Criminal Record: Charlie Creed-Miles, Zoë Wanamaker, Cush Jumbo, and Peter Capaldi in the cast
Originator: Paul Rutman
Jim Loach is the director.
Watching via Apple TV+
Spoken: English
Eight episodes, each lasting about an hour
What Is It Concerning
Criminal Record: Nothing beats a good mystery, and Paul Rutman, the author of numerous gripping mystery thrillers like Inspector Lewis and Vera, is back with a new series and a new mystery to solve. In Criminal Record, two detectives approach a case from different perspectives; one is working to uncover the truth, while the other is trying to suppress it out of self-interest. This makes for an extremely interesting moral conflict.
Examining the Screenplay
Rutman’s experience crafting shows of this kind is evident from the outset, as Criminal Record establishes a gripping narrative right away by revealing multiple plot points, characters, and clues that remain a mystery to us, the viewers, but reveal themselves in unexpected ways as the series goes on. The main scenario in this instance involves a rookie detective discovering that being a police officer and preserving the truth are harder tasks than they seem, and that she may be going somewhere she shouldn’t.
It is a brilliant idea to have two detectives working the case from completely different perspectives since it makes it obvious who to support right away, making it simple for viewers to become involved in the show. The dialogue is incisive and flows smoothly; there is a lot of information and well-intentioned discussion in every exchange. Because of its effectiveness, the series never becomes overly wordy and gives each character a chance to take action rather than passively waiting for the case to develop.
By dividing the points of view of the two distinct characters, you can also establish a powerful dichotomy that helps us concentrate on each character independently of the other. Although the two are not partners or coworkers, you can still see how every decision they make affects the other character’s thoughts and actions—it’s like a really intense game of cat and mouse. The program also does a fantastic job of striking a balance between investigation and action.
Therefore, even though Criminal Record might be viewed as a slow-burn, each episode features at least one suspenseful scene that will keep viewers guessing. The plot’s dynamism may be the show’s strongest feature and one of the things that will draw in viewers the most, keeping them interested in the weekly episodes until the very end. Since pacing is one of the areas where modern TV series struggle the most, some other slow-burning shows ought to take note of this balance.
Star-Studded Performance
Characters are essential to any compelling story, and Criminal Record has just the right kind of actors to play them. June Lenker, our rookie investigator, is portrayed by Cush Jumbo in the two points of view that make up the series. Jumbo’s most well-known role is that of Lucca Quinn in The Good Wife and The Good Fight. She is a strong lead character in Criminal Record, someone you can easily root for because she is doing the right thing.
Peter Capaldi, meanwhile, portrays a darker, more menacing character with enigmatic motivations and dark secrets. Even though we already know that Capaldi is a skilled comedian and sensitive actor from many of his other roles, such as The Thick of It and Doctor Who, he still does a great job playing this kind of character. Unlike Jumbo, Capaldi’s character is more compelling and makes you want to know more about him than anyone else, but he is also the hardest to root for.
Direction and Music
Having exceptional directing abilities runs in the family: Jim Loach, the series’ director, is the legendary Ken Loach’s son. Jim Loach is no longer a rookie, having contributed to numerous television shows like Hotel Babylon, The Tower, and Shameless. Nevertheless, a thorough director, and it demonstrates that Criminal Record genuinely understands how to set the mood and raise the stakes. The viewer is left with a great deal of anticipation as each episode builds to something bigger.
Final Words
In addition to being a pleasant surprise for the start of the year, Criminal Record is a great addition to Apple TV+, which is turning into a destination for high-caliber programming, even if it doesn’t seem like anyone is watching it. For anyone who loves a good mystery or simply wants to break into the genre with a bang, the eight-part series is a must-watch because the actors are spot on, the directing is strong, and the mystery is captivating.
