Six Four

Gripping four episode thriller based on a Japanese novel, but set in Scotland. Moody and dark, the main reason for watching this is Kevin McKidd who gives a stellar performance as a troubled police detective whose daughter has gone missing. While the plots has enough twists to avoid being in the paint by numbers school of thriller writing, watch it for McKidd as he gets inside the head of his character, a lowly ranked detective. McKidd's performance masterfully avoids the limitations of his character I.e., the cliche of the passed over disgruntled detective, whose brother has made it to the top of the Force. Intense yet under played, McKiidd turns in a slow burn performance that simply steals the show.

It's one of those series to watch to pass the time..it's not too bad,but sadly it's not too memorable either. Acting by the main actor, Kevin McKid I thought, was good - moody, and brooding but unfortunately I felt Vinette Robinson was overacting - I understand she was supposed to be angry and stressed but she came out unlikeable...i didn't enjoy watching the initial scenes with her in it..she only became likeable at the end.

The story line was interesting- juxtaposing a recent incident to a similar one from long ago, with the involvement of political figures in it. The back story of Scotland's quest for independence was also highlighted in this series but it's not something I understand much of, so that bit was lost on me.

Watchable drama is the headline for this one. At times there are twists. Scottish politics are thrown in for good measure and it all makes a compellable and consumable drama. Would I want a second series? Probably not, does this reflect the real world? Almost certainly not - but then why do I want a drama to reflect the real world.

The characters are standard the grizzled old timer and maverick, a villain who may hold the key to everything - well I expected him to turn to the camera and cackle. The acting was pretty standard too with no stand out performances.

The cinematography at times is stunning without trying to advertise Scotland. The sound track is a little unexpected and forgettable but doesn't detract from a watchable drama.

Six Four: Another dark detective mystery series set in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and rural Scotland., Detective Constable Chris O'Neill (Kevin McKidd) and his wife, Micheele (Vinette Robinson), an ex-uncover officer are worried, their daughter has been missing for three weeks. An unrelated missing person case from 16 yeaes ago rears it's head again. The father in this case, James Cosmo believes that a cover up took place. Then the Justice Seretary's daughter is kidnapped, Dark and gritty involving corruption, murder, security service involvement and secret papers. Michelle has her own secrets to keep as she heads to London seeking help from contacts in her undercover days in a quest to find her daughter. A multi-layered thriller which will keep you guessing as to what is really at stake. On ITVX and RTE2. 8/10.

I found this show to be highly engaging, thanks in no small part to the standout performances from McKidd and Coyle. With its bleak atmosphere, intricate plot, and ample intrigue, it evokes the feel of a Scandinavian crime drama.

Based on Hideo Yokoyama's novel, the show successfully transports the action from Japan to Scotland. While the plot may not be the most original - after all, TV is full of thrillers centered around missing girls - the story moves at a satisfying pace and delivers plenty of thrilling moments over the course of its four episodes. What sets it apart is its ability to balance visceral interpersonal emotion with genuine thrills, a feat that's never easy to pull off.