UK version of the long-running U.S. TV drama that tells the stories of both the police, who investigate crime; and the crown prosecutors, who prosecute the offenders.UK version of the long-running U.S. TV drama that tells the stories of both the police, who investigate crime; and the crown prosecutors, who prosecute the offenders.UK version of the long-running U.S. TV drama that tells the stories of both the police, who investigate crime; and the crown prosecutors, who prosecute the offenders.
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- 6 nominations total
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We have become huge fans of L&O UK through DVD--we have seen 8 episodes so far and we're very eager for additional seasons to be released in the NTSC format (right now, subsequent seasons are only on PAL). Even though I live in NYC, the outer boroughs are often treated as second class citizens by our cable companies and we do not have access to BBC America, where the series is shown stateside. The rapport and dialogue between the detectives is realistic and entertaining, and it has been a treat to watch the British court system at work (we had to look up the rules/options re: wigs/robes) and are curious that some statements permitted by the attorneys would surely have earned sustained objections in our courts (of course, this is also TV's stretch) The gritty camera-work and neighborhood locations are effective, the adaptations of US episodes have worked beautifully and the acting across the board has been fine. More DVD's please!
My concern prior to watching this was that the pace and the story wouldn't adapt well to the UK style - The Bill is quite plodding and small scale, but I was pleasantly surprised that, whilst intimate, L&OUK was paced superbly and kept me gripped 'til the end.
The only real gripe is that the DAHDAH's aren't used much....and that titles at each end seem out of keeping with the show: I suppose I'm used to the US version after so many years...
On the Law side Jamie Bamber, using his native accent, was fracking good, but Bradley Walsh was the absolute surprise hit for me: he's an ex-professional footballer (soccer star) who is known as a bit of a naff comic and when he's acted before you see BW not the character - not in this though...
The Order side familiar actors are again viewed as the characters rather than 'oooh he/she was in...' I think this is testament to a great, tight script More of the same please!
The only real gripe is that the DAHDAH's aren't used much....and that titles at each end seem out of keeping with the show: I suppose I'm used to the US version after so many years...
On the Law side Jamie Bamber, using his native accent, was fracking good, but Bradley Walsh was the absolute surprise hit for me: he's an ex-professional footballer (soccer star) who is known as a bit of a naff comic and when he's acted before you see BW not the character - not in this though...
The Order side familiar actors are again viewed as the characters rather than 'oooh he/she was in...' I think this is testament to a great, tight script More of the same please!
The UK version of L&O was great. It was a bit more gritty in London than NYC. Walsh was excellent. I mean you feel as if Ronnie is indeed a DC.
Not sure why some reviews say the writing was not good; there were some excellent episodes like I Predict a Riot, which is as good or better than the original.
I don't care if it is itv or sky or c4 or the BBC but please bring back this show. D Wolf crime drama in London is a perfect concept.
Not sure why some reviews say the writing was not good; there were some excellent episodes like I Predict a Riot, which is as good or better than the original.
I don't care if it is itv or sky or c4 or the BBC but please bring back this show. D Wolf crime drama in London is a perfect concept.
7li72
Law & Order: UK is another franchise of the long running Law & Order series. All of the classic elements of L&O has been kept including the classic introduction speel and even the dunk-dunk noise between scenes. Why fix something that's not broke?
The pilot has its good and bad points, most of which are intertwined. I'm impressed with the acting over-all, particularly that of Ben Daniels, Bradley Walsh and Jamie Bamber. Freema Agyeman appears to be the weak link. I'm probably biased though, I didn't like her (limited) acting style in "Doctor Who" or "Survivors" - hopefully I'll be proved wrong in future episodes. There was an extraordinarily odd moment with Bradley Walsh who was SMILING, (in what I assume was an effort to appear caring and sympathetic), when the mother was bawling over her dead baby. Lordy.
I actually really like the shaky, continually moving camera work, which gives a gritty, realistic feel to the show, whilst helping to give energy to dialogue-heavy show. However, the type of film used makes the show seem like every other cheap British staple (e.g. The Bill, Casualty or Eastenders). Maybe this was supposed to add to the show's gritty feel but it just didn't work for me.
The worst elements of this show is that it seems to mangle our "UK" law (actually being the law of England and Wales, specifically contained within London) and stretches the validity of how courtrooms work. But it is only a TV show, and I ain't no lawyer so whatchagonado???
I definitely think its worth tuning in again to see how this show pans out. Potentially, Law & Order: UK could be one of the best shows in the UK, combining some excellent actors with thoughtful insights and though-provoking issues.
Or it good go a bit Pete tong, but you won't find out unless you keep watching...
The pilot has its good and bad points, most of which are intertwined. I'm impressed with the acting over-all, particularly that of Ben Daniels, Bradley Walsh and Jamie Bamber. Freema Agyeman appears to be the weak link. I'm probably biased though, I didn't like her (limited) acting style in "Doctor Who" or "Survivors" - hopefully I'll be proved wrong in future episodes. There was an extraordinarily odd moment with Bradley Walsh who was SMILING, (in what I assume was an effort to appear caring and sympathetic), when the mother was bawling over her dead baby. Lordy.
I actually really like the shaky, continually moving camera work, which gives a gritty, realistic feel to the show, whilst helping to give energy to dialogue-heavy show. However, the type of film used makes the show seem like every other cheap British staple (e.g. The Bill, Casualty or Eastenders). Maybe this was supposed to add to the show's gritty feel but it just didn't work for me.
The worst elements of this show is that it seems to mangle our "UK" law (actually being the law of England and Wales, specifically contained within London) and stretches the validity of how courtrooms work. But it is only a TV show, and I ain't no lawyer so whatchagonado???
I definitely think its worth tuning in again to see how this show pans out. Potentially, Law & Order: UK could be one of the best shows in the UK, combining some excellent actors with thoughtful insights and though-provoking issues.
Or it good go a bit Pete tong, but you won't find out unless you keep watching...
I am an American do I have seen the original series which I love also but this is terrific too. One of my favorite actors, Jamie Bamber is on it along with a top notch complete cast. The stories are very similar to ours but I like the creativity that is used to put a twist on them. They are all very interesting and intriguing. If you're a Law & Order fan, you will love these exciting UK shows.
Did you know
- TriviaAdapting this American series for the UK meant several problems as the legal systems of the US and the UK are very different in rules and procedures. Lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are not the same as District Attorneys in the US and do not have the same powers and procedures, nor are they subject to political influences as a DA who also has to face public election. The CPS does not engage in plea-bargaining (legally binding agreements for lesser charges, immunity, or sentences) with the defense in return for cooperation or a guilty plea, or an agreed minimum sentence, as these are strictly in the hands of the judge in the UK legal system. Although they can make recommendations to the judge, the judge does not have to follow them. Additionally, the CPS lawyers themselves do not personally prosecute the case in court (this is done by hired barristers), nor do they carry out their own further investigations into a case. The decision to prosecute or not is based solely on the evidence the police put forward and whether there is a reasonable likelihood of a conviction. In addition, Crown Prosecutors must then decide whether a prosecution is needed in the public interest.
- GoofsThe scene cards at the start of the trial sequences say "Crown v. xyz". In England prosecutions are in the name of the Queen and are annotated "R v XYZ"
- ConnectionsFeatured in This Morning: Episode dated 20 February 2009 (2009)
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