Ok - can someone briefly explain Shadow Lines to me?

[Pancakeflipper]

I wasn't concentrating... I was too busy hiding behind my cushion in case it turned into utterly horrific violence like it threatened.

Ooh it was good ( what I saw between my fingers)
Ta.

I watched it and enjoyed it...but I'm not sure what's going on either, sorry!

I await someone more knowledgeable with interest .

it was like watching something at the theatre. And I don't really like theatre.

right, this is what i think might be going on.

um....Harvery Thingy was a dealer. He was released from prison after giving information to the police. He got murdered. Chris Ecclestone was one of his minor henchmen. He wants to make sure he doesn't go under now Harvey Thing is dead.

Chiwetel Ejiofor was shot on some bungled police operation - i don't think we know how/why/by whom. he has amnesia and can't remember what happened. investigating Harvey's murder is his first job back after the shooting, during which another officer died.

But i don't think there was much actual plot in this one - more that we were getting introduced to the characters and their situations.

however, i was having a wardrobe cull while i was watching, so could well have missed loads. i'm sure someone will be along to correct me.

I LOVED it. Not sure I understood it all (got about as much as CharlotteBronteSaurus - nice name BTW :) - but no more than that) and I'm sure I missed some of the plot. Loved it anyway. Brilliant acting and an amazing cast.

So Chi finding and unlocking the monies in his wardrobe won't have a clue if it's been planted ( by the underworld or possibly someone at work?) or if he put it there?

That reversing in the helter-skelter car park was brill.

I loved Lesley Sharpe. Hopefully more of her next time.

Oh I loved this. I was utterly captivated.

I think we will be really torn with these characters as we learn more about their human side and frailties and lives rather than just the crimes they commit.

Did anyone else think there was a hint of The Wire about it?

I really enjoyed it too. I agree that this was a get to know the main players episode. I will admit to finding some bits slightly confusing, but I think it will all become clearer as the series progresses.
Love the guy who is playing Harvey Thing's weird nephew.

Is that Timothy Spall's son?

yes it is - I forgot he was in it, and didn't know what he looked like (if that makes sense )he's very good.

What was up with Christopher Ecclestone's wife?

She had early onset alzheimers I think

I wondered - the symptoms seemed like alzheimers but she was very young (40ish?) Tragic.

Thanks RamblingRosa, I was trying to remember who the nephew was.

whatkungfuthat that'll be the early onset alzheimers.

Disliked Lesley Sharpe's character btw. She's such a feisty actor and now she's got a part that means she'll be smiling weakly for seven episodes. What's the purpose of this character? Possibly to give CE a human caring side as he chops off a few fingers and blows off a couple of heads in future episodes in order to keep the drugs ring going?

Maybe I'm just feeling a bit of dementia overload after Exile last week.

doings I was thinking there was a bit of a theme about memory. Lesley Sharpe's character has Alzheimers. Chiwetel Ojiofor's character has amnesia. So hopefully there's a point to LS character having alzheimers other than just giving Christopher Ecclestone's character a human side.

Can't wait for the next episode.

Im in love with Eccleston, I dont think I want him to be a baddie

The nephew is reminding me of RDJ. Great acting.

Am thinking that money in the case is pointing to him being a bent cop.

I was so looking forward to this and was utterly disappointed.

It was like watching two people you have no connection with talking about something you have no background on. It was far too disconnected and wound me up, no end. Gutted.