Line of Duty fans are 'unsettled' by a compelling BBC police drama streaming now. The series, created by Chris Brandon and executive produced by Jed Mercurio, the mastermind behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard, has captivated audiences.
James Nesbitt stars as Tom Brannick. Brimming with unexpected twists set against the breathtaking landscape of Northern Ireland, this compulsively watchable police drama has earned favourable comparisons to cherished British hits including Happy Valley and Silent Witness.
First arriving on screens in 2021, Bloodlands is a compelling police procedural television series crafted by Chris Brandon. Filmed primarily amid the scenic rural beauty of Strangford Lough in eastern Northern Ireland, the programme follows DCI Tom Brannick, played by James Nesbitt, as he untangles a complicated kidnapping investigation.
The abducted person is a former IRA operative, linking the case to a 20-year-old unsolved mystery involving a serial killer identified by police as 'Goliath'. The murderer was never apprehended and the investigation was ultimately closed, yet it remains an intensely personal matter for Brannick, whose wife is believed to have been among Goliath's casualties.
The drama revolves around Brannick's dogged hunt for this shadowy assassin while contending with increasing pressure from his superiors, who are intent on keeping the case firmly shut. The series is full of twists and turns. What audiences won't anticipate is his ultimate revelation of the killer's true identity - and it strikes far closer to home than anyone could possibly expect.
One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said: 'Complicated but well presented who done it. Makes you want to stay up late to find out what comes out in the next episode. Keep track of the characters and evidence or you will find yourself rewatching to be sure you understand what you saw. Good challenging thriller without all the blood and gore so prevalent in most other crime shows.'
Another viewer added: 'Yes, it's grim and not always entirely logical but it is thrilling throughout and has a really good twist. I also really liked the acting as well as the connections to Irish history.'
The programme is overseen by the same executive producer responsible for Bodyguard and Line of Duty, in a joint venture between Hat Trick Productions and producer Jed Mercurio. Drawing upon his past experience as a former doctor and Royal Air Force officer, Mercurio combines his professional knowledge with creative storytelling to deliver the sort of captivating concepts that have cemented his reputation as one of Britain's leading television writers.
The opening series is brief yet powerful, consisting of just four enthralling episodes - though this proved more than enough to warrant a second series commission in 2022. The sequel stretched to six episodes, yet still left viewers desperate for more.
One review says: 'Great performances. Just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more.' Another claims: 'It was a good mystery drama, very grim, though. At first, you think you know what sort of story it will be, but it turns on its head halfway through and you remain a bit unsure and unsettled until the end.'
Every episode of Bloodlands is currently available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.
