Line of Duty

A very difficult show to review, overall I'd give Series 1 an 8/10, a very good show, strong characters, intrigue etc, however something happens in the second series and has continued through to the present day, since that very first episode of Series 2 (or in fairness Part 6 of the opening Series) Line of Duty has become the best thing on the box. The cast work together in a way that you don't often see in many shows, the degree of realism each of them injects makes the show feel very real. Dunbar, Compston, McClure, Parkinson etc are all utterly phenomenal, I think though, it was the performance of Keeley Hawes as Lindsay Denton that increased my interest in the show, she was utterly amazing.

The transformation in the character of Steve Arnott has been intriguing, plaudits for Martin Compston, incredible actor, so diverse.

I suppose you could argue it's made in the style of the Scandinavian noir, but it goes deeper then that somehow, offering even more for the viewers. The series treats the viewer as if they have a degree of intelligence, it's deep and intricate without being too clever for its own good.

It comes as no surprise that the show's viewing figures have almost trebled, if you've not seen it, you have no idea what you're missing out on. 10/10

Bring on Series 5

In recent years, I have generally "moved on" from Poirot-Wallander type of series (usually 1 episode - 1 solved case) to more sophisticated and intertwined series where events take place in parallel and with flashbacks, and for full comprehension, one should watch all the episodes in sequence. It take more time and dedication, but there are more versatile characters and more complex situations where one can ponder on and over more intensely.

Line of Duty is a really fine example of the above. The two series - so far - have been really catchy to follow, there is both mind-work and twisted turns, and they are more or less equal (in my opinion, One has a bit stronger performances thanks primarily to Lennie James as DCI Tony Gates, but Two has a bit meatier script). But anyway, I did really enjoy the course of events, the often thin line between cops and crooks (what about its actuality?), and nice round-up of things that really took place. I would juxtapose Line of Duty with e.g. Engrenages (France) and Ørnen: En krimi-odyssé (Denmark).

I am looking forward to next seasons already.

PS. 3, 4 and 5 are meaty as well, please proceed :) PS. 6 has somewhat less interesting outcome, but interesting twists and turns still visible.

Laid up with my back issues, this series had me riveted and I watched all six seasons in 4 days. I consider this the UK answer to Breaking Bad. Excellent televsion entertainment from all angles: Amazing performances, writing, story, the works! Totally credible!

Complex AF but left no untidy loose ends when it wrapped up. Who could ask for more?

I can. More of this caliber please?

I watched series one last year, it was a good cop show, it came at things from a slightly different angle as it had the anti-corruption unit (internal affairs) as the 'good guys', so my rating was a solid 7.5... i enjoyed it enough to tune in to the second series which as i write this has one episode left to air and i have to say it has been TV at it's very best, from the opening few minutes it had me glued eagerly anticipating each weeks new developments, no spoilers here i only recommend you watch it for yourself to experience the shocks, the thrills and the suspense which it has in abundance, the casting of Keeley Hawes as DI Lindsay Denton was a masterstroke, the character is complex to say the least and she will trigger every emotion you have in your arsenal. Superb character acting, it really is. My revised rating overall is 9/10 but i'd give series two 10/10 after 5 of the 6 episodes...Well I thought I'd return for an update as I love this show so much now.. Needless to say season 2 finished as it had began.. sheer class and a great example of how good TV is right now.. Keeley Hawes we salute you.. now we are 1 ep into season 3 and Jed Mercurio has done it again the season opener quite literally blew me away I was so looking forward to it and it was like welcoming an old friend back into my life.. I can't wait to see where the show is taking me next

I have been a huge fan of this show since season one and it's a rare feet when seasons 2 and 3 surpass the quality of the first. It draws you in and keeps you gripped never failing to end each episode on a cliffhanger which makes you desperate to see the next instalment. The cast is UK A list Aidrian DUnbar, Vicky Mclure, Martin Compson and Keely Hawes who gives the performance of her career in seasons 2 and 3. I'm not one to give plots away, but if your a fan of quality crime drama or Nordic noir I cannot recommend this show highly enough. Just one note of caution if your planning DVD series binge then expect some late nights!