ride.

As Episode 1 of "Criminal Record; 2024 release from the UK; 8 episodes ranging from 43 to 53 min) opens, we are in London, and introduced to Chief Inspector Hagerty, who does an Uber-like gig on the side for extra money. In a parallel story, a woman is calling 999 (the British equivalent of our 911) to report domestic abuse by her boyfriend. Along the way, the caller makes an astonishing revelation about a crime committed in 2012... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this crime mini-series is the brainchild of British writer and producer Paul Rutman ("Indian Summers"). Here he brings the story of how a Black man may have been wrongly convicted and imprisoned for a crime committed over a decade ago. The mini-series is plot heavy so the less said, the better. Suffice to say that it plots a senior cop who is a white male against a junior cop who is a Black female. Things are tense from the get-go. Check out the very first meeting (in Episode 1) between the two lead characters. To say things are awkward and uncomfortable would be a serious understatement. It also sets the table nicely for things to come. Not enough praise can be given to the lead performers: Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are simply stellar, and the key reason why this miji-series makes for great viewing.

"Criminal Record" premiered on Apple TV a few weeks back. We are now exactly halfway through. The remainder 4 episodes will be released on Wednesday evenings. I just caught up with the initial 4 episodes, and can attest that there is good reason why "Criminal Record" us currently rated 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a top quality crime mini-series, Id; readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

This is a great social commentary than a simple murder mystery. Story makes a precisely deep cut on the feel-good fabric to prove how unconscious narratives are constructed during profilings and prosecution. Dramatization of a complex topic such as this is remarkable. Excellent work by the cast living each character realistically. Great visuals to express the inequality and the social decay it's causing setting a chaotic background for the plot. Unique audio effects and music. The story is a slow burn and messy as a thriller but it's expression of the society makes the watch well worthy of time.

The acting from the two leads doesn't get much better. Jumbo and Capaldi give an absolute masterclass in acting. Cush Jumbo gives an incredibly nuanced performance expressing emotion and feeling with every word and look. Capaldi suitably scary as the big bad cop. The story has twists and turns and keeps you guessing. There really is very little to dislike about this show. If you like quality drama it's definitely worth giving it a go. Some reviewers have decided the show is about white folk always being cast as villains but I'd suggest they're bringing some already existing hang ups and looking for ways to reinforce the view. I didn't find any evidence of any prejudices in the way the story was told or cast.