Line of Duty (TV Series) The Ambush (2014) User Reviews

The brilliant series two starts in style.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 6 September 2020]

The team at AC12 are back, they're beginning a complex case, where DI Lindsay Denton, is caught up in a bizarre case of ambush, her involvement is questioned, was she negligent, or involved.

Brilliant, from start to finish, talk about a deliciously complex case. No wonder this show gets such incredibly high viewing figures, and has such a massive following, this really is the goods.

They had a touch job following on from Lennie James, Gates was a fantastic character, I firmly believe they go one better with Denton, Hawes is outstanding in this role.

Denton remains the most complex of characters, years later I don't understand her, such was the brilliance of the writing. She's convincing, smart, and a girl you don't wanna mess with.

Jessica Raine made such a good start here, a shame her character didn't last very long.

More info about the wonderful characters, we learn some about Ted and Kate, Steve remains somewhat of an enigma.

Wonderful, 9/10.

Superb and complex

[beresfordjd · 9/10 · 10 May 2014]

I missed the first series and am I sorry now! A superb and thrilling crime series as complex as anything I have seen in recent years. Keeley Hawes is standout in a great convincing cast. How anyone can write stuff as intricate as this is amazing - either they were a copper in a previous career or they did a serious amount of research. The premise is a cliché but the treatment is anything but. Wrongly accused good cop (Hawes) needs to clear her name as she is railroaded into prison. How this plays out is masterly and never less than gripping. There are so many twists and turns that the viewer never knows who are villains or good guys. I enjoyed every minute of this piece. Jed Mercurio is a talent to be harboured and nurtured.

Not exactly a police recruitment video

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 10 March 2023]

A police car is ambushed, leading to tragic circumstances.

This is a memorable episode with a good storytelling.

The plot is quite sensationalist, but it makes for an extremely compelling episode that hooks you into the dodgy dealings and relationships of various characters. You are likely to want to know what's going to happen next. Some may find certain twists quite predictable, but there are other shock moments that are quite jarring and unexpected.

One of the strongest aspects of the filmmaking is how the actors, cinematographers, and editors make virtually everybody appear to be suspicious, crooked or up to no good just with shifty expressions or interactions with others.

All actors are on great form, especially Keeley Hawes who pretty much carries the episode.