Hard Sun

"Hard Sun" is an intriguing British television series that aired on BBC One in 2018, combining elements of crime, drama, and intrigue with a touch of science fiction. It’s a narrative fusion that crafts a unique atmospheric drama, brought to life by rich, textured characters against the backdrop of growing impending despair. The series was created by Neil Cross, the man behind the renowned and critically acclaimed "Luther," demonstrating his knack for generating a gripping narrative.

The narrative of "Hard Sun" revolves around two polar opposite characters – Detective Inspector Elaine Renko and Detective Chief Inspector Charlie Hicks. These two detectives, on the surface, are at the heart of what appears to be a thrilling police drama. But an unexpected twist elevates the narrative from a straightforward police drama to a dystopian thriller as Renko and Hicks stumble over a mysterious secret – a pre-apocalyptic criminal conspiracy named Hard Sun.

Elaine Renko, portrayed by Agyness Deyn, is a prickly, no-nonsense detective haunted by a troubled past. She is armed with fierce intelligence, blunt candour, and lethal fighting skills. She contrasts sharply with her partner, Jim Sturgess’s Charlie Hicks. Hicks is the archetypal charming yet deeply flawed detective with questionable ethics and a complicated personal life who deeply cares for his family. Their complex relationship forms a fascinating dynamic that drives the interpersonal aspect of the show.

One of the distinct traits of "Hard Sun" is the constantly looming shadow of impending doom. The central theme gives its characters a graver and imminent crisis, affecting the morale, work, personal relationships, and the societal climate. This impending crisis is also exploited by criminals to perpetrate chaos, providing a new facet to the crimes Renko and Hicks must solve.

Although "Hard Sun" presents the necessary ingredients for a captivating crime thriller, the show consistently pushes boundaries introducing ideas related to impending Armageddon. It poses questions about human behaviour when confronted with imminent death and annihilation, whether it prompts unregulated passion, mindless despair, or profound moments of love, compassion and connection.

The series also tackles various themes like corruption, politics and family drama, providing layers of complexity to the characters and the plot. The external threat to humanity, combined with internal personal conflicts, provides the perfect tension-filled backdrop for exciting storytelling.

The striking performances of the lead characters, supported by the compelling performances of the supporting cast, bring the world of "Hard Sun" to life with a profound sense of authenticity. Deyn presents Renko as a brilliant, highly complex character with a haunting past, showcasing her emotional depth and impressive physicality. The character’s interactions with Sturgess’s Hicks leads to a potent on-screen partnership where both strife and collaboration coexist. Jim Sturgess perfectly captures the dark charisma and personal conflicts of DCI Hicks, adding an element of relatability to the flawed character.

The show's technical aspects also contribute to establishing the mood of the drama. The urban landscape of London, rife with seedy underbellies, illuminates the backdrop for the intense personal and professional lives of the detectives. The gripping background score heightens the tension while stunning cinematography captures the essence of a city grappling with a secret apocalyptic prediction.

"Hard Sun" also effectively incorporates elements of social commentary, weaving them into an apocalyptic narrative. It ponders the societal response to impending doom - the collective reaction of fear, panic, rebirth, denial, aggression and succumbing to criminal indulgence in the face of the end.

"Hard Sun" pushes the boundaries of the police/crime genre, adding a layer of pre-apocalyptic tension to an already tension-filled setup. It maintains a fine balance between crime-solving narratives and an existential crisis storyline, all anchored by profound character studies. Filled to the brim with intrigue, mystery, political conspiracy and criminal dynamics against a uniquely dystopian backdrop, "Hard Sun" is intense, gripping, and thought-provoking. While built on the foundation of conventional policing drama, the show successfully metamorphoses into an apocalyptic narrative, leaving its audience in a cloud of suspense and existential introspection.