The first three seasons of "Line of Duty" were incredible, culminating in a fantastic climax in the final episode of Season 3. Season 4 picks up the pace immediately and never lets go, all the way through the roller-coaster ride of its final episode. By far, the best series in British TV. Bravo!!
12 Reviews
Still waiting to exhale
jsrtheta16 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** I wrote "spoilers" just in case, because I'm not sure what I'm going to write. I'm not sure because I am still just overwhelmed by what I've seen.
I am old enough to have seen a lot of great cop shows the first time around, such as Barney Miller, Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. I have always loved UK cop shows, too, and I've watched all of The Fall, The Last Detective and Rebus, among many others. I also worked in law enforcement in Illinois and Colorado for many years, so I think I know a little about what rings true and what doesn't.
Anyway, after Series 1 through 3, I sat down to watch the first episode of series 4 of Line of Duty. That was slightly over six hours ago (I had to take time to eat), and I just finished the whole run. Wow. Just, wow. One thing this show knows how to do is present incredibly complicated characters doing entirely unpredictable things. It is trite to say that the "villains" are really flawed people who nonetheless aren't cartoon evil or even really bad people (though there is no shortage of loathsome bad guys, too). But the main villains make the viewer really work - we watch in shock as they do things even more ballsy than the rotten things we've already seen them do, yet we understand their logic while deploring their actions. And the good guys can be just as maddening, making moves you sit there shouting about, warning them this is THE WRONG THING TO DO. But Line of Duty never slows down enough to let you pause: There's always an even more horrible outrage or betrayal lying in wait for the audience.
The acting is uniformly tremendous. Adrian Dunbar is a consistent marvel, while Martin Compston and Vicky McClure command attention and admiration, even when they do things you find morally iffy. Watching the three of them navigating these channels of distrust is an unalloyed joy.
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! I am still trying to relax and catch my breath. And every day until Series 5 is released on Hulu will be sheer torture.
I am old enough to have seen a lot of great cop shows the first time around, such as Barney Miller, Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. I have always loved UK cop shows, too, and I've watched all of The Fall, The Last Detective and Rebus, among many others. I also worked in law enforcement in Illinois and Colorado for many years, so I think I know a little about what rings true and what doesn't.
Anyway, after Series 1 through 3, I sat down to watch the first episode of series 4 of Line of Duty. That was slightly over six hours ago (I had to take time to eat), and I just finished the whole run. Wow. Just, wow. One thing this show knows how to do is present incredibly complicated characters doing entirely unpredictable things. It is trite to say that the "villains" are really flawed people who nonetheless aren't cartoon evil or even really bad people (though there is no shortage of loathsome bad guys, too). But the main villains make the viewer really work - we watch in shock as they do things even more ballsy than the rotten things we've already seen them do, yet we understand their logic while deploring their actions. And the good guys can be just as maddening, making moves you sit there shouting about, warning them this is THE WRONG THING TO DO. But Line of Duty never slows down enough to let you pause: There's always an even more horrible outrage or betrayal lying in wait for the audience.
The acting is uniformly tremendous. Adrian Dunbar is a consistent marvel, while Martin Compston and Vicky McClure command attention and admiration, even when they do things you find morally iffy. Watching the three of them navigating these channels of distrust is an unalloyed joy.
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! I am still trying to relax and catch my breath. And every day until Series 5 is released on Hulu will be sheer torture.
Above the line
Lejink30 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Another suspenseful, dramatic series of "Line Of Duty" has ended and it was well up to the standard of its predecessors. This time there was no "enemy within" a la "Dot" Cotten last time but still we got a credible plot centring on DCI Roz Huntley, played assuredly by Thandie Newton, whose investigation of a balaclava-wearing man who abducts and kills vulnerable young women leads her to a young, pliable patsy of a suspect but when a member of her own forensics team contradicts her viewpoint, a spiralling sequence of events is triggered with AC12 getting involved and for the most part being outsmarted by her until the tense final episode reveals all with the evidence pointing even higher up the command chain.
Newton is excellent as the top cop who uses all her inside knowledge, contacts and guile to keep her one step ahead of her pursuers allied to a ruthless streak which sees her seemingly prepared to use her feminine wiles on her superior officer and also give up her own husband as a murder suspect to apparently save her own skin.
Unlike the previous series, good as it was but which let itself down with an improbable, contrived-seeming "shoot-'em-up" climax, the conclusion this time was more low-key and believable which while justice appeared to be served, nevertheless hinted at other high crimes and misdemeanours meaning hopefully more series.
Once again the interplay between the AC12 team of Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and their boss Adrian Dunbar was excellently and realistically portrayed. There were however two big cliff-hanger scenes though where realism took a back seat, firstly the original death of forensic officer Tim Ifield just when it seemed he was about to dismember Roz with an electric saw and secondly when Steve miraculously escaped with his life after being tipped over a top floor banister.
These quibbles aside though, this was another excellent series which kept me as much on my toes as well as the edge of my seat.
Let's hope there's another new series commissioned after this one, if there is I'll definitely be watching.
Newton is excellent as the top cop who uses all her inside knowledge, contacts and guile to keep her one step ahead of her pursuers allied to a ruthless streak which sees her seemingly prepared to use her feminine wiles on her superior officer and also give up her own husband as a murder suspect to apparently save her own skin.
Unlike the previous series, good as it was but which let itself down with an improbable, contrived-seeming "shoot-'em-up" climax, the conclusion this time was more low-key and believable which while justice appeared to be served, nevertheless hinted at other high crimes and misdemeanours meaning hopefully more series.
Once again the interplay between the AC12 team of Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and their boss Adrian Dunbar was excellently and realistically portrayed. There were however two big cliff-hanger scenes though where realism took a back seat, firstly the original death of forensic officer Tim Ifield just when it seemed he was about to dismember Roz with an electric saw and secondly when Steve miraculously escaped with his life after being tipped over a top floor banister.
These quibbles aside though, this was another excellent series which kept me as much on my toes as well as the edge of my seat.
Let's hope there's another new series commissioned after this one, if there is I'll definitely be watching.
Another gripping season
Tweekums30 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
These comments refer to the whole of series four not just the final episode.
As this series opens DCI Roz Huntley arrests Michael Farmer, a man with learning difficulties, who she believes is 'Balaclava Man', a murderer who has killed a number of young women unfortunately for her Forensic Coordinator Tim Ifield thinks the evidence doesn't point to Farmer's guilt and when Huntley ignores his concerns he reports her to AC-12 and DS Fleming is place undercover on Huntley's team. Soon afterwards Huntley goes to see Ifield and a struggle ensues that leaves her on the floor presumed dead. She isn't though; she wakes to find Ifield standing over her about to dismember what he thinks is her dead body! The next thing we know Ifield is missing and Huntley is back at work.
When Ifield's body turns up AC-12 start to investigate Huntley more thoroughly; it will be a very difficult investigation though; Huntley has used her knowledge of forensics and police procedure to cover her tracks and even thy to link Ifield to the 'Balaklava Man' case. As the investigation progresses the officers of AC-12 become convinced that Huntley is involved in something but don't know whether it is to protect herself or somebody close to her, most probably her husband. Things are made harder when pressure comes from above to drop the case.
After three successful series on BBC2 it wasn't a surprise when this was moved to BBC1 anybody worried that the style of the series might be changed for a more mainstream audience needn't worry though as this is as good as ever. There are plenty of twists and some genuine shocks most notably the fact that Huntley had survived the events of the opening episode. The cast does a great job; most notably Thandie Newton who is brilliant as DCI Huntley, a character who is almost impossible to like due to her actions. Lee Ingleby also impresses as her husband who may himself be guilty of some heinous crimes. Series regulars Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure were all on good form as well. It is a bit melodramatic at times but that didn't bother me as the high tension meant I didn't think about the slightly more far-fetched moments. The finale is particularly taut with some surprises that hint at things that will become more prominent in future series.
As this series opens DCI Roz Huntley arrests Michael Farmer, a man with learning difficulties, who she believes is 'Balaclava Man', a murderer who has killed a number of young women unfortunately for her Forensic Coordinator Tim Ifield thinks the evidence doesn't point to Farmer's guilt and when Huntley ignores his concerns he reports her to AC-12 and DS Fleming is place undercover on Huntley's team. Soon afterwards Huntley goes to see Ifield and a struggle ensues that leaves her on the floor presumed dead. She isn't though; she wakes to find Ifield standing over her about to dismember what he thinks is her dead body! The next thing we know Ifield is missing and Huntley is back at work.
When Ifield's body turns up AC-12 start to investigate Huntley more thoroughly; it will be a very difficult investigation though; Huntley has used her knowledge of forensics and police procedure to cover her tracks and even thy to link Ifield to the 'Balaklava Man' case. As the investigation progresses the officers of AC-12 become convinced that Huntley is involved in something but don't know whether it is to protect herself or somebody close to her, most probably her husband. Things are made harder when pressure comes from above to drop the case.
After three successful series on BBC2 it wasn't a surprise when this was moved to BBC1 anybody worried that the style of the series might be changed for a more mainstream audience needn't worry though as this is as good as ever. There are plenty of twists and some genuine shocks most notably the fact that Huntley had survived the events of the opening episode. The cast does a great job; most notably Thandie Newton who is brilliant as DCI Huntley, a character who is almost impossible to like due to her actions. Lee Ingleby also impresses as her husband who may himself be guilty of some heinous crimes. Series regulars Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure were all on good form as well. It is a bit melodramatic at times but that didn't bother me as the high tension meant I didn't think about the slightly more far-fetched moments. The finale is particularly taut with some surprises that hint at things that will become more prominent in future series.
Brilliant Season with Riveting Finale!
Venge3 June 2018
I was waiting expectantly for the 4th season of "Line of Duty" and was pleased to see it appear on NetFlix. It did not disappoint in the least. Although the 4th season got off to a somewhat slow start, the suspense kept building through each successive episode. The final episode was absolutely riveting, and kept me right on the edge of my seat.
It's a huge episode.
Sleepin_Dragon21 November 2020
Series Four's climatic finale was a blockbuster, so the pressure was on, could they at least equal it? Or even top it?
A few familiar faces return, as well as the long running thread, who's at the top, and who is H?
What can you say, it is an incredibly good hour of television, it's explosive, intriguing, and as you'd expect all guns blazing. Surprises galore, you get all of the answers you want to this series, but many questions will continue into the next series and beyond.
It's about not that people started asking who H is.
Have we seen the last of Roz Huntley? I don't believe it for a second, a great character.
Amazing, 10/10.
A few familiar faces return, as well as the long running thread, who's at the top, and who is H?
What can you say, it is an incredibly good hour of television, it's explosive, intriguing, and as you'd expect all guns blazing. Surprises galore, you get all of the answers you want to this series, but many questions will continue into the next series and beyond.
It's about not that people started asking who H is.
Have we seen the last of Roz Huntley? I don't believe it for a second, a great character.
Amazing, 10/10.
beautiful
slmanslman-3847723 December 2020
Strong arm tactics
xmasdaybaby196620 April 2021
The series wraps up but a bit jerkily for me. It's as if they were stumbling to a conclusion with this episode just being the usual length unlike the final episode of the previous series.
The right result is reached but there does seem to be a huge leap to reach the conclusion.
As with previous series, the journey outweighs the arrival.
For me this season was poorer than the previous ones which were screened on BBC 2 unlike this one that has moved to the main channel.
As I watch this series, BBC 1 is actually showing series 6 which is receiving a great deal of publicity.
I just hope by the time I catch up, the quality of the show is as high as the hype.
The right result is reached but there does seem to be a huge leap to reach the conclusion.
As with previous series, the journey outweighs the arrival.
For me this season was poorer than the previous ones which were screened on BBC 2 unlike this one that has moved to the main channel.
As I watch this series, BBC 1 is actually showing series 6 which is receiving a great deal of publicity.
I just hope by the time I catch up, the quality of the show is as high as the hype.
Superb conclusion
snoozejonc3 April 2023
AC12 continue to investigate the Huntleys.
This is a very strong finish to the forth series.
There is little about the story I can say without spoiling, but it's safe to say that there is a satisfying conclusion to series 4 and all characters are used well by the the writer, especially Ros Huntley, Nick Huntley, Lakewell, Hilton and Desford.
The highlight for me is how it links to the overarching narrative of the show and develops more intrigue about the wider conspiracy. There are also some very good suspenseful moments.
As always the cast are excellent, with Thandiwe Newton and Adrian Dunbar standing out for me.
This is a very strong finish to the forth series.
There is little about the story I can say without spoiling, but it's safe to say that there is a satisfying conclusion to series 4 and all characters are used well by the the writer, especially Ros Huntley, Nick Huntley, Lakewell, Hilton and Desford.
The highlight for me is how it links to the overarching narrative of the show and develops more intrigue about the wider conspiracy. There are also some very good suspenseful moments.
As always the cast are excellent, with Thandiwe Newton and Adrian Dunbar standing out for me.
A Good Finale
Warin_West-El22 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This season's ending was SO much better than the ending of Season 3. We learned that Ted Hastings is cool under pressure and an expert marksman. From the dialogue in the finale we realize Hilton is a psychopath who promises people anything to get his way.
Tragically, in this episode the filmmakers fail to show a flashback scene revealing how Roz managed to overcome Tim's attempt to kill her. Considering the filmmakers deliberately misled the audience in the final shot of episode one leaving a disturbing portrayal of Tim kneeling above Roz menacingly with a reciprocating saw. Imho, we need to see what actually happened.
You've NEVER seen that in any other law enforcement series. It was stunning in its realism and grounded the season, helping to overcome some of the striking implausibilities of the plot. Like the character Jodie, who when it would become apparent to even a moron that Roz is evil, continues to help her.
Another implausibility is the prosecution of Michael without him being administered a competency test. We never see these tests being administered. Nor do we see his solicitor requiring such tests.
The best thing about this season was the filmmakers maintained their discipline and gave us an action-packed finale without taking it beyond the realm of credibility.
Tragically, in this episode the filmmakers fail to show a flashback scene revealing how Roz managed to overcome Tim's attempt to kill her. Considering the filmmakers deliberately misled the audience in the final shot of episode one leaving a disturbing portrayal of Tim kneeling above Roz menacingly with a reciprocating saw. Imho, we need to see what actually happened.
You've NEVER seen that in any other law enforcement series. It was stunning in its realism and grounded the season, helping to overcome some of the striking implausibilities of the plot. Like the character Jodie, who when it would become apparent to even a moron that Roz is evil, continues to help her.
Another implausibility is the prosecution of Michael without him being administered a competency test. We never see these tests being administered. Nor do we see his solicitor requiring such tests.
The best thing about this season was the filmmakers maintained their discipline and gave us an action-packed finale without taking it beyond the realm of credibility.
Another great season but not as entertaining as Season 3
ronalamont-9147210 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Loving that they have continued to shoot in "film narrative" style, the production values, the writing, the acting and the character layers continue to amaze and delight me.
Great but nowhere near as gripping as season 3, I just found the story arcs to be a little less believable and exciting than the previous two seasons (but not as implausible as season one) and sometimes even ever so slightly boring. A lot of the weight was the decision to have the ice cold, calculating DCI Roseanne "Roz" Huntley act with a stone face throughout. She was rather one dimensional and I found it hard to visualize her marriage and her ability to be a mother. Her husband was either an idiot or had the patience of Job.
What really didn't work for me was her constant proclamation about having "overwhelming evidence" against their suspect when there was virtually none and her entire department just going along with it without question. I wondered how on earth she ever rose up the ranks with her dogged stubbornness and lack of insight. Seemed to me she was on a different planet to everyone else including herself. Totally narcissistic and still believing she "wasn't a bad person" after every horrible thing she admitted to doing. Just annoyed me to the core that she was only sentenced to 10years in jail and would probably be out before her girls were even out of college. Seems like a pattern is developing of the police who are actually arrested by AC-12 and tried being given light or even suspended sentences. I wonder if this might become a theme in future episodes.
There were other inconsistencies but enough great drama to keep me watching.... just not all at once!
I continued to be really interested in Fleming's attitude and character development and Arnot acted so believably well as the "wronged" man.... after all, he had years of being a sergeant over her and it was really he who had started putting together all the inconsistencies and pointed out all the flaws regarding "Dot" in the previous final episode of season 3. Fleming just took the ball and ran with It while he was incarcerated. So he really deserved the accolades and an award just as much as she did. It's interesting, and so believable, to see Arnot be jealous of this new Fleming and the attention she's been getting. He's now the insecure one but I love the way Hastings "puts him straight" later in the series. So much happens to him in Season 4, it brings them back together again but I feel like they will never recapture that special chemistry and bond they had in seasons 1&2
I'm looking forward to Season 5 and hope it's as gripping and exciting as Season 3.
Bad plot
Jim-Eadon14 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This season has unsympathetic characters doing stupid things. Any half decent professional detective would have found a million dodgy things wrong with the "murder", and figured it out immediately. But it took our heroes 6 episodes to figure out the obvious. Way too many plot holes. Evidence magically appearing, disappearing, people not asking obvious questions.
The first 2 series were great, then down hill.
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