In spite of "necessary" cliches prevailing in the Series (Yakuza, above all), the depiction of circumstances and human relations is realistic, and the touch of both countries and comprehensions is clearly visible. True, there are some excessive scenes and characters and odd moments in the relationships between parents-children, but the thrill is maintained and "good guys cry and die too". The performances are also good, obtaining the necessary chemistry or aversion depending on the characters, and the plot is dominated by the "famous" ones who tend to steal the show. Will Sharpe won BAFTA for being Rodney, yet his role caused rather many ambivalent feelings...
Well, bearing in mind the BBC presence, I would have expected a more sophisticated round-up, but it is still more okay than in e.g. Most US series where good guys win everything in a clear manner.