Review: Line Of Duty (S4 E1/6), Sunday 26th March, BBC1

(C) World Productions – Photographer: Aidan Monaghan

When power meets trajectory, you get a series that can make your head spin; and Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio’s writing has a tendency to make the viewer feel like a low-ranking tennis player being hit full and hard in the face while trying to return a serve by Sam Groth.Worries had been expressed in some quarters that the switch from BBC Two to BBC One might have necessitated some compromises or ‘dumbing down’ for the more mainstream audience. ‘New viewers’ were duly thrust straight into a ferocious and cinematic trademark opening,but the end of this episode left we stalwarts wondering if our favourite cop series – in its effort to up the ante – was in danger of jumping the shark in spectacular fashion.

NB: Spoilers ahoy!

Filming begins on series four of Peaky Blinders; Adrien Brody joins cast

Is Peaky Blinders a crime show? That’s the question I wrestle with each and every time I think about putting stuff up here. It’s not your usual procedural, but more a gangster show (with really bad Brummie accents) that deals with the lure, the power and the downfall of crime. Still, it’s one of these country’s most exportable series and it is good – series three, especially, was very good. And now it’s back, filming and announcing new, starry members of the cast.

The 10 Best Crime Dramas This Week (Monday 27th March – 2nd April)

(C) World Productions – Photographer: Des Willie/ Aidan Monaghan

It’s pretty much as you were this week. I’ve decided I’m not going to be posting up any synopsis for Line Of Duty, if only because each episode is so twisty and turny. I don’t want to give anything away! Elsewhere, Broadchurch, and Midnight Sun continue, while Fortitude and Follow The Money come to a close. Look out for Norwegian series Eyewitness on Channel 4. Enjoy!