Leaders of the corruption squad

Deep in the under belly of counter terrorism is an officer who stands resolute in what he believes. And he becomes the fall guy. Drama, crime, investigation, thrill and more comes full circle with this series on Netflix. While these genres rule the roost on streaming sites... there are some that are brilliant from get go. Line of Duty is one of those. An adrenaline-filled ride that grips with its story line, its protagonists, an idealist former counter terrorism squad officer DS Steve Arnott who turns towards the travails of investigation, after refusing to be a part of a cover-up concerning a counter terrorist police raid. And there in lies the heart of the series. Detective Sergeant Arnott, who then joins the anti-corruption squad led by Superintendent Ted Hastings. Yet this ordinary description belies the essence of the show that is multi-faceted. As Arnott played by Martin Compston  battles on, he endears himself to the viewer, with his simplicity, ideals and very unlike a salt of the earth hero. And so does the cast that include the brilliant portrayal of Vicky Lee McClure as Detective Sergeant Kate Fleming who is Arnott’s partner, and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar). This police procedural television series was created by Jed Mercurio, and became BBC Two’s best-performing drama series in 10 years since its release in 2012. Four series are up, and there is news of the fifth one being filmed for broadcast in the UK in 2019, and talk of another one as well.

In a world where idealism dies a harsh and painful death, the resolute Arnott carries on his fight, against a system that is as corrupt as it is influential. He brings with him an uncanny ability to strike at the heart of the problem, and pursue leads and ideas which Fleming and he follow doggedly. It was called the highest-ranked current series and the best British crime dramas of all time. This one tows a line that is real, in your face, and very believable. Even the unbelievable plots are! Each series draws you deeper and deeper into the web, without the need for over dramatic portrayals or too much action! In one season, is the key role of Keeley Hawes as Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton, a police officer under investigation for a witness protection that went wrong, who turns the show around with her acting, and her effect on DS Arnott. There is Tandi Newton, again a suspect, in another season who throws many a booby traps and surprises your way. And it seems like it only gets murkier as the seasons progress.

Addictive, we are waiting for the fifth season to unfold. And what DS Arnott has in store, and how his partner, the undercover specialist rides those tense and anxious moments, again and again. There are a few scenarios where everyone turns to guns and gore, which were a bit over the top. And of course, there is a feeling about how surreal it is that many of the plotlines are interrelated, correlated and connected in some macabre way. Yet, everything pounces on you so hard and you can’t help be drawn into LoD’s deep dark soul. Fantastic!

LINE OF DUTY
STAR RATING:  4.5/5
MUST-WATCH: Because DS Arnott, his partner Fleming, and their chief are superb. The sheer depth, and uncertainty of where the story line is taking you will keep you at the edge of your seat.