The Smoke

with Jodie Whittaker going to be the next Doctor Who this drama is cheap on DVD at the moment.

It was heavily promoted when it was broadcast but got a mixed reaction. It is interesting but flawed.

It is too influenced by American style concentration on the lives of the characters rather than the job (fire and rescue). But it is worth a watch,good cast and interesting stories.

Being someone who lamented the loss of Sirens recently, I was hoping for another take on the emergency services, as anything which pays testament to their duty in a tasteful way has my complete blessing.

The Smoke did not disappoint.

Opening with a darkened set for a dark plot moment, the visual effects were more than eye-catching and bestrewed realism from the off. This is matched by a shocking moment near the pilot's end (you'll know it when you see it), with both of these moments being sandwiched by some truly brilliant acting. Jamie Bamber is as good as ever, but his supporting cast has proved in only forty minutes that they are up to the task of making this show high-quality in all departments for, hopefully, a long time to come. The humour and playful banter was rife, but easily replaced by a realistic notion of severity when on-the-job.

The job of a fireman itself is portrayed as brutal in many aspects, with evidence proving that the oh-so important work isn't always respected by pedestrians, and with the possible injuries sustained being showcased as truly horrific. The Smoke pulls no punches in this regard, and it certainly fits its 9PM time slot. But I have no complaints. I don't shy from what some may label 'gratuitous' threat, as it smacks of the realism I want the entire show to be associated with.

Although there is much more to come, this one episode has given me hope for the future. If the rest of the series lives up to what I've just watched, we're in for a dramatic roller-coaster of a show.

10/10

When I saw the trailer for 'The Smoke' it looked promising. I remember watching London's Burning as a kid and when I became a firefighter the series was just ending and not to soon as it had become very unrealistic.

So a new British firefighting drama on Sky, this must be good as Sky have produced some cracking dramas. As a serving firefighter for 13 years now I want the public to see a good representation of the UK fire service but in a drama that will win awards. The fire service has gone through a lot of monumental changes since I joined and unless you are in the job or know someone who is then I feel the general public will not appreciate what happens.

'The Smoke' so far has been a disastrous representation of the UK fire service and makes me and other firefighters angry. The procedural errors and wholly inaccurate work environment really doesn't show the UK fire service in a good light, and makes us look like a bunch of incompetent buffoons.

Firefighters of the UK Fire Service are highly trained and highly competent professionals and whom strive to serve their local communities.

Unfortunately 'The Smoke' gets a big thumbs down and is a huge disappointment, at least 'London's Burning' had the backing and technical adviser support of the London Fire Brigade.

Read the other comments with interest.

However, I would point out, this is an entertainment programme, not a factual documentary on firefighters.

Chill and enjoy!

Programmes like The Smoke are not meant to reflect real life.

They are there purely to entertain.

I think The Smoke does entertain and not for one moment am I daft enough to think it is a true reflection of our fire service.

I guess there are those out there who believe aliens haven't come to Earth because they think Torchwood exists!!

Or does it?

This series is fantastic, gripping with an underlying story running the whole way through along with different story lines each week. It is also very funny. It contains great characters and addresses many issues, abuse, relationships, racism, sexism, adoption etc. The relationships between the characters is very well portrayed and believable and I like the various situations fire fighters are required to attend rather than just showing fire after fire each week which a lot of previous shows have provided. The gritty situations particularly between Kev and ASBO are heartfelt but passionate which makes for a great central story. I will be sad when this finishes, I have loved every moment.