Criminal Record

I admired and appreciated this memorable series more than I enjoyed it. The power and control of the lead male detective Dan Hegarty and his veteran cohorts - all (not coincidentally) older white males - to bend the law, exert their biases, intimidate colleagues and shape events and outcomes to their liking was chilling.

Veteran DCI Hegarty (a frightening Peter Capaldi) and younger colleague June Lenker (the phenomenal Cush Jumbo) clash over her questioning of an old murder conviction Hegarty and cohorts obtained against Errol Mathis, a black man.

The main plot plays against a myriad of personal and family problems afflicting all characters. Some scenes are stressful to watch, and Capaldi's character by the third episode made my stomach tighten with every appearance.

The script is unflinching, the acting is first-rate and the bigger-picture story of unequal justice is memorably driven home. But if it's escapist entertainment you seek, look elsewhere.

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.

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.

An excellent series with exceptional performances and writing. Being addicted to British crime dramas and having seen whatever I can get my hands on, I could tell right off the bat that it was going to really hold my attention and be a truly satisfying watch. Racism being at its core and intricately weaving its flashbacks from 12 years prior with present day, what arresting police officers considered to be an open and shut murder case and for which the accused was found guilty has suddenly been brought into question. A fearful young woman's call to a crisis center regarding a current and similar murder inquiry draws DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo), a young mixed race mother, to eventually cross paths with the steely and enigmatic DCI Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi), the officer in charge of the original investigation and nearing the end of his career. Who was the woman at the other end of the line and what abruptly dragged her away from the phone? And just what kind of police officer is Daniel Hegarty? Can she prove her suspicions and vindicate a potentially innocent man?

It is disappointing to see the focus of some of the negative reviews posted. As this is a drama set in contemporary times, it deals with the issues perfectly illustrated by the differing perspectives cited here. What sadly is being overlooked or even ignored is that this story is also about the powerful bond between parents and their children, and the lengths some will go to in order to do what they believe to be in a child's best interest. I do hope that this moving series will receive the support it needs to warrant a sequel.

It took me a while to get into this series, but I'm glad I did.

It accurately captures the zeitgeist of inner-city policing during the austerity years; over a decade of funding cuts mixed with the normalisation of xenophobia and racism that were an inevitable consequence.

It's a (very) slow burn that frequently keeps the viewer flipping between sympathies. Personally, I love a series that challenges me to keep guessing who are the good guys and who are the bad guys! Ably assisted in this drama by a superb cast whose complex characters you couldn't help but like.

Simply put, Criminal Record could be described as a dish best served cold. And for everyone who didn't make it to the end? Your loss.

The last 10 minutes made the wait soooooo worthwhile! Well played everyone.