No Offence

I dispute the IMDb tagline, "Follows a group of police officers on the front line wondering what they did to end up where they are now, on the ugly side of Manchester." This seems written offhand by someone not in the know who didn't actually watch the series. One of the most distinguishing features of this fictional police unit is its being led by an intelligent, funny, high-spirited woman who is confident, with reason, and doesn't conform to the image stereotype of women on TV. She doesn't care about her body type and doesn't care about anyone who does. The bonding among the female and the male members in the unit is more convincing and appealing than in other police dramas I've watched. The humour is just plain fun. I've been thoroughly entertained watching the first 3 series on Acorn TV here in Canada and I really hope there'll be a 4th series.

I have noticed a couple of bad reviews for this show but, all I have to say in response to these is, take a look for yourself. No, it may not be to everyone's taste but, tell me something that is? Personally, I love it! I've now watched the first 3 episodes aired on C4 and the kind of 'gallows humour' contained therein really is appealing to anyone who works in an industry that is, oftentimes, so dire and dreadful that humour is the only coping mechanism left open to you. But, that said, as my title implies, this show has been created for ENTERTAINMENT purposes only! If you aren't entertained, then watch something else, it's that simple. However, that said, I would like to point out that not everyone was initially impressed with Paul Abbot's other creation, Shameless, and now look what's happened there! A great deal of the population are being entertained by that one, from OAP's to indolent teens, it's a winner across the board without doubt. If these two shows are examples of what Mr Abbot is capable of then I say "create away Paul, you damn genius!" I would like to point out here that yes, I am a child from a school playground put into an adult's body, as are we all, and anyone so full of their own self importance to say they are not, needs to take the stick from out their a**e! Tee hee! Puerile enough for you? ;-)

Just to strike some balance against the review titled 'total trash'. (Written by someone in the US two days before the UK show premiered in the UK??)

It's not 'shocktainment.' I have no idea which scene that's supposed to relate to, if any. The only body you see is on a mortuary slab: just the face, rest beneath a sheet. There is a mildly gross X-ray image in the background, relating to an, er, unusual car crash. You might not like the humour, but it is included AS humour.

If he/she means the 'splat' moment at the start, it only lasts a second and you don't see anything, really. It's no worse than any of the deaths in Midsomer Murders, and no one compares those to torture TV.

It's a black comedy. And if some of the humour seems, as another reviewer says, to 'belong in the playground,' well, the clue is in the title of the series. People say 'no offence' when they are about to say something awful. It's meant to be outrageous in places.

It parodies the standard police drama, while still being one. Turns a few clichés on their heads. And adds some realism: a heroine jumping in a city river to save someone probably does need antibiotics more than a medal afterwards.

Can't wait to see where it goes from here.

One of the best cop shows, comedy-wise. Great portrayals of strong female officers along with witty comebacks. Wish there were more episodes. If you take offense at off-color jokes - stay away. You are too weak to handle this!

I've read the previous reviews, one stands out. So I'm making my stand, on my opinion of the show. From the first episode, I have not only watched the story progress, due to the camera work, the actors and, for me, a totally new feel to a cop show. The character development hasn't felt forced, it seems to have evolved with the main story, leaving questions at every turn. I would suggest, which I have, to anyone who likes a clever plot and very likable cast to give their 'once over'. Again I must mention the acting, after seeing Elaine Cassidy in Paradise I had just the one image of her, and I took her for her character. Boy does she shine in this show. Alexandra Roach playing the 'by default' boss is truly awesome. This show is a joy to watch, and a pleasure to suggest. Happy Viewing :)