Innocent

Directed by Richard Clark, Innocent is a four-part whodunit that is half by-the-book, paint-by-numbers, nothing-you-haven't-seen-before, and half superbly and realised and expansive family drama. The show begins with David Collins (Lee Ingleby) being acquitted for the murder of his wife, having already spent seven years in jail for the crime. Viewers are never left in any doubt as to Collins's innocence, which does have the unfortunate side-effect of making the characters who are convinced of his guilt seem either naive or antagonistic-by-default. Collins's quest to uncover the truth and learn why people he trusted lied during his trial is never especially gripping, with no real urgency, no major twists, and a decided sense of "is that it?"

Where the show really succeeds, however, is in the depth of Matthew Arlidge and Chris Lang's depiction of the secondary characters whose lives are changed irreparably as the effects of Collins's release ripple outward; his brother Phil (Daniel Ryan), with whom he moves in; his sister-in-law Alice (Hermione Norris), whose testimony that he beat his wife was an important factor in his conviction; her amiable husband Rob (Adrian Rawlins); DCI William Beech (Nigel Lindsay), the original lead investigator, who may (or may not) have suppressed evidence; DI Cathy Hudson (Angel Coulby), the new lead investigator, who also happens to be Beech's girlfriend; Collins's children, Jack (Fionn O'Shea) and Rosie (Eloise Webb), who were adopted by Alice and Rob after the trial; Tom Wilson (Elliot Cowan), Collins's former best friend, whose failure to provide him an alibi led to his conviction; Melissa Wilson (Hannah Britland), Tom's wife, who suspects he knows more than he's letting on; and Louise Wilson (Christine Cole), Tom's ex-wife, who left him after she discovered his affair with Melissa. Each of these characters are given a fair amount of dialogue, screen time, and character development as the show lets the whodunit plot fade somewhat into the background, and it's here where the narrative is at its most enjoyable. It's not going to change your life, but it's worth a look.

This a fine piece of television with a constantly weaving story line that keeps you rivited to your seat. All the characters are well acted and the direction is top class. Best of all, it keeps us thinking - there is no chance to nod off or or pop out to put the kettle on - you'd miss too much. The atmosphere of the coast comes through really well - Hayling Island near Portsmouth is a relatively unknown place to non-boating folk and has a bit of a reputation as a caravan/holiday camp place yet the atmosphere really comes alive here. Great atmospheric cinematography that never gets in the way - no gimmics just good.

But on UK transmission, something is very wrong with the sound - especially the outdoor scenes. It sounds like it wasn't recorded properly - almost just as though they used the built-in mic on the camera! They've used a lot of compression to try to make it more distinct and ADR people are in the credits so it doesn't make a lot of sence. Oh well, we must not let it spoil a great piece of TV but please ITV, get your quality control working!!!!!

We've just finished watching INNOCENT on Israeli cable TV and thoroughly enjoyed this excellent four part mini-series. The first three episodes kept me spellbound and whilst the ending was somewhat contrived, it's still an excellent drama.

The excellent production has a wonderful cast and stars Lee Ingleby and a host of talented British actors. The story is set in beautiful scenery which only adds to the atmosphere. Great TV!

The first season of Innocent was released in 2018, four episodes of solid writing and acting. I thought it was canceled as I didn't see a season 2 in 2019. Then lo and behold season 2 shows up in 2021. Not totally unusual, the great Swedish police procedural "Beck" started in 1998 and about every two years or so another few episodes come out.

Season 1 & 2 are separate stories with new actors. Hope there is a season 3 next year.

Ticked all my boxes, a decent script, well directed, good performances from all. From start to finish it kept me hooked, and the story was plausable, unlike some dramas. Well worth viewing, and I liked the four consecutive night scheduling, as waiting for a month to find the truth, is frustrating for some of us.