The British crime drama The Tower, streaming for free on ITVX, is being celebrated as essential viewing for fans left bereft since Line of Duty ended. The series, adapted from Kate London's Metropolitan Police novels by Patrick Harbinson (Homeland, 24), has earned a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread critical acclaim.
What Is The Tower About?
The series follows Detective Sarah Collins, played by Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones), as she investigates the deaths of a long-serving police officer and a teenage girl who fell from a London tower block. The official synopsis states: 'After a long-serving cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a London tower block, Detective Sarah Collins investigates the dark heart of policing.' The show delves into the murky underbelly of the policing world, blending elements of Line of Duty and Unforgotten.
Cast and Production
Gemma Whelan leads the ensemble cast, supported by Tahirah Sharif, Jimmy Akingbola, Emmett J. Scanlan, Lola Elsokari, Nick Holder, Karl Davies, and Nabil Elouahabi. The series originally aired in November 2021 and spans three seasons: the first has three episodes directed by Jim Loach, the second has four episodes directed by Faye Gilbert, and the third has four episodes directed by Rene van Pannevis. While the story is set in southeast London, filming took place predominantly in Manchester and Liverpool.
Critical and Audience Reception
The programme has received widespread acclaim. One critic wrote: 'Polished in every way - the acting, dialogue and complicated ethical quandaries - this crackerjack series is super smart.' Another reviewer said: 'The show is very sobering and builds to its climaxes amazingly and fulfilling.' Gemma Whelan's performance has been particularly lauded; an audience member commented: 'Astonishing. Gemma Whelan is a rock star of the first order.' On IMDB, a user wrote: 'Up there with the best of British crime drama. A mix of Unforgotten meets Line of Duty with quality storyline, depth of characters and a story thread that makes sense.' Another fan added: 'This series is excellent. It is hard to stop watching and go to bed when I need to.'
Where to Watch
All three seasons of The Tower are available to stream for free on ITVX.
