The Responder

Martin Freeman plays a very stressed policeman in 'The Responder'. At first he just appears depressed and harassed, but we soon learn he's up to his neck in stuff he shouldn't be, stuff which is only going to get worse. There are some tense moments in this drama, but its basic problem is that almost everyone we meet appears to be unusually screwed-up. At least one normal perspective might have provided some balance. As it is, Freeman's good cop/bad cop finds himself in a mess entirely of his own making. The series is thus like the tragic endgame of a larger, but more ordinary story, which we only pick up as it spirals out of control.

Martin Freeman is totally brilliant in this gritty and affecting drama. It's a pretty grim and dark setting so if you're expecting some light relief then this won't help. But if you enjoy totally immersive and compelling acting then you'll love it. One of the best acting performances I've seen in years.

And so is the rest of the cast - this is gritty British TV at its very best. If you don't like gritty and dark, this is not for you - it's no Midsumer Murders. It also shows a Britain that most people outside of it usually don't get to see or even know about. Another interesting aspect is the fact that this is set in LIverpool and most of the cast speak with a (more or less pronounced) Scouser accent. Britain is such a diverse place, but most people only think of London and the South when they think of it. I've always liked Martin Freeman, but I had no idea he was THAT good of an actor. He's incredible in this, and the young troublemakers (the junkie girl and the dim wit dude, I can't recall their names now - oh hold on, Casey is the girl).

So anyway, to make a long story short, this should be rated way better than a 7.4 on here (Rotten Tomatoes has it rated much higher!) and I highly recommend it!! Hopefully, there will be a Season 2!!!!

Written by Tony Schumacher, himself a first-responder cop on Merseyside for 11 years.

The story is fictional but has the air of authenticity, it's real life down and dirty drama on the streets of Liverpool. Martin Freeman (an award winning performance here) plays a burnt out cop who seems to have lost his moral compass.

Production values were good all round, script and supporting cast were top notch, plus a nice score too. It won't be for everyone, it has black humour but it's quite bleak and reminiscent of Ken Loach and Jimmy McGovern who mentored the writer.

I liked its original approach, its not just another police procedural. A strong and well made drama that looks honestly at inner-city Britain today. Hope it wins the wide audience it deserves and gets another series. Big congrats to all involved.

Its gripping to watch, as he conscience leads him on a dark path. This is the sort of role you expect to see Stephen Graham take on. It well written and directed and great cast.