In Plain Sight

Looking for advice on the new Miss Mary McCormack drama with the same name I clicked this one by accident. It seemed more interesting, so I streamed all 3 episodes. Oh so glad I did. It is a Police drama set in 1980s Scotland, which I can only describe as a sort of whodunnit in reverse. Very recommendable.

Seemingly, everything should be in place - the script based on true characters and events, leading roles performed by good character actors (Douglas Henshall and Martin Compston), apparently realistic observance of the era, 3 episodes only... But something was not there - and I am unable to express what exactly; or perhaps I am spoilt by so many good UK series, including with the presence of the actors mentioned. Usually I tend to eagerly wait for the following episode, but not with this series. Partially because the solution was known anyway.

Still, In Plain Sight is above average and if interested in realistic crime with historical touch, then your time is not wasted.

Compelling good guy / bad guy duel.

Captivating procedural set in 1950s Scotland... and that's what is going to make it heavy going for some - because the dialogue is entirely in Scottish.

But I reckon it's worth the effort because this is a really good, unpretentious and straightforward yarn based somewhat on real events which devastated a small Scottish community back at a time when a murder was always front page news.

A Lanarkshire police detective, William Muncie (all-around good cop and family man) is living in an age where cops plod along looking for cold hard facts and old fashioned evidence. The idea of people killing just for fun doesn't compute and Muncie has a tough time selling his newfangled ideas.

The story is simple and focuses on the drama and conflictions between the good and the evil of the two leads. The conclusion is inevitable so our focus is guided more towards the drama rather than the action. And the drama is gripping in parts, scary in other parts and always tense.

Both leads are excellent although it has to be said that Martin Compston is particularly compelling as the baddie. Thankfully this commercial TV production didn't feel the need to trot out the same tired faces to play all the parts so it has an added bonus of feeling fresh and original.

Of the two IMDb reviews submitted so far the American complained that the pacing was sluggish and the Brit seemed to not have an issue with that. Worth bearing in mind before you engage yourself to this. As with all British TV, the locations, cinematography and attention to set details are world class.

If you binge watch all 3 episodes it racks up just over two hours of your time of which I'm sure you'll think was well spent.

Great acting, great cast, extremely well made series based on true events in my eyes its a must see show.

A gruesome tale well told, set in one of my favorite places on earth. I always enjoy learning more about Scotland's history, even the darker stories. The cast members play their roles well, and the storyline tracks history pretty closely. Of course, some details are missing, but the important stuff is there. Watch it. Now, to plan another trip to Scotland...