I am surprised that, so far, no reviewer has brought up the show's remarkable similarity to the popular, old American series "Psych". The style, the direction, the quick cut/slow motion/high speed editing techniques, the type of humour, the wild stunts, the plausible and implausible situations, the plots and the unusual, yet strong, camaraderie between the two main characters. One cocky and gregarious, the other more reserved and reluctant but just as impulsive underneath. They compete with and bounce off each other, both with a dogged determination to expose the 'bad guys' and bring them to justice... albeit within a mixture of real and comic book action.
They make intelligent connections then pursue them in a reckless and impetuous manner. And, in the case of "New Blood", rarely with the approval of their respective bosses. Even their racial combination is the British equivalent of an American white and black guy team.
Having said all this, the show is upbeat, exciting and entertaining in it's own right, with the added attraction to a younger audience of two young, handsome, 'rookie' leads who think they know it all, feel no real need to follow protocol or report to their bosses, and don't really take responsibility for their actions.
Stefan Kowolski (Mark Strepan), a Polish native who had to drop out of University due to a lack of funds and was given a life-changing opportunity to work for the Serious Fraud Office, thinks everything is an exciting game to have fun with whereas Rash Sayyad (Ben Tavassoli), whose family was granted British refugee status after his police officer father was killed in the revolution in Iran, desperately wants to fulfill his life-long ambition to become a detective. Although graduating top of his class, so far, his attempts to retain the coveted trainee detective constable position have been thwarted by his know it all, forthright attitude and his lack of deference towards his superiors and fellow officers. This six month trial posting may be his last chance.
The premise of Case 1 is a great one. They first meet at a bike race and childishly compete with each other to win. Their silly antics slow them down and neither wins. Stefan is immediately attracted to Rash's sister and the feeling seems mutual. This further upsets Rash. As fate would have it, they find themselves thrown together while investigating the same case from their different perspectives.
Thus begins their unlikely, quasi-competitive friendship which grows stronger and deeper the more they coincide through work and the dangerous capers they undertake together. Very much a high school vibe.
The series has exceptional production values and must have had a huge budget. The locations, the multiple real and hired background actors, the fabulous production & costume design, the costumes, sets, props and ultimately the stunts must have cost a small fortune.
What lets the series down a notch is the acting of the two lead actors and the repetition of everything by "Case 3". There was wisdom in only making one season.
The first case had a great premise and it was fun getting to know the two lead actors. Their antics and expressions were fresh and endearing but Rash's overacting, limited and often totally inappropriate facial expressions and body language quickly became a little annoying. Stefan's enthusiasm and attitude bordered on obnoxious at times yet they were both still entertaining when excitedly collaborating.
Rash would often roll his eyes and shift in his chair when being told off and had a great "hang dog" act while half-heartedly apologizing to his superiors. Stefan was genuinely more crushed when reprimanded but soon bounced back when given a new task to perform. He had to be reminded to take it seriously since it all seems like a fun video game to him. He was confident he would always keep his job whereas Rash, although confident in his ability, was resigned to failure and the probability of losing his.
Since none of it was realistic, allowances could be made, short-term, and they were certainly surrounded by an impressive cast. The two senior police detectives (Dorian Law and Mark Addy) were excellent in their well-written roles and I'm glad it played out the way it did. The head of Stefan's company (Anna Chancellor) is always a brilliant actress in all her roles. Can't go wrong with actors like Matt Bardock and Mark Bonnar playing bad guys.
Impressive writing and well-rounded characters balanced out the cartoon ones and the direction was top notch.
However, I did think the likelihood of Stefan being allowed into the 'inner sanctum' of the SFO dressed like an impoverished student with only one set of clothing was OTT. Only when he came to work with a black eye was a comment made by the head of the company and he was sent home. I suppose it was vaguely acceptable given his continuing 'undercover' role play.
It was refreshing not to have any real violence or sex in the series and Stefan and Leila's flirtatious scenes were sweet and believable. Both guys had hearts of gold too.
Cases 2 & 3 were becoming more like a Marvel comic each time. The coincidence of yet another overlapping investigation. The almost comedic edge to the genuinely vicious hired killer in Case 2. The two stylized hired killers (echoing the two women in Case 1) shooting off multiple rounds of ammunition at close range yet missing every time. The top bosses of multimillion pound corporations allowing themselves to be interrogated by these rookies (especially the way they were dressed and presented themselves) Their escalating impossible escapes and their almost complete disappearance from their workplaces was stretching the whole concept a little too thin.
But still a refreshing, lighthearted, entertaining limited series and a fun watch a la "Psych" (which I enjoyed every season of).
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