Fans of outstanding police dramas such as Line of Duty, Blue Lights, and Vigil are set for a real discovery, as a relatively unknown treasure is mesmerising audiences worldwide. Viewers are describing the police procedural as a 'masterpiece', with rave reviews being just one element drawing people to this underappreciated series.
A Hidden Gem on BBC iPlayer
An Irish-Belgian-Canadian collaboration, the crime drama has genuinely wowed both critics and audiences, with fans branding the show a '15/10 must-watch series'. Brought to television by Peter McKenna, 'Hidden Assets' has got viewers completely hooked. Helmed by Emmy-nominated Thaddeus O'Sullivan, Kadir Ferati Balci, and Mia Mullarkey, the programme initially premiered in November 2021 on RTÉ One and serves as a spinoff from another crime drama - 'Acceptable Risk'.
Cast and Plot
Featuring Nora-Jane Noone, Aaron Monaghan, Cathy Belton, Simone Kirby, Wouter Hendrickx, Kwaku Fortune, Gilles De Schryver and Charlie Carrick, the programme has received acclaim for the outstanding work delivered by its ensemble. The official synopsis of the series states: 'When evidence from a raid links a small-time drug dealer to a series of bombings in Belgium, Irish detective Emer Berry heads to Antwerp, where she's confronted by Christian de Jong of the anti-terrorism squad. Together, they begin to untangle an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders.'
Critical Acclaim
The series has attracted widespread acclaim, with one critic writing: 'A first-rate Irish crime drama series with Scandi-noir twists.' While another reviewer said: 'Hidden Assets is all about the conspiracy at the center of the first season, and we see signs from the first moments that it'll be twisty and keep our interest, even if there isn't a ton of character development.' An IMDB user review of the series added: 'This is AMAZING! Fifteen out of 10! So very much to recommend. I do not even know how to start.'
Fan Comparisons
While one viewer drew comparisons with Blue Lights: 'Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC's Northern Irish attempt, 'Blue Lights' (a second rate soap opera with third rate actors) on a par with ITV's rebooted 'Van der Valk'. Don't miss it.' Another fan likened it to the gold standard of crime dramas - Line of Duty and Vigil: 'Cleverly-plotted organised crime thriller is a hit. It offers a gripping and insightful window into organised crime that will appeal to fans of Line of Duty, Vigil and similar shows.' Yet another IMDB review reads: 'WOW. The absolute best ever!! Please, please whoever wrote, produced or directed this absolute masterpiece deserves Academy Awards, as do all the actors. Please let's have more?' While one fan said: 'Brilliant acting and writing. Fantastic! Excellent police-style drama with great acting and superbly written. Normally I am harsh said these types of dramas as I find most of them cookie-cutter made.' THIS is how a police drama should be written and presented. Decidedly one of the best I have seen in MANY years. VERY highly recommended.
'Hidden Assets' is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
