The Shadow Line - available on UKTV play (originally on the BBC)

6 replies

IwantToRetire · 26/02/2023 21:30

Just wondered if anyone remembers watching this, or has been watching it on line.

Interested to know what anyone else thinks / thought of it. I didn't realise it was by Hugo Blick (Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising, The English) but had the same reaction to this as to his others.

Seems to have a very interesting set up, lots of back ground material, and then gets lost. Or I just dont understand what elaborate point he is making.

Also wondered if it might have inspired Line of Duty.

Star studded cast.

For anyone interested it is available here uktvplay.co.uk/shows/the-shadow-line/watch-online

NB Quite graphic violence, or at least visuals showing the results of violence.

OP posts:

Abra1t · 26/02/2023 21:31

Thank you!

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IwantToRetire · 26/02/2023 21:35

Forgot to say it is made in 2011!

Not much is the sets and styles that date it (accept maybe mobile phones!) but interesting the way it is acted or that could be done to having a few theatre luvvies in it ...

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Netaporter · 27/02/2023 03:31

I loved it when it first came out. Might have a rewatch!

Pringleface · 27/02/2023 06:41

I’ve watched it about three times over the years and love it. It’s so well done.

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IwantToRetire · 27/02/2023 16:36

I was quite taken with it to begin with, but by the end I just thought it was over done, and as with his other series what seems to be the message he thinks is important, doesn't really resound with me.

I found that with the Honourable Woman, which right till the end I was interested in, and then his editorialising spoilt it.

(Sorry the he is refering to Hugo Blick not any of the actors or characters!)

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CrkdLttrCrkdLttr · 27/02/2023 17:26

I watched the series early in the first lockdown, I think. (Can’t remember from which source.)

Fabulous cast, and it was full of threat and peril and gruesomeness - but yes, the ending was a bit . I didn’t feel entirely rewarded for the time I’d invested.

I adored The Honourable Woman (apart from the odd instance of laughable melodrama) but it was very different subject matter. For crime and intrigue I think I prefer the lightness of touch of something like Giri/Haji - still edge of your seat but much more wit and humour.

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