Rellik

The now tedious fad of winding a plot backwards or rather in this case not just backwards but in different sequences like a messed up jigsaw is plain annoying. It smacks of the writers being too lazy to write a decent plot so instead they just segment the whole thing mix it up and leave you to do memory games for what must be their entertainment rather than yours. Shame I like the lead actor from Game of Thrones and the leading black actress is pretty compelling. Into episode 3 it's quite obvious unless I have overreached what the twist is going to be. Could have been very good but you just know it won't be.

When I started watching this, the time line ticking back took a little getting used to but by the end of the first episode I was hooked. This is a very compelling, brilliantly original approach to a whodunit drama. The plot is multi layered and enough is served up at each stage to make not binge watching the next episode almost impossible.

The acting was solid in particular Richard Dormer and Isaac Taylor, with Jodi Balfour proving she really is a standout after her notable previous performance in the excellent adaptation of Max Collins's Quarry.

The directing is subtle, slick, and atmospheric where needed without being over egged.

I highly recommend Rellik. If you enjoy the likes of Luther, you will love this. Allow yourself the full first episode to settle into the style of the writing & time line structure and you will be rewarded by this gem of a series that will keep you guessing through it's twists and turns.

The first ep is confusing, as you need to get used to the backward storytelling, as well as the introduction of a lot of new characters. But this turned out to be a totally brilliant series. Some have dissed this series after only 1 ep (I ask you) which is just plain nuts. A few of the reviews just appear to be either seriously dumb, lazy or both. You have to make the effort with this and focus, but it's worth it as the pay-off is dramatic as well as tragic.

The acting of the 2 leads, Richard Dormer and Jodi Balfour is amazing as well as the chemistry between their 2 characters, DCI Gabriel Markham and DI Elaine Shepherd. They are investigating a brutal serial killer who likes to dowse his victims in acid. With each backward jump in time, you'd think there would be less known in the investigation, but actually as viewers we see and learn more. By the end of the 5th episode it's clear who the killer is, then in the finale we jump forward to where the 1st ep left off and move forward as normal, and what a finale! For me this was the best UK TV drama of the year. Nothing else even comes close.

I'll be honest I find this quite difficult to review, I loved it, but everyone I watched it with hated it, calling it confused and muddled, to some extent I see their point of view. Personally I truly enjoyed it, with the exception of the first episode, I came close to switching it off several times I didn't really get into it, from episode two however I was hooked, that was exceptional and set the tone for the rest of the show. Rosalind Eleazar was utterly fabulous in episode two, it was the scenes between her and Richard Dormer that hooked me, exceptional TV. Dormer and Jodi Balfour were superb throughout, making a superb duo, the chemistry was visible. Plaudits also for the makeup team, the work that must have gone into the characters of Markham and Christine is unreal, adding a different dimension to the show. I liked the way the story was told, sadly the general public clearly didn't as the show hemorrhaged its viewers, I wonder had it been told in real time over a shorter term would it have worked better? The last episode was fabulous and certainly worked better the way it was told. Different, quality viewing.

Firstly, I agree with the first review submitted, it is kinda hard to keep a track of what is going on...However, as also acknowledged by the title, it is purposefully done this way, otherwise it would just be another serial killer TV series, with the same old theme, so I think it is a brave attempt at something different, to try and keep your mind guessing!

I have to say though, this is not new, it has been done before, although this is far more adventurous given it spans six episodes.

Overall, I do understand the issue from the first review, but I found once I got used to the time shifts, which admittedly did take me about 20 - 30 minutes, I could keep up with the overall general plot-line, but maybe with missing the odd thing. From what I have understood, time shift occurs around the time when the narrative takes on a specific meaning, if you watch the 'key' bit (no spoilers promise), you will understand what I mean. So this may help if you are yet to watch and intrigued. It also ties up the beginning and end sequences, so you are not left with a totally mind boggling finish, how this will pan out over 6 episodes though I am unsure!

I would recommend this is given a chance, I don't think it has more than one series in it, but then I don't think that is the intention, I believe this is a one off series. Either way, I have marked it based on a fairness for trying new things, but no higher than 7 as once you get the gist of what's going on, there are no dramatically new police story lines (that I can tell), and so it is just a different way of telling the same usual 'cop chases serial killer' story line.