Payback

I thought that the first episode was a bit slow and had too many plot holes although, as I am not going to write "spoilers", I won't list these. But they did reduce my final rating from 9 ot 8.

However, having now watched all the remaining 5 episodes, it does get better as it goes along - with fewer plot holes - and finishes with a good last episode, with no open ending laying the ground for another series.

I thought that all the actors playing the main characters did well, and there were few weaknesses. I also liked the writing and direction and, unlike so many crime series these days, didn't rely any chases between the "goodies and baddies" to bolster the plot.

This series is well worth four hours of your time.

This really is a great mystery/thriller series. Top realistic performances from the cast especially Morven Christie and Derek Riddell was just like a driven but honest senior cop..

They also got the police scenes right = None of that business of D. C.s calling their guv'nors by first name or kicking off with the higher ranks for 'dramatic' effect as we saw in Line of Duty...well done. More from the writer of this series please! Also having two super actors in the form of Steven Mackintosh and Peter Mullen really adds a great 'heft' to their various scenes.

Morven Christie's performance was so skilful, she must have been exhausted. A character under huge stress throughout and yet never puts a foot wrong..a great naturalistic performance. It was so rare in thriller/dramas where the central character doesn't have a trusty sidekick or friend with specials skills...she's all alone.

Let's start with the good. I'm not one of those people who are always looking for the next big innovative thing. This is a story of a woman whose husband is murdered and is left with a whole bunch of problems because of things that he did that she didn't know about. Not the first time a story like this was done but it's still interesting enough so I decided to give it a chance. First I'd say that the acting is excellent! Everyone is playing their part really great. Second, the story itself is unfolding in a descent pace. Not too fast but not too slow either. I always prefer a faster pace but as long as it's not too slow, it's ok. The production value is good too and again, six episodes aren't too much for this kind of a story. I make this point because I really don't like it that some shows are dragged out on on just to get more episodes. It's not like that in this show. So know that if you're looking for a fast paced action, this isn't it. It's a good paced thriller/drama.

Now to the bad part, while the ending is not terrible. Personally, I wasn't impressed. I really hate loose ends and there are several questions that aren't really answered (I'll write a more detailed review for the last episode). I just wasn't satisfied with the way the last episode unfolded. Too much of it didn't feel right to me. I can't say much more without spoiling it but because I found the show to be mostly very good I was hoping for a more satisfying ending.

Excellent crime drama from ITV set in Edinburgh. Lexi Noble, played by Morven Christie, loses her husband in a street stabbing by a group of young thugs. It turns out he was the accountant for a major crime lord, Cal Morris, played by Peter Mullen ably assisted by Malky Roberts played by Steven Mackintosh and was completely ripping him off. Lexi is unaware of this until she is approached by Cal who is demanding to know where his money is. Under threat of harm to her two kids she is forced to use her own accountancy skills to track the money through a web of fake companies and foreign bank accounts. It was well acted and a very entertaining ride. ITV have produced plenty of rubbish recently but this was definitely a good offering. Highly recommended.

Nuanced characters and situations in a morality play that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We all try to set up our lives with the best job, place to live and the right car... Kids schools, friends and everything. Even so, it is ultimately a fragile façade that can be shattered in a moment. Especially if the chances you've taken along the way start to add up against you. Everyone is forced to make choices in a dynamically changing world full of others who have their own perspectives and plans. Which character are you?

I like everything about this show and am hoping for more from this terrific team at the top of their game.