Netflix’s new show, Criminal, promises to be a good’un
Do you fancy yourself a super sleuth? Well then tune into Netflix’s new drama; it’s an act of Criminal genius.
Given the cast boasts character actors from British TV staples such as Line of Duty, Luther, Happy Valley and beyond, there’s a strong chance you’ll be saying “Hang on, threats her from…don’t tell me” a good deal while watching Netflix procedural Criminal.
From the minds of showrunners George Kay (Killing Eve) and Jim Field Smith (Endeavour), the premise is deliciously simple: each tense 45-minute episode takes place within the confines of an interview suite. The police are played by recurring cast-members, including the always-charisamtic Katherine Kelly, while guest stars David Tennant and Hayley Atwell appear as suspects.
With twists a plenty, it also makes for a compelling game of Criminal bingo. “She is definitely guilty”. “OK, I actually meant innocent” “I knew she was guilty… there was something about her”. Repeat until your viewing companion asks you to stop.
Any rebuke will need to be swift: Criminal feels like a play, which means it’s dialogue heavy, something the cast clearly relish. Atwell, who enjoyed Hollywood success in Agent Carter, said the opportunity to deliver meaty monologues was part of the appeal.
An added dimension is hearing the gossip and sniping that goes on behind the two-way mirror, as you find out about the private and professional lives of he police. You’ll also find the cream of European talent in front of and behind the camera. And if you’re identifying European stars? Kudos: that’s next-level knowledge.
