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 this series because of the way it showed up everyday racism and prejudice in society and the police force. I'm not Asian so the fact that I sympathized with DI Ray's struggles as a British Asian woman says a lot for the acting and writing. Parminder Nagra brought her character to life with an understated performance that showed how she dealt with everyday prejudice starting in the grocery store and onto her work colleagues.

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 .

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.

DI Ray disarms a man with a knife, recognised for her bravery, the powers that be move her to head up a murder case.

I was very impressed by this four part series, it's complex, it's deep, it's incredibly well paced, don't expect endless meandering, Ray is thrown straight into the action.

Very well made, it looks and sounds great, it's a cut above your regular drama series.

Line of Duty vibes, which isn't really surprising, it's not as complex or heavy, but it has similar tones and vibes, the usual level of corruption.

How utterly refreshing to see a predominantly British Asian cast for a change, about time and great to see, every single player here is excellent.

Parminder Nagra is just so good as the lead, she steals the show, and truly develops with each episode, you witness some of the deliberate, and not so deliberate racism that she, and many others must feel.

The second series fortunately followed, and as it stands we're patiently waiting for series three.

8/10.