The Code

It's a baptism of fire for a trio of PSNI Probationers, who are a month into their training. One of them, former Social worker Grace Ellis aims to help a mother, who's son has fallen in with The McIntyres, the local most wanted.

I think this aims to show the harsh realities for many Police, a team trying to keep the public safe, subjected to all manner of horrors. Policing in 2023!!!

How refreshing to see a drama set in Northern Ireland, it makes a nice change, no super deep conspiracies or overly complex plots, this first episode sees the rookies and mentors trying to deal with everyday Policing.

Very well acted and well produced, I like how we even have a semi villain in Constable Robinson.

If this first episode is anything to go by, then this series is going to be quite something.

8/10.

The critically acclaimed Blue Lights burst onto the screens. I presumed it would be something like The Bill but set in Belfast.

A police series set in Belfast could never had been made in the past, not in the Royal Ulster Constabulary days.

The first episode makes it clear that the Troubles are far from gone. Rookie cop PC Grace Ellis (Sian Brooke) checks underneath her car for bombs.

She is in her 40s and a former social worker. Along with Annie and Tommy they are learning the ropes about policing in Belfast. Going into areas where they are still unwelcome. Where undercover security service officials from the mainland still operate and hide their own agenda and identities.

This was a strong first episode. PC Grace Ellis tries to help a disturbed woman while the locals antagonise the police. There was real danger to the characters and I was always left thinking that a character could end getting killed by the end.

Along with the drama, there is black humour. The rookies want to know about the origins of Colin's code where the critical threat level is brown.