Prepare for an edge-of-the-seat weekend!
Britain's television has produced a number of noteworthy crime series. Their productions, such as Broadchurch, Luther, and Happy Valley, skillfully combine gripping characters and excellent production standards with suspenseful plots. Fans can now watch crime dramas from across the pond more easily than ever, thanks to the proliferation of streaming services. You could even feel overawed by the abundance of programmes available. So, here is a list to narrow your search down.
"Bodyguard" is a gripping thriller centred on a police officer tasked with safeguarding a politician whom he deeply dislikes. Richard Madden delivers an award-winning performance as Sergeant David Budd, opposite Keeley Hawes as Home Secretary Julia Montague. While the series primarily focuses on a terrorism plot, its standout aspect lies in its portrayal of Budd's struggle with PTSD following his service in Afghanistan. It looks into his intricate relationship with Montague, propelling them both into unforeseen journeys, effortlessly intertwining political intrigue with real-world dilemmas.
In 2019, Netflix commissioned a new instalment of "Top Boy" following its initial release in 2011. Watching the original series is essential for gaining insight into the characters and their backgrounds. Set in a fictional London housing estate, "Top Boy" chronicles the lives of residents grappling with the challenges of a crime-infested environment. Among them are Ra’Nell (played by Malcolm Kamulete), who is contending with his mother's illness, and Gem (portrayed by Giacomo Mancini), who is employed by a local dealer. Raw and poignant, the series offers a gripping exploration of the harsh realities of crime and the lengths individuals will go to survive.
Set in both London and Tokyo, this bilingual series merges elements of British police procedural with Japanese crime drama. Detective Constable Sarah Weitzmann, portrayed by Kelly Macdonald, joins forces with Kenzo Mori, played by Takehiro Hira, a Tokyo detective in search of his brother, accused of murdering a Yakuza member's nephew. Sleek and unflinching, the series probes the depths of the criminal underworld, exploring how violence transcends borders. While it incorporates familiar themes, the show distinguishes itself with compelling characters, moments of humour, and exhilarating action sequences.
Picture a series unfolding solely within the confines of a police interrogation room and its observation area. This premise defines "Criminal: UK," where a specialised police unit races against the clock to interrogate witnesses and suspects, aiming to unravel mysteries within a tight timeframe. Each episode features prominent guest appearances, including David Tennant, Hayley Atwell, and Kit Harington. The localised setting of the show creates a palpable sense of tension and claustrophobia, ensuring an edge-of-your-seat experience. Meticulously crafted writing ensures that every dialogue exchange and presentation of evidence holds significance, potentially unveiling new revelations.
Set in the mid-70s, "The Serpent" chronicles the gruesome crimes perpetrated by serial killer Charles "the Serpent" Sobhraj, portrayed by Tahar Rahim. The show depicts Sobhraj's guise as a gem dealer as he traverses Asia's "hippie trail" from 1975 to 1976, preying on unsuspecting tourists. This crime series unveils the chilling atrocities that left families shattered during the '70s, particularly haunting due to Sobhraj's predilection for targeting young travellers. Brace for unsettling moments within the series, which also incorporates elements of police procedurals as investigators face mounting pressure to apprehend Interpol's most wanted criminal.
Other British crime shows worth a weekend binge would be titles like, 'Marcella', 'The Stranger’, ‘Stay Close', and 'You Don't Know Me'.
