Imagine you are a TV critic who writes for the Independent. Write a review of the opening episode of the new BBC Police Drama Cuffs.
Cuffs: Season 1 Episode 1 review, worth the watch?
If you enjoy shows such as The Bill, Line of Duty and Luther, you may want to watch the eight episode, 2015 series - Cuffs. Created by Julie Gearey, Cuffs is a drama series that follows the South Sussex Police Force around Brighton, and what its like to be on a modern day front-line. Episode one ("Luck of the Draw") was aired on BBC1 on the 28th October 2015. The eight episodes then ran until the 16th December 2015, but was cancelled after one series, however, don't let this put you off.
In episode one, we get introduced to eight main characters: PC Ryan Draper - a serious but committed and principled police man; PC Jake Vickers - new to the job, Jake is being trained by Ryan and the son of the Chief Superintendent; DS Jo Moffat - a talented detective with a slightly awkward side, and a crush for the Chief; DC Carl Hawkins - only seen a few times, Carl is a tough detective constable who isn't afraid to get stuck into the action; DI Felix Kane - the Detective Inspector with a few too many secrets for his own good; PC Donna Prager - hard working, capable, dependable, and an overall brilliant officer; PC Lino Moretti - dedicated to the job, but a somewhat comical character who can't keep up physically; finally, Chief Superintendent Robert Vickers - Jake's dad and a master at his job, but hints that maybe everything isn't ok at home...
"On his first day working with Ryan, rookie cop Jake faces a challenging shift on the Brighton streets. But, being the boss' son, Jake's biggest challenge is earning the respect of his new colleagues." - this is the basic summary of episode 1. The South Sussex Police Force face a number of challenges that they manage, with a lot of setbacks - not only do we meet the main characters, but we meet a depressed drug addict, a racist murderer and a kidnapper!
As mentioned, BBC1 in 2015 was the first and only channel to broadcast Cuffs, however the show was sold overseas to New Zealand (broadcasted in January 2016) and Australia (broadcasted in February 2016). The program fits in with the others shown on BBC1 as it follows the same genres, for example, Luther, Bodyguard and Sherlock, as they are all drama series just like Cuffs.
Cuffs was shown on a Wednesday at the pre-watershed time of 8pm, which could have the wrong time for it. Being broadcasted before 9pm really limits what the show could convey. If it was shown at a later time, extra violence and comical scenes could have been added to bring more drama to the show - maybe a missed opportunity? Not only this, but 8pm may have been an inappropriate time for the show to be broadcasted. With scenes of semi-nudity and violence the show may have not been suitable for children still awake at the time.
Undoubtedly, Cuffs would have been a very appealing show to a wide range of different people. A vast mix of different characters ensures that the audience will find at least one character to relate to, adding more appeal to watch the show. Whether you like the serious character (PC Ryan Draper), the secretive character (DI Felix Kane) or the comical character (PC Lino Moretti), there is someone for everyone. The storylines and plot is also bound to appeal to those who love drama and police series, as it is gripping and easy to follow.
So, is Cuffs worth the watch? If you're into fast-paced, action-filed police drama series, with a good mix of hostilities and excitement, than its a definite YES.
