Nightsleeper: ataque al tren

So we are to believe the train sets off by itself, OK. But al the high tec drama, satellite phones and whatever - but nobody thinks to have the overhead electric cable switched off? I think that would stop it. Like one other reviewer points out the 'sense of urgency and impeding doom' are indeed missing. There are far too many slow scenes e.g. When the train was being evacuated, why didn't the police simply sweep the passengers off the train? People seemingly getting on and off at random. Or when the young boy was stood in the doorway with his mother stood on the platform instead of getting off. Sorry this is simply not credible. However, I will watch it anyways for a few more laughs and howlers.

Firstly, the problem with critics is they seem to confuse their love of TV & film with actual knowledge of subject matter. Let's get this clear, they are NOT train engineers and do not understand the workings of the Rail Network - I daresay British Rail barely understand their own network. This leads me to my next point. Some jump to quick conclusions based on their limited knowledge. I am not going to make claims about any actual knowledge...I have none when it concerns rail travel.

With this in mind it is best to just watch Nightsleeper for the action and enjoy it. Is it a little contrived? Yes. Is the acting brilliant from all the characters? No. But it wasn't in Die Hard or Under Seige. This is just an action series piece of escapism that is fun to watch as well as annoying at times. The writers have included too many twists and mechanisms and it most certainly isn't realistic to life (none of our trains are this reliable with a driver let alone without one) but it is ultimately good predictable fun. Did anyone expect John McClane to die in Die Hard? No. It is just fun. This series is in that ilk, the accidental hero in the wrong place at the wrong time racing to right wrongs because that's the type of character the hero is.

My main criticism would be that the writers put too many situations together thinking they were giving characters depth but they definitely fail with this...it is a particularly unnecessary bit of overkill thrown in to keep the red herrings fed for each episode. That said, dismiss all requirements for TV to marry with actual reality and you might find yourself enjoying this short series.

Lot of reviews slate the show for bad acting and screen play. I agree a little, some characters. And I can't believe the agency and people working there are a bit of a shambles. I can't believe they represent the best of the best protecting our country from hacking!

Nevertheless, it's a fantastic thriller. Great edge of the seat cliffhangers to ensure it's binged watched! Lots of the people are annoying but good to see how they rally around in trouble.

Jo Cole is of course great in it. I did think his character would have been more Hollywood style hero but actually it's more realistic if not.

Look some people just don't like regional accents. I suspect that's why they're giving it a low score. It's not the best acted show and yes the dialogue is a little weak but it's basically a good story. It's a work of fiction. Some people are criticising it because it's unlikely and not real life, neither is Star Wars and it's got some dodgy acting too! It's full of twists and turns in the story. It is intense at times and keeps me interested and wanting to watch the next episode. Is that not what you want from a story? A little escapism? Watch it. Give it a go and don't think too much into it. On saying all that I doubt it'll win a bafta.

As long as you know nothing about trains, communication systems, physics or common sense this is quite a ride. A completely impossible and silly ride but a ride, nonetheless. Yes, it is very stupid and the writers and directors have no knowledge of how things work but that's hardly something new. Once you get beyond the complete dumbness of it all and put that to one side it is quite entertaining.

It's a load of enjoyable nonsense presented very well. There's no point criticising it because it has no connection with reality. It exists in a pretend universe and once you accept that just go along with it.