Paranoid

Paranoid, a captivating British crime drama from ITV, debuted in 2016. This gripping show spins a truly intriguing web of conspiracy and suspense that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Paranoid boasts a distinct tone, which favours psychological unease over traditional thriller elements, thus tapping into the eponymous feeling of paranoia that runs throughout the series.

Set in the quaint fictional town of Woodmere, Cheshire, Paranoid begins with an everyday scene – mothers with their children at a playground. The mellow setting, however, is abruptly disrupted when a well-thought-of local doctor is stabbed in broad daylight, which sets off a chain of events and thrusts the local police into the center of a murder investigation. The seemingly random brutal act leaves the town's inhabitants and law enforcement in shock, as they grapple with the fallout.

The series primarily follows three detectives; Nina Suresh (played by Indo-Canadian actress Indira Varma), Bobby Day (Robert Glenister), and Alec Wayfield (Dino Fetscher) as they delve deeper into the murder case. As they unravel the mystery and come closer to discovering the truth, the investigators find themselves entangled in a web of conspiracy that extends farther than they could have ever imagined.

Bobby Day is introduced as an experienced investigator with a solid understanding of his job, but he also suffers from panic attacks that escalate as the case becomes more complex. Nina Suresh is an assertive, competent officer who strives not to let her personal life affect her professional judgement, while Alec Wayfield is a younger detective keen on making his mark, despite being in the shadow of his more experienced colleagues.

The story unfolds to uncover layers of intrigue, with the investigation taking a turn as our detectives not only must solve the murder but also navigate the minefield of big business, corruption, and deep-seated institutional conspiracy. The boundaries between the personal and professional blur as the detectives face their own frailties and vulnerabilities even as they chase down answers.

Paranoid cleverly interjects psychological elements into its narrative, painting a vivid image of the mental toll that criminal investigation can impart on those seeking justice. Through its characters, Paranoid invests time in detailing the human face behind the jobs, allowing the emotional side of such high-pressure roles to surface. This particular focus makes Paranoid not just a crime procedural, but a psychological thriller that captures the internal struggles of its protagonists as much as the external ones.

Apart from the main trio, the show also introduces other character arcs, like that of Lucy Cannonbury, a woman who claims to have witnessed the murder. The character, played by Lesley Sharp, adds an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.

Paranoid’s engaging plot also admirably extends beyond the UK, incorporating German police officers into the storyline to add an international color. Unraveling the enigmatic links between Britain and Germany, the detective team expands and ends up crossing international boundaries with investigators from Düsseldorf.

The writing, by Bill Gallagher, excels at weaving an increasingly complex narrative, intertwining lives across borders, keeping viewers guessing and second-guessing throughout the series. The exceptional performances from the cast ensemble breathe life into the characters and their individual stories. Paranoid successfully balances the chilling facts of the crime with the humanizing stories behind those who are dedicated to solving it, offering an immersive viewing experience.

Produced by Red Production Company and filmed in picturesque locations around the UK and Germany, the show's distinguished production values contribute to a visually stunning offering that adds to its dramatic flair. The show demonstrates an expert mix of cinematic composition, mood-controlling lighting, and meaningful sound design that enhances the suspense of the story. The soundtrack, composed by Ben Onono, pairs well with the action on screen, encapsulating those on-the-brink-of-sanity moments in the life of the show's protagonists.

In terms of genre and storytelling, Paranoid bridges the gap between traditional British television crime dramas and the increasingly popular Nordic Noirs. It's dark yet heartening, mysterious, yet deeply human, offering an enthralling viewing experience that cleverly walks the tightrope between comfort and discomfort.

Paranoid is a show that serves an elaborate story, complex characters, and brilliant plotting. It's a thrilling journey into the minds of those who are usually behind the scenes, creating an unsettling yet fascinating insight into the world of crime, corruption, and the fragile lives that work tirelessly to expose it.