Vigil

I have absolutely no interest in anything navy storyline related usually, and so skipped over this a few times but Suranne is great, so ..... I'm not sure what the other navy-crazed reviewers were hoping for but calm down - it's a TV show, not a documentary on the workings of the navy. Also, how many reviewers need to use the work "woke"? Did people just learn that word? Move on - sit back and enjoy the show! :)

As an amateur navy buff, there are too many mistakes to mention in regards to the on board submarine sets, & navy protocols & procedures.

However,this is a crime fiction drama, and holds your interest, if you can ignore some of (the very obvious) flaws. The acting is good, despite some poor scripting. The sub plots and back story seems to now hold more interest to me than the main plot. Maybe the ending will surprise?

That said, when was the last time you saw a show, or movie on a submarine?

There could have been much better research done, and more thought put into the sets, and navy procedures and protocols, but at its heart it is a crime drama, not a documentary. I will keep watching, as what else is there to?

I come from Royal Navy heritage and find the way the RN are portrayed quite offensive. The story is utterly implausible and full of real life inaccuracies, but put all that aside and remember that this is a TV drama and not real life and it is actually a gripping show. I could write loads on the flaws (you never, ever call a Coxwain or Petty Officer 'Sir' for example), and I agree with the comments about BBC wokeness, but the actors are good, so I have no issues with their selection. So suspend your disbelief, sit back and enjoy a decent British drama.....

This is a thrilling six part series from The BBC, I've seen some hilarious comments about realism, it's very obvious that this is meant to thrill and entertain, not inform.

It's claustrophobic, energetic, gripping and fast paced, one of the best shows The BBC have out out in quite a while.

The acting is first rate, the best of Suranne Jones, Shaun Evans is also fantastic, the whole cast are terrific. Production values are off the scale, it looks incredible.

Part one gives you a massive shock, it doesn't hold back at any point, it's unforgiving and relentless. Part 5 is the peak for me, Part 6.....you'll either love it or hate it.

....Think Line of Duty meets Spyship, a 1980's BBC series, it's a cracking mix of both.

Loved it, 9/10.

Just a late update, I much preferred Series one to Series two, the ship setting added a level of claustrophobia, that the second series badly needed.

This review is based on Season 1 as I haven't gotten around to Season 2 yet.

Interesting premise and the tension is well crafted, both onshore and on the submarine. However, as the episodes progress, the plot becomes increasingly tenuous and frankly quite ludicrous. One thing that I found quite unbelievable was the bonhomie among all the various agencies.

The performances are decent. I thought Leslie Jones was very good, remain unconvinced about Suranne Jones as DCI Silva. The others do a reasonable job.

Overall a decent watch as a filler but I wouldn't classify it as great Televison, rather an opportunity missed to have a great show.