Criminal: UK

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1, 1
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9

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User Reviews

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  1. jeremyp
    Sep 21, 2019
    7
    The U.K. show was engrossing. Not for the "Cat and Mouse" plots-they are more mouse than cat- but for the great acting by the "Suspect Du Jour." No brilliant sleuthing here. Once the perps opens their mouths they're inevitably doomed. Pride goeth before the fall. If the suspects know that the police can and do lie, they soon forget this salient point, and babble themselves into guilthood.The U.K. show was engrossing. Not for the "Cat and Mouse" plots-they are more mouse than cat- but for the great acting by the "Suspect Du Jour." No brilliant sleuthing here. Once the perps opens their mouths they're inevitably doomed. Pride goeth before the fall. If the suspects know that the police can and do lie, they soon forget this salient point, and babble themselves into guilthood. The 3d episode was notable for the amorality of the lawyer. He knows his client is guilty of possible mass manslaughter but he views protecting his client as more important than protecting possible victims.… Expand
  2. SScholder1
    Oct 28, 2019
    6
    The British one is great. The others.... Not as great. Plots to writing to acting... Good British episodes. Others.... Not.
  3. zimmertosser69
    Sep 23, 2019
    9
    I really enjoyed this series because it gave a lot of insight to techniques used to manipulate murderers who go with the " no comment " line and lawyer up. It gets under the skin of the killers in so many different ways and methods. The entire series takes place in an interrogation room so if you lack the ability to absorb a show without violence, car chases and sex then I suggest you takeI really enjoyed this series because it gave a lot of insight to techniques used to manipulate murderers who go with the " no comment " line and lawyer up. It gets under the skin of the killers in so many different ways and methods. The entire series takes place in an interrogation room so if you lack the ability to absorb a show without violence, car chases and sex then I suggest you take a pass and stick to the bubble gum BS.… Expand
  4. Bitash
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    Love this, just brilliant, great acting + good script = great series, loved it, no CG, no hooplas, no extra colors,.....just great acting
  5. geewah
    Jan 7, 2021
    8
    This show works due to good acting and fine writing. Simple yet highly effective.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Cumming
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    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.
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  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Michael Hogan
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    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.
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  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    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.
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