DI Ray

The lead character highlights the low and not so low level racism inherent across English society in a measured and realistic way. On the downside the story is a bit thin and leads boss is very annoying (as they always seem to be in British police dramas).

I liked D. I. Ray and thought Parminder Nagra and Maanuv Thiara were great in their performances. However the storyline felt disjointed at times and key information about characters was missing. Line of Duty really has set the bar high and I hope they meet it in season 2.

I really liked it and in fact watched it in just one sitting. I highly recommend it.

However, it is true that the lead character could have been more expressive and likeable, especially in her interactions with her fiancé in which I saw no chemistry at all and found their acting rather contrived as if they had both signed an agreement so as not to kiss each other on the mouth. It was a bit weird. Other than that, the plot is compelling and racism across British police is superbly portrayed.

My Review D. I. Ray no on SBS on Demand

My Rating 7:10

D. I. Ray is a very interesting story about important the disturbing issues of Police Corruption and ethic typecasting that often assumes that because a suspect is of a certain racial background that they must automatically be a prime suspect in a crime.

The stories main character is newly promoted DI Rachita Ray played so well by Parminder Nagra.

D. I. Ray takes on a case that forces her to face a lifelong personal conflict between her British identity and her South Asian heritage.

It's obvious from the first episode that D. I. Ray is not welcome in her new role at Birmingham Police Headquarters especially by her superior DCI Kerry Henderson (Gemma Whelan) or her Superintendent Inspector.

DI Ray is assigned to a high profile case that draws her into the world of organised crime involving drug trafficking prostitution and illegal migrant smuggling.

I enjoyed the performances and the story but when it left us hanging in mid air with so many questions still unanswered after 4 episodes I felt robbed .

The storyline in the script is good but needs completion by writers Maya Sondhi and Executive Producer Jed Mercurio. They previously worked together on Line of Duty (2012). Mercurio wrote the show and Sondhi played PC Maneet Bindra.

So the show has a good pedigree I just hope we do get a second series .

A good British police drama which to be fair isn't bad . Really worth the watch and don't be put off by negative reviews and I hope that DI Ray returns for another series.