55 Degrees North (2004–2005) User Reviews

Thoroughly enjoyable and very refreshing TV detective drama

[LouE15 · 7/10 · 19 August 2007]

I loved this somewhat undemanding show when it aired, but reading some of the inane comments in the reviews has made me want to write one. If you're easily offended I politely suggest you skip this review. Can it ever be overstated, how rare it still is to find a British detective drama – or indeed any other kind of British drama whatsoever – in which the lead is played by a black man? Or, for that matter, where the thorny subject of racism is tackled, incidentally, and with humour and generosity? I nearly fell off my chair laughing at one user comment that such issues don't exist in the area in which this show is set – qualified by adding something to the effect of: not, at least, on a large scale. No, I'm sure… But there's a 'blindness' that operates in reality in Britain: unless you have racism forced on your attention, it's very easy to persuade yourself that it doesn't exist any more in our modern and "reformed" society. The reality remains, silenced, I suspect, by the very PC movement that sought to address it, in the glass ceilings, the lack of cultural understanding, the "sleepwalking our way to segregation" as Trevor Philips quite rightly puts it.

So, how refreshing and wonderful to find this series, which I thoroughly enjoyed, even whilst fully aware of its occasional clichés, its slightly old fashioned style and dodgy regional accents, and its unsurprising romance. Who cares? – none of these haven't already been spotted before in almost every British detective drama, so all the more reason for this series to be taken on its own merits. The chief of these is the charismatic Don Gilet in the lead role of Nicky Cole, the London copper cast, through his brave but impolitic actions, into the career wilderness (and punishment) of a night shift in the police force in the north. The setting happens to be Newcastle, a rare chance to see a great-looking city, but it could be anywhere. He encounters a world often unwilling to make the necessary leap of faith, to believe in him at face value and on the basis of his record. So, like many men and women in his position, he must prove himself by working twice as hard, being twice as good at his job as everybody around him. Some of this is racism; some is good old-fashioned "you ain't from round here" suspicion of the new. But one of the pleasures of this series (beyond its making it to the screen at all!) is that this issue is still a sub-plot. Taken out of the mix, it's just an engaging police drama.

Another reviewer at the opposite end of the spectrum commented cynically on the 'PC' nature of the show, how it ticked equal opportunity boxes. In the eye of the beholder… But again, can I stress how highly unusual it is that this show got made at all? Wow, only imagine, if TV shows were really commissioned principally with a desire to address equal opportunities and represent Britain as it really is! I liked this show very much indeed, and strongly recommend it, not as a diatribe on racism but as a very enjoyable entry in the long police drama canon. Some suspension of disbelief may be required, but we're all used to that, right?

on a slightly biased level

[Simon_neil_scott · 9/10 · 10 August 2004]

All the previous comments have been fair, and yeah maybe they do show the Tyne-bridge AND and eye-bridge a lot in the show. But in all fairness what else are they going to show? The Tyne-Bridge is the perfect symbol of Newcastle, and if you actually knew the city, you'd realize you can actually see it from nearly everywhere you go anyway.

But its very rare that programmes or films are ever set in Newcastle-upon-tyne and I'm thrilled that they've decided to make a show here. Television seems to have a dislike of using Geordies or Newcastle. (Yes i realize they made Byker-Grove here, but honestly, can we forget that show ever existed. It was the worst piece of dribble ever and made us all look like morons)

Anyhow, its slightly annoying that the main character is a Southerner, and the other main character as the lawyer is Irish! you'd think the bbc had no faith in using Geordies and i sware more then one of those accents are fake.

But full marks to the bbc for trying. Its a half decent show.

Although, one last nag! There's no police station on the quayside in Newcastle, or anywhere near the eye-bridge, so where has this mysterious police station come from?

This idea of racism in tyne and wear...

[Simon_neil_scott · 9/10 · 9 May 2007]

I've posted before and I said I give the show credit and the bbc credit for shooting in Newcastle. A city which is rarely given the opportunity to shine.

But I find the story lines about racism a bit odd. If you were from Newcastle, you would know why.

Perhaps i've had lived a sheltered life, and lived in the more "friendly areas", but very rarely have I seen or experienced racism in or around Newcastle. And having worked in the Green Market for four years, I've seen all the Newcastle can throw at you.

It could also be due to the lack of black (I hope thats the PC term) persons in Newcastle. It is a very white christain/catholic region. I personally had never met a black person until I went to University, and I've lived in here all 24 years of my life.

But generally speaking, people in this area are very friendly and welcoming. I think the show is great, but I think using the "tackling racism in the police force and local areas" issue is one that Newcastle and Northumberland doesn't deserve or need highlighted.

I don't know about the inner workings of the Northumbria Police force, but in the general community such issues don't exist. Not to a huge extent anyway.

If the BBC is to do more episodes, they need to maybe focus on different subjects and issues. Like perhaps the growing problem of Anti-Social behaviour in and around Newcastle? The chav culture? The bing drinking culture?

Something a bit more realistic for the region, and genuine issues we really do have to deal with here.

Much better than I expected

[TheEdge-4 · 10 August 2004]

I didn't even bother to watch this when it first started. Not another cop show, I thought. Just what the world needs. But after my mother said she'd seen it and said it was good, I thought I'd give it a try. Thankfully they don't make such a big deal of the racism issue although you know it is there. And whilst I agree that Nicky Cole is perhaps somewhat too good to be true, he isn't flawless. He makes mistakes and although he means well, he doesn't always manage to do the right thing. The one area where the series does fall down is the development of the Dervla Kerwan character, who is given too little to do. Perhaps the possibility of a relationship between her character and Don Gilet's was too obvious and a cliché as someone has already mentioned. Frankly, they could get rid of her character and it would make no difference to the show at all, so little impact she has made. This is no reflection on Dervla Kerwan, who is a good actress but she should get rid of her agent for making her take the part as it does nothing for her, especially as she is wiped off screen by Emma Cleasby's Sgt Brookes who is a much more vibrant character and is given probably more screen time to boot. Cleasby makes a great impact here and should be promoted to the leading female role next time round as she and Gilet have much better chemistry together.

Not the top of the field but definitely worth watching!

[catnapbc · 8/10 · 3 November 2022]

Although this series isn't one of the top 5 cop shows I've seen courtesy of the BBC, it is certainly better than average and of higher quality than most comparable in this genre. There is a refreshing take on both relationships within the police force (I love the duo Rick and Martin) and the racial aspects that are absent from most U. K. shows. The evolving relationship between Nick's father and the white neighbour is truly engaging and believable. The cast are quite authentic in portraying their characters and the Tyneside accent and scenery adds to the feel of this unique take on policing in that region. Sure, not all stories are serious or to be taken that way, but the humour is a nice bonus as is the grown-up dialogue and the inclusion of young people whose acting is just as good as the adults'. A good overall effort by the cast, the production and the writers. And there's lots of eye candy for all ages.

Nil illegitimus carborundum

[jamesaidan · 10/10 · 9 July 2010]

I watched most of this series when it was first aired. Such were my fond memories of the gentle, positive, humorous script coupled with the first- class professionalism of an outstanding group of actors, that I recently bought the entire work on DVD. So here's the problem: I've just watched the last episode and it's over! I am bereft!! I'm sure that all the crew have moved onwards and upwards, as they so richly deserve. But I want more! Oh well. C'est la vie. Anyway my message to you, dear reader is, don't believe all the cynical negatives you will see in certain of these reviews. This series was/is an example of the best TV drama in the World from the best broadcaster at the pinnacle of its powers. And for those who are unsure about the summary given above, it's Latin (well sort of)and says; 'Don't let the b**t*rds grind you down'.

More than clichés

[Tongilulu · 30 October 2005]

Given how much crime drama is on TV, I don't know how programs avoid using genre formulae and "cliches" - but this show has a charm of its own. I was pleasantly surprised by it.

The charm is due in large part to Don Gilet, who provides an attractive focal point. Clichés though they are, I like the "chalk and cheese" relationship with the old-timer in uniform; the urbane at-home mentor; and the sexual tension with the lawyer (although I like the flirting with the policewoman better).

Themes of corruption and racism add some edge to the mix.

I've only been through Newcastle a few times - but the night settings not only add to the mood of this show, they also give the city an allure that might not come across so well in daylight.

We've just had the first series here in Australia. I hope it continues.

Not just a police show...

[liz_holland · 29 May 2005]

The series doesn't just focus on police work but real life situations. I love the way that all the actors seem to have the 'right' kind of chemistry, especially between Nicky Cole and Claire Maxwell. It has a lot of humour but is quite dramatic too. I think that the second series is even better than the first because all the characters have evolved and you feel you can understand them better. I think that the plot is well thought out and has a good balance between Nicky and Claire's home and work lives. I enjoy the scenes with Mattie and Errol (Nicky's family)because they give background to the programme and help you understand why they are who they are. I would give this 5 stars out of 5 because it really is unmissable.

Lighten up! Isn't it about time we had some positive Black rep on TV?

[f00768500 · 25 February 2005]

RATING: 15 out of 10!!!

There are a number of venomous expletives and expressions I could spew which would make the Ecuadorian tree frog seem like a pleasant alternative, but I shall refrain from doing so because of a three-word, God-given right we all (or SHOULD all) enjoy:

FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

That said, can I ask why all the cerebral effort to pick such a fine series to pieces?! Surely such shows are meant to serve as a means to unwind after what had been (most of the time anyway) a long hard slog of a day, which I believe 55DN achieves hands down?!

Don Gilet wears the role of Nicky well, a put-upon man trying to do the best he can with precious little, in a place that by and large either flat-out refuses to accept him or are having a hard time doing so.

So I'm glad to see that he is able to come home to a family which, although unconventional, oozes positivity. After all, it should come as no surprise that not all Black families are as chaotic and "ig'nant" as the Crouches (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0375290/) or cursed with the obligatory "black sheep" such as Paul Trueman in EastEnders (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0088512/) And as for the sweet, sweet, not-at-all out-of-place title sequence (and funky theme tune)... oooh baby, that NEEDS to be a single already!

And that's my two cents worth for the day...

Good, with a lot of possibility

[StewartBlacker · 3 August 2004]

OK so i read the last post about the series, and while i agree that this program has a lot of clichés in it that doesn't make it a bad program.

Now-a-days too many programs and films give you either an anti hero or a hero who is not clean cut, sometimes its nice to have a hero who does always win in the end.

What i see as the major selling point of the program is the overall story, DS Nicky Cole moves to newcastle after he informs on his senior officer in London on corruption charges, when he arrives (he moved police departments too so now he works in the newcastle police) he find out that his new senior office may have knowen his old one, and he is stuck on the night shift.

Nicky proceeds to solve all the crimes put before him, and get past many of the problems facing him (racisim - although thankfully this is a minor pert in the show, i don't like shows where the colored hero is always either facing large amounts of racist comments and deals with it proving everyone wrong, or where they continually feel the need to prove themselves and ever second line it 'its because i'm black' this show has just about the perfect balance there is tension with some of the newcastle 'locals' but Nicky seems to just take it in his stride, on episode he is very cool with a banana, just watch it and you'll see what i mean) such as tension with other officers and locals and never being given the chance to get moved to the day shift.

As this is only a 6 part story continuity is hard as they are trying to put a lot of story is to a short time, you have all the 'daily' stories, the over all 'big' storyline, the little tangets with the other characters and such like.

all in all i recommend you watch this, you may like it you may not, but at the end of the day its all about what you like isn't it!!

Question

[zetakitty · 7 February 2005]

Was 55 Degrees North the precursor for The Night Detective? I'm totally hooked to this show! It has only been on BBC America for two weeks and I would rather watch it than CSI: Miami. Tonight's episode, where Don Gilet's character, Nicky, is asked to strip -- not once, but twice -- I must admit I will tune in every Monday night to see what happens next! I enjoy the fact that the Night Detective seems realistic; there are no story lines that feel forced or out of sync. I like the racial dynamic, especially in the series' opening scene, and as an American, I think a lot more Americans could learn a thing or two about coexisting with those that are "different" than ourselves. But getting off of my soap box, it doesn't hurt that Don Gilet is cute. He's got this boy-next-door feel. I'm really digging this show! Does anyone know how I can go about finding 55 Degrees North on DVD? Is it as easy as going to my local video store and finding it on the shelf?

Who is Erol?

[kwalstedt-1 · 9 March 2006]

I know this will sound stupid, but I don't understand who Erol is to Nicky. His brother? His father? Why do they live together with Mattie? I missed the beginning of the series and any explanations they might have given.

I am enjoying the broadcasts of this on the BBC America channel, though with British series I am never sure how much delay there has been since the episodes were shown in the U.K.

The actors are quite good and although the episodes are fairly plot driven, there aren't as many clichés as I might have feared.

Don Gilet brings a real subtlety to the role, and I find his interactions with Dervla Kirwan to be some of the more interesting of the show. George Harris provides a sort of moral weight and depth to the series. I hadn't seen either of these actors before and I am quite impressed.

Better than I expected

[TheEdge-4 · 11 August 2004]

I had absolutely zero interest in seeing this when it first started. Not another cop show, I thought. Just what the world needs. But I was persuaded to try it by my mother who lent me the first episode on video. And I glad I made the effort to see it. Because this is actually one of the best cop series of recent years. Okay, so it's not "Between the Lines" but that was a series of such brilliance that it would be a miracle if the BBC managed to produce a series like that again, especially given the current obsession with reality shows.

Don Gilet, an actor I've been unfamiliar with hitherto, makes Nicky Cole an engaging and sympathetic hero and the inevitable racism he faces is not ladled on with a trowel as I feared it might. You know it's there but it's not always an issue. Contrary to some of the comments made by others on here, although Cole is perhaps too good to be true, he isn't infallible. He makes mistakes and doesn't always manage to wrap up the story neatly in 60 minutes. Something which makes a refreshing change. The plots hold the attention and the grandfather/son dynamic adds an interesting dimension as well.

It's certainly not perfect by any means though (why is Cole's rank just plain Detective? Surely that's an Americanism. It should be something like Detective Sergeant or Detective Inspector or something. And why the reference to John Doe and Jane Doe instead of IC1 or IC3 or something - another Americanism). Most unforgivable of all though is the waste of Dervla Kerwan. I assume that the intention, as others here have already said, is that Cole and Dervla Kerwan's character are supposed to get together at some point in the future, thus providing some good old UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension). But it isn't working people. Kerwan is a good actress but the role is grievously underwritten and the net result is that you don't care about the character at all (Kerwan should sue her agent for persuading her to take such a nothing part - it does absolutely nothing for her). Personally, I'd like to see Cole get it together with Sgt Brookes (Emma Cleasby). For a supposed supporting role, it seems that Cleasby gets more screen time than Kerwan (either that or she manages to make a bigger impact with what she has been given). Certainly, the few scenes between her and Don Gilet sizzle with the sort of UST that I suspect the producers were hoping would happen with Kerwan's character. This is the relationship I would like to see developed further in the next series (if there is one).

So if there is going to be a series 2 (and I hope there will be), then here's my advice to the BBC. Save your money, get rid of the Kerwan character (who's name I can't even remember, which gives you an idea of the little impact it has made on me) and promote Brookes to be the main female character before Emma Cleasby gets snapped up by Hollywood like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Minnie Driver before her. Because on the strength of the talent she shows here, trust me people, one day it's gonna happen.

Another UK Detective I like to watch.

[choppersrule45 · 10 March 2006]

Yes, Night Detective does not have all the flash and violence and outrageous plots that are so common and predictable in the US. I feel like it leaves some imagination for me to use. I like the low key approach and very much like how Don Gilet and the other actors are portrayed. I also like that the characters are actually believable. I tire of seeing people portrayed never making a mistake and there is no way a real person can relate to the character because he/she doesn't exist in the real world. Watching the season finally I thought it was very exciting and had twists and again left us wondering if Nicky an Claire are ever going to get hooked up. The addition of Mark Jones was an excellent move and the expanding role of Andrew Dunn and Emma Cleasby has added some fun to the series. Both are very likable characters. I myself am tired of most US police/detective shows. Except for CSI/Miami/Las Vegas. I go out of my way to watch any detective show from the UK and have not been disappointed.

Predictable but enjoyable, easy watching.

[montur · 27 July 2004]

I'll go along with the cliché comment. Life is full of clichés isn't it? That's why they become clichés I suppose. To some extent we expect them, even anticipate them. The protagonist in this case is black, struggles with broken relationships and family trauma, is threatened and subjugated in the workplace, yet comes through triumphant. If we are prepared to suspend our disbelief we can nevertheless get satisfaction out of watching him do all these things. I agree, we know in advance that he will eventually liaise on a different level with the police solicitor, and that's part of our enjoyment; the dramatize irony built into the script allows us to know something that the protagonists don't. In the end we will be pleased that we were proved correct. Sit back and let it wash over you! Incidentally, I agree too with the Tyne Bridge observation, and have you noticed how lately every drama set in London has a night shot of HSBC Bank and the Isle of Dogs?

Home grown BBC drama is in a sad state when this is the best thing on

[steven.gough · 7 October 2004]

I normally wouldn't have touched this with someone else's dirty barge-pole but due to family circumstances ended up watching the whole first series.

It ticks all the right boxes for contemporary BBC TV drama at the moment, so it's set in the North of England and the hero is a marginalised black man. Nicky is a good cop who has done noble but unpopular things in London and been exiled to the night-shift in faraway Newcastle, struggling to stay morally and chemically clean in a profession in which nobody trusts or respects him. Although unfortunately male, in order to meet the BBC's obligation of comprehensive diversity he also shoulders many of the burdens of a typical, English single mother by raising the son of his dead drug-dealer brother and junkie sister-in-law. It's an everyday story of everyday people you probably recognise from your own family. The series also features a statutory number of the limited group of actors guaranteed endless regular work populating BBC drama series.

I will damn it with the faint praise that it wasn't too bad. There are plenty of irritating aspects like the hero's entirely platonic older male housemate, a sort of Caribbean Obi-Wan Kenobi. Each week he dispenses wisdom to Nicky and his proxy son on issues as profound as the importance of making your own carnival costumes and wearing them in the drizzle on deserted English beaches while no-one else is looking.

The acting isn't all bad, and the hero has a lively relationship with a uniformed policewoman who shares the night shift with him. His love interest is therefore a legal aid solicitor played by Dervla Kirwin, who seems to appear mainly because the BBC is contractually obliged to give her work. The relationship is ludicrous and unconvincing, not least because she was clearly heavily pregnant during filming, and performs with all the subtlety of a barrage balloon wrapped in a cheap red overcoat that fools nobody. Her character has lines in every episode but has no active part in most of the stories, and for reasons obvious to no-one becomes Nicky's lover.

Everything important happens at night and is framed and lit to look like film, to give Newcastle the rain-slick and neon-lit character of late 80s action movies starring Eddie Murphy. This is pretty much the house style at the BBC these days, cutting their cloth to ape the US TV shows that the production teams obviously envy but that BBC schedulers piously refuse to broadcast at prime-time in favour of home-grown clones. A conspiracy within the UK media industry maintains a sad and depressing myth that these stunted six-week outings are much "better" than full 22 episode seasons of shows with decent writing, higher production values and charismatic on-screen talent.

55 Degrees North is a passable but parochial series which also happens to be a very good indication of why millions of UK homes are switching to satellite TV broadcasters where they can find wall-to-wall US imports.

Columbo hes Not.

[Erik-Bloodaxe · 31 May 2005]

I wanted to like this,honestly I really did.It borrows heavily from the format of the 1970s cop show "The Chinese Detective" in which a detective of Chinese origin is posted to a station and has to deal with racism as well as the usual rigours of police work.However in the 70s Political Correctness didn"t exist so TCD had a bit of "edge"to it.In 55 Degrees North DC Nicky Cole {Don Gilet} has been transferred to Newcastle.Its a scrubbed up Newcastle where hardly anyone speaks with a Geordie accent-or at least a convincing one-and in the episode I saw Cole doesn"t seem to experience any racism at all.So what you are left with is a very low octane cop show where the one cance of making it different has been wasted,and the result is a sort of Soap Opera crossed with a Travelogue for Newcastle.At least it wasn"t peppered with four letter words though.

Cliches galore.

[tonygillan · 8 July 2004]

The hero in this is frankly too good to be true.

He is bringing up someone else's child. Is a model police officer.

I have only seen one episode and it is already obvious that he is going to get together with the lawyer after he (surprise surprise) got off on the wrong foot with her.

I also have doubts as to whether he will ever fail to solve the crime and bring the baddies to book.

As always with any drama set in Newcastle, every opportunity is taken for a backdrop of the Tyne Bridge.

In short, an abundance of cliches.

Slick but unremarkable

[wellthatswhatithinkanyway · 25 August 2004]

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Detective Nicky Cole (Don Gilet) has moved from London to Newcastle after blowing the whistle on a corrupt colleague.Every week,he solves a different case.

An underlying theme of the show seems to be the institutional racism that seems to go on in the police force on the Tyneside,originally highlighted in the first episode with the arrival of a new black copper.

I could go in to great depth in to discussing how average I thought the show is,but ultimately,I have to admit my OLS above really hits it in a nutshell.Despite the huge effort the actors and writers appear to be going to in order to make it otherwise,the show just fails to ever

really come together and be engaging or absorbing in any way.Despite a few nice touches (a thrilling chase scene in the first episode,some slick visuals,nice dialogue and a cool soundtrack),the illusion that you are not watching just a very average show is just never marred.

Surprisingly,Tim Healy never made a guest appearance in any of the episodes.Oh well,there might be another season.Lets hope it's better.***

Clichéd, obvious and with clunky dialogue and characters; however as a bit of primetime filler at least it manages to be a bit of fun too

[bob the moo · 23 August 2004]

Having basically burnt all his bridges in London by grassing the illegal activities of a colleague, Nicky Cole takes a Detective's job in the Newcastle police force. However he is barely welcome there and he is stuck on night duty with no sign of being moved to days. With an uncle and a young nephew at home, Nicky is kept busy but he still manages to do his job and proves to be a very able detective. Solving cases brings him into conflict with prosecutor Claire Maxwell but also into a partnership with Sergeant Rick Astel.

I'm not the sort of person who would usually watch this type of drama – TV series, fairly clichéd and acting like a sort of entertainment 'fast food' – does the job without thrills but is hardly the sort of thing that really satisfies my taste buds. However I do like Don Gilet so I figured I'd give this a go as it is rare that he gets a large role (lead role) in a mainstream drama like this one. The plot is very clichéd and, in some regards, predictable but to be honest, why did you expect from a mainstream BBC drama on a Tuesday night? It is fluff – all that matters is that it is at least entertaining fluff. In that regard it more or less manages to be interesting enough and enjoyable enough to do the job. It has a slight swagger to it and the basic structure is familiar enough to never tax your brain so it more or less does what its audience would expect it to do.

However it IS a bit too clichéd and clunky. If you can't see a romance on the cards from the first scene then you are very forgiving or very naïve. The dialogue is also very plodding at times and is too quick to sink into unrealistic lines which only exist in the mind of an average scriptwriter. This scriptwriter also gives us characters that are drawn in a very easy and lazy fashion – Nicky is very upright, he is cool, looks after a friend's child, is honest as the day is long and is good to those who don't deserve it – and never gives up on a case no matter how closed it seems! Likewise Claire is dutiful but is won over by Nicky; the other cops are comic, corrupt etc etc. It never really gets any better than this at all but I didn't expect any more than this and I was more or less able to enjoy it. The plot is quite interesting outside of the standard stuff and they have done a nice job of threading a few good crimes together.

Of course it is still prime time filler that lacks imagination and you shouldn't expect too much. He stuff of corruption comes into it but it is all very black/white and simplistic, don't be expecting any of the complexities of The Shield or other cop imports – in fact this really pales when you view it in comparison to the current crop of US imports in the UK. The one thing I really didn't like about the series was related to it being black/white – it constantly plays the race card. From the opening scene where Nicky is pulled over and assaulted by the police for being black, the series keeps coming back to the 'you guys' stuff and, because it is not used well at all, it soon becomes tiring. Make a challenging drama about police racism if you wish but don't just throw it in because your character happens to be black. In some episodes it never raises its head but in other it is practically an obsession!

Gilet is more or less the reason the show was entertaining as he is effortlessly charismatic and manages to cover the fact that his character is too basic and very poorly developed. He is a coolly guy, easy to look at and he makes for appealing lead character. Kirwan is terrible. Her delivery is flat and lifeless and she seems to have just decided that, if the script isn't going to bother then neither will she. Dunn is OK but many UK viewers will find it hard to forget his much better role as Alistair Campbell in the Rory Bremner show! Rodska, Hodgson and Morfitt are all fairly poor – just mugging along in resistant roles, and Harris gets old quickly with his dispensing of wisdom and subplots.

Overall this is a British bit of primetime fluff but one that can be enjoyed as such due to some OK plotting and a good lead role from Gilet, who never lest the inadequacies of his script and character get in the way of a charismatic performance. However an obsession with racism, clichés, poor dialogue and predictable/lazy subplots all drag it down to the level of 'passable' and, compared with the smart US cop shows currently showing in the UK, this series is a little bit of an embarrassment. But it is harmless viewing for a Tuesday night.

Standard fayre but enjoyable

[Simoso · 14 July 2004]

Don Gillet has made a decent fist of his first starring role but this drama is no classic. Spender was more groundbreaking 10 years ago and set in the same place. I don't understand the significance of the Uncle/Uncle/Nephew arrangement but I'm sure I will be left wondering.

Andrew Dunn is good as he is in Dinnerladies and the angry chief cliché is about 40 years old now, change the record. Dunn's sidekick, Clarky, is annoying and the lad who plays him was better a Oz's gay son in Aufweidersehn Pet 3. Gillet stands out for me but maybe because he is young and black and all other detective shows have middle aged detectives doing the same thing.

Enjoyable Tuesday night stuff but if I had Spender DVD's I'd probably pop them in instead.