Criminal: UK

Criminal uses its small canvas to ask big questions. The focus on these intricate dances means that after a while we begin to question the idea of objective truth, as well as the facts at hand. I have no idea if it is a realistic depiction of detective work, but it makes for gripping drama.

Attempts to create a running thread by fleshing out the police team’s relationships – office politics, post-work socialising, workplace affairs, unrequited crushes and competitive jostling to advance their careers – fall a little flat. You find yourself impatient to get back to the main battle of wits. Despite such flaws, though, Criminal grips, beguiles and keeps you guessing.

Every episode is a spare, precision-engineered hour without a wasted shot or beat. If it feels occasionally just slightly too slick or the writing slightly too clever, these are very much forgivable flaws. Overall it feels like Law & Order: Terence Rattigan Unit and I love it, even if I never thought I’d see the day.

While the cases themselves are strictly contained within each episode, over the course of the three in each volume, Kay and Smith give the audience tantalizing glimpses into what drives the detectives who are trying to enact justice.