Line of Duty

This is a review of both Season 1 & 2 of this wonderful British series. Although there is a different story line in each of the seasons, there is some continuity in the important characters: the actors Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar and Vicki McClure, among others, appear in both seasons as the same characters. The story in each season deals with a conflict within a police department between the regular forces and the internal affairs or "anti-corruption" unit. Thematically, it is concerned with the moral ambiguities that arise when policemen investigate their own. I think this is one of the best British police procedurals that I have seen. The acting and the writing are uniformly excellent, and I hope it comes back for a third season.

Laid up with my back issues, this series had me riveted and I watched all six seasons in 4 days. I consider this the UK answer to Breaking Bad. Excellent televsion entertainment from all angles: Amazing performances, writing, story, the works! Totally credible!

Complex AF but left no untidy loose ends when it wrapped up. Who could ask for more?

I can. More of this caliber please?

Yes, the final episode of series six of "Line of Duty" was, in a way, disappointing, because we didn't really get all the answers and we didn't get "justice" for everyone. "Chicago P. D." it's not.

What we got was something much closer to reality, the real world, as sad as that may be.

Since "Children of the North" I'll give anything that Adrian Dunbar appears in a chance. Ted Hastings is a truly memorable character, perfectly realised, but everybody connected with "Line of Duty" deserves a standing ovation.

In recent years, I have generally "moved on" from Poirot-Wallander type of series (usually 1 episode - 1 solved case) to more sophisticated and intertwined series where events take place in parallel and with flashbacks, and for full comprehension, one should watch all the episodes in sequence. It take more time and dedication, but there are more versatile characters and more complex situations where one can ponder on and over more intensely.

Line of Duty is a really fine example of the above. The two series - so far - have been really catchy to follow, there is both mind-work and twisted turns, and they are more or less equal (in my opinion, One has a bit stronger performances thanks primarily to Lennie James as DCI Tony Gates, but Two has a bit meatier script). But anyway, I did really enjoy the course of events, the often thin line between cops and crooks (what about its actuality?), and nice round-up of things that really took place. I would juxtapose Line of Duty with e.g. Engrenages (France) and Ørnen: En krimi-odyssé (Denmark).

I am looking forward to next seasons already.

PS. 3, 4 and 5 are meaty as well, please proceed :) PS. 6 has somewhat less interesting outcome, but interesting twists and turns still visible.

I have been a huge fan of this show since season one and it's a rare feet when seasons 2 and 3 surpass the quality of the first. It draws you in and keeps you gripped never failing to end each episode on a cliffhanger which makes you desperate to see the next instalment. The cast is UK A list Aidrian DUnbar, Vicky Mclure, Martin Compson and Keely Hawes who gives the performance of her career in seasons 2 and 3. I'm not one to give plots away, but if your a fan of quality crime drama or Nordic noir I cannot recommend this show highly enough. Just one note of caution if your planning DVD series binge then expect some late nights!