Fans of the BBC crime thriller Bloodlands, starring James Nesbitt and currently streaming on BBC iPlayer, have described feeling 'unsure and unsettled' by the gripping series that they 'can't stop watching'. The show has drawn comparisons to beloved British crime dramas such as Happy Valley and Line of Duty.
A Gripping Police Procedural Set in Northern Ireland
Packed with unexpected twists and set against the stunning backdrop of Northern Ireland, Bloodlands is a compelling police drama penned by Chris Brandon. First hitting screens in 2021, the series follows DCI Tom Brannick, portrayed by James Nesbitt, as he unravels a complex kidnapping investigation. Shot largely amidst the picturesque rural scenery of Strangford Lough in eastern Northern Ireland, the show has been praised for its atmospheric setting.
The victim is a former IRA operative, connecting the case to a 20-year-old unsolved mystery surrounding a serial killer known to police as 'Goliath'. The perpetrator was never caught, and the investigation was eventually shelved. However, it remains a deeply personal affair for Brannick, whose wife is believed to have been one of Goliath's victims.
Twists and Turns Keep Viewers Guessing
The drama centres on Brannick's relentless pursuit of this elusive assassin while facing mounting pressure from his superiors, who are determined to keep the case buried. What viewers won't see coming is his eventual discovery of the killer's true identity — and it hits far closer to home than anybody could ever have imagined.
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.'
Produced by the Mind Behind Line of Duty
The show is overseen by the same executive producer behind Bodyguard and Line of Duty, Jed Mercurio, in a joint venture between Hat Trick Productions and his own company. Drawing on his background as a former doctor and Royal Air Force officer, Mercurio brings his professional expertise together with imaginative storytelling to produce the kind of compelling concepts that have established him as one of Britain's foremost television writers.
The debut series is short yet impactful, comprising just four gripping episodes — though this proved more than sufficient to secure a second series commission in 2022. The follow-up stretched to six episodes, yet still left audiences hungry for more.
Viewer Reactions
One review says: 'Great performances. Just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more.' Another adds: '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.'
All episodes of Bloodlands are currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
