Intruder

Worst drama of 2021 so far on British TV, a complete Turkey, makes The Drowning (also C5) look top notch, which takes some doing.

It's desperately unconvincing from the opening scene and continues in the same vein on a downward spiral till it becomes laughable for all the wrong reasons.

The direction, writing and acting were all way off and as for the plot.. They even had the same family liaison officer for the victim and perpetrator's family, like that would happen..

A preposterous melodrama - avoid..

Yet another psychological drama made for British TV featuring affluent, successful people who have no likeable qualities, and who stumble through their chaotic lives making one bad decision after another. One wonders how they ever became affluent and successful in the first place!

The three main characters are not only un-likeable, they are actually unpleasant, which makes having any sympathy or empathy for them just about impossible. The acting isn't great, the characters are very two-dimensional, the plot is unconvincing and the screenplay is tired, lame and unimaginative.

It's one of those series that thinks it is clever, original and 'edgy', but is in fact boring, predictable and just plain daft.

So much potential where did it all go wrong? Probably the wrong pen and the acting school of wood!

The story line simply makes no sense and two of the key characters act like they are on a different planet with their behaviour and lines. Also where is this set? He works at London City Radio and talks to listeners from Taunton yet lives next to the sea where all the cars are Northern Ireland registered and the streets and buildings appear to be in the Republic of Ireland. Oh dear. Watched the first episode and had reservations but tried a second episode but had to switch off after 15 mins as it descended to becoming simply dreadful to bear watching anymore.

Good news, Channel 5 continues its move into commissioning great original drama. Bad news, 'Intruder' doesn't come anywhere near meeting the requirements to satisfy the adjective,'great'.

This must have a detrimental effect on the broadcaster's reputation for providing quality programmes.

Having watched just the first two episodes, it's clear to me that the problem with the series comes down to 3 main things:

1. The budget is too low (or appears to be). Channel 5 has teamed with Irish Television for further funding and as a consequence the series has to be filmed in Ireland, doubling as England. The result gives the whole thing a strange look. It's a bit like seeing the Hollywood Hills in the distance on the outdoor London set in the Austin Powers movie.

2. The screenplays have not been rigorously vetted during development or pre-production; as a result there is a lack of structure, dialogue and characterisation.

3. The directing is below par. There are sequences where it is quite clear that there has been little or no blocking or rehearsal; as a consequence the actors appear as if they don't quite know where to stand or what is going on. This usually happens when there is an inadequate shooting day schedule; brought on because the budget is too low. There is no directorial 'flair' so the whole thing comes over as drab; no clever camera movements or inspirational lighting.

The overall effect of these problems has resulted, sadly, in an amateur feel to the whole thing.

To be fair , though, there are some very good scenes and story twists and turns, but these are overwhelmed by the bad ones. They have a very competent cast but they are under directed and, as a result, are susceptible to over act.

Let's hope the next drama series from Channel 5 brings about more positive reviews.