After the Flood

A pregnant constable, Jo, acts heroically to rescue an infant during torrential rains and flooding. She has been promoted to Trainee Detective at the same time, and, after finding a dead murder victim in an elevator, she is keen to investigate. Too keen, perhaps, as she runs an unauthorized DNA check on the corpse, in haste.

Here's an interesting plot point: apparently, the DNA check, to a PRIVATE database (nothing turned up on the Police version) is ILLEGAL (???) in U. K.--hence, she faces dismissal and even jail time, if caught. Is that true? Maybe in England, but we see historical cases being solved in USA & Canada via those sources. So, the notion that the submission by an officer is a felony seems bizarre. Anyway, she gets a 'hit' and that drives the rest of the story.

I like these Euro 6-part series (3 or 4 is better), but even they can't resist the filler (including needless profanity) that better writers could skip. Nonetheless, good performances by Sophia Rundle (Jo), Lorraine Ashbourne (as her crusading Mom, Jonas Armstrong (her spouse & shifty fellow cop, Lee) and, one of my favs, PHIL GLENISTER, as a shifty contractor, who cuts corners to keep his head above water, wgilst citizens are sinking BELOW water.

The wrap-up is quite unique, with a few characters embroiled in borderline (or serious) violations. What to do? Leave it at that, or run a second season? I'm happy to believe that we can just tie it up THERE and draw our own conclusions --not that easy to predict!

I thought the first episode was very promising as the flood scenes were very realistic indicating it might be a drama series that had cost a lot to make and so would be very good. I also like Philip Glenister and Lorraine Ashworth as actors. The first episode and these two actors account for my 4 star rating. Thereafter the series becomes a typical ITV drama, promising start to reel viewers in leading to a damp squib of an ending. It's also quite obvious that many police dramas are written these days with a female officer/detective showing her male colleagues up to be incompetent. That formula is wearing a bit thin. I can't comment too much on the plot (other than as many holes as a culender.) without giving away spoilers. Overall watchable but do not expect Happy Valley.

I'm writing a review as the ones I've read are so negative. Criticisms involve (a) another strong female lead who knows better than the men. After 70 years of male detectives sweeping the floor with women it's about time the strong female lead takes her place in drama - we need more not less (sorry boys but coercive control tends to be a male thing) and yet the female character is not so strong as to be free of coercive control. Then (b) the dialogue is too ordinary like everyday conversation! As a writer I can tell you that "writing the ordinary" is a ton harder than convoluted language. It also makes the story easy to follow and the characters appear more real. Perhaps those who don't like it simply watch too much TV? Then (c) the so called ridiculous plot. What police drama doesn't have a ridiculous plot? Line of Fantasy Duty? This was believable on-edge stuff with great acting that kept one guessing right to the end - with enough tension and up-to-date themes. The ambiguous characters ensured there could easily be a series 2 and I look forward to watching it.

I wonder whether some of the negative reviews are from viewers who did not stick with it long enough. I did and found, after a slow start, it got me hooked. Excellent acting and production. Plenty of twists in the tale. Left you looking forward to finding out how everybody survived the ending. Special mention to Sophie Rundle who held it all together.

I would guess it suffered from reviewers expecting it to be as good as Happy Valley. Touted as being produced by the same people fed into this expectation. Best to see it as a fine drama in its own right. I look forward to the next series. Don't be put off..

Strange one . The police process , stereotyping of certain characters and the handling of or response to the flooding in ep 1 werent the best and almost suggest it wouldn't be worth watching, although some parts were spot on which kept the attention . A real mix .

As it develops those police glitches remain which does detract , same shift always at work which probably explains why they're so wooden , but the story certainly develops .

The Jo character is a little implausible , doing her own thing and the habit of giving a synopsis to anyone who will listen just in case you're not following becomes a bit irritating but maybe useful for some .

However the story overall is a great one with a few twists as it unravels in front of you . I had no idea who the meanest bad guy was going to turn out to be and he is sinister . (No spoilers )

Worth watching.