Collision

Collision is a gripping British television drama series produced by Greenlit Rights, which was first aired on ITV in November 2009. This five-part miniseries was later broadcasted in the United States as a two-part film by PBS. The series' intense plot unfolds over the five episodes, each of which stands out due to its unique blend of crime drama, suspense, action, and human interest elements.

The series was directed by Marc Evans and written by Anthony Horowitz, a renowned English novelist and screenwriter who is particularly famous for his mystery and suspense narratives. Horowitz's narrative talents shine clearly in this television drama, where a brutal car accident on a seemingly ordinary English motorway becomes the ignition for a compelling crime investigation.

The story of Collision gets its initial momentum from a seemingly routine car collision on the A12- a major road in England, causing chaos in traffic. What initially materialises as a regular traffic incident soon begins to unfurl a convoluted series of mysteries and secrets. The incident brings together a disparate group of characters, each with their own stories, which are seamlessly interwoven into a combined narrative over the duration of the series.

The audience is introduced to the charismatic and enigmatic detective inspector John Tolin, played by talented British actor, Dougray Scott. Tolin returns to work after recovering from a personal loss. Despite carrying his own emotional baggage, he takes the lead in the investigations with his partner, the ambitious Senior Investigating Officer Ann Stallwood, portrayed by Kate Ashfield. Together, Tolin and Stallwood begin to peel away layers of intrigue surrounding the collision, revealing that there is much more than meets the eye concerning this accident and its numerous victims.

Notable among the affected individuals are a businessman, an ageing slowly-fading star, a musician, a refugee, and former teacher - all of whom become strangely connected through this incident. As the events unfold, each character’s backstory begins to emerge, revealing startling secrets and complex relationships which make the investigative journey even more demanding. The series skilfully explores how these characters must grapple with the brutal repercussions of the accident while they cope with their personal issues.

This investigative narrative also draws attention to the darker underbelly of society- it delves into themes of corruption, domestic abuse, dysfunctional families, trafficking, the refugee crisis, corporate malfeasance, and the ways people’s lives are interconnected in unexpected and profound manners.

Captivating performances by the actors paired up with the realistic portrayal of characters make Collision a standout series among the crime dramas. The viewers get an insight not just into the professional aspects of the investigation but also the personal lives of the investigators and the victims, which leads to a better understanding of each of their motivations and actions.

The beauty of the series also lies in its storytelling structure, oscillating between past and current events, often employing flashbacks to build up suspense and slowly reveal the facts behind the collision. Each episode ends in a cliff-hanger, effectively maintaining the suspense and ensuring viewers' return for the next part. All these aspects contribute to the overall dramatic pace of the storyline which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, while simultaneously allowing for slow character development and scene-setting.

Moreover, the series is visually striking. Its utilisation of clever cinematic techniques and special effects—combined with effective sound design—adds depth and richness to Collision. Scenes of the crash, for example, are detailed and believable, and the shooting locations capture the essence of England’s roads, urban structures, and countryside.

Collisions subtly underscores a powerful message that a moment in time, an accident, could drastically change the course of numerous lives, linking strangers together in unanticipated ways and spiralling into an enthralling saga of intrigue and drama. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or compelling character development, Collision is a series that surely won't disappoint you, keeping you hooked till the very end.