Line Of Duty

Line of Duty is a gripping crime drama series that telecast on BBC Two from 2012 to 2021. The series offers an immersive insight into the world of corruption and intrigue within the police force. The show is critically acclaimed for its relentless storytelling, highly charged action sequences, and attention to detail, with viewers intrigued by its bold and unpredictable narrative.

Set in the fictitious police anti-corruption unit AC-12, located in an undisclosed city in the United Kingdom, the show primarily revolves around the exploits of Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott (played by Martin Compston), Detective Inspector Kate Fleming (played by Vicky McClure), and Superintendent Ted Hastings (played by Adrian Dunbar). Each of them brings a unique approach to their profession, adding an element of depth and realism to their characters.

The series creator, Jed Mercurio, manages a delicate balancing act of maintaining the suspense while commenting on the deeply rooted issues of morality within those responsible for enforcing law and order. He has achieved this by sporadically introducing diverse characters and subplots across the series that reveal the many layers and complexities of the anti-corruption department and its operatives.

Each season of Line of Duty focuses on a single, ambiguous lead character who is suspected of corruption. The series employs a structure in which the AC-12 team disentangles several tangled threads of evidence, deceit, and misdirection before reaching the heart of the matter. The anticipation of whether the accused is innocent or truly corrupt keeps the audience on the edge throughout every season.

Steve Arnott, a former anti-terrorist officer, is a principled and tenacious investigator who becomes a central member of AC-12 after refusing to cover-up an unlawful shooting by his own team. Along his side, Kate Fleming applies her extraordinary capability in undercover operations to extract truths linked with suspected officers. The head of the unit, Ted Hastings, a character renowned for his one-liners, leads with his unwavering commitment to integrity, often declaring in his thick Irish accent, "I'm interested in one thing, and one thing only… and that's catching bent coppers."

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that the lines between "good" and "bad" are less clear-cut, with officers on all sides falling into an ethical grey zone. The distinctive narrative is woven with numerous cliffhangers that draw viewers into ideological battles where choosing sides becomes more challenging with every twist and turn.

What makes Line of Duty stand out in its genre is the unconventional use of extended interrogation scenes, sometimes more than 20 minutes long, highlighting the characters' intense battling wits. These scenes are the show's centerpiece, featuring engrossing dialogues and outstanding performances that keep viewers hooked by maintaining a high tension level.

At the heart of the show is the exploration of trust. The viewer, much like the officers of AC-12, is often left uncertain about who can be trusted. This central theme provides a constant sense of unease and unpredictability, further fueling the enthralling allure of the series.

The cinematography and direction of Line of Duty are commendable, often employing a stylistic approach of high-speed chases and dramatic scenes to intensify the atmosphere. The show hasn't shied away from incorporating real-life political and social issues into its storyline, making it more relevant and relatable across its audience.

Over the years, Line of Duty has catapulted its cast into the spotlight and has become a significant part of the British crime drama landscape. The series has not only garnered high viewership figures but also critical acclaim, leading to several award nominations and wins, including for Best Drama Series.

All in all, Line of Duty offers thrill-seekers a dark and dramatic journey into the heart of police corruption, presenting a world where law enforcers become lawbreakers. It is a compelling series marked by robust character development, intricate plotlines and an uncanny ability to render the audience speechless with its shocking yet carefully planned revelations. A must-watch for anyone captivated by detailed investigation drama, this series is a testament to superior writing and storytelling, designating it as a modern classic within its genre.