The Level

I have just watched this over 4 nights over here in NZ. It was a solid work, gripping to the point of silencing my son (16 so old enough!) when the final episode was on. I found the story intriguing with good acting. There were only 2 moments where I though "wow, really??" but both were obviously in order to move the story along. While a fellow reviewer called the main character a snowflake (gah!) who didn't live up to her story reputation it needs to be kept in mind that she has just lost a key person in her life and sustained an injury - it's true she's no John McClane, and I can live with that. The story is as much about her and her personal relationships as it is the whodunit thriller. Sit back and enjoy the ride. The only criticism I found was that Noel Clarke's character was a little one dimensional, I would love another series with more character progression for him. LOVED IT!

The Level is yet another crime drama from the UK. That's not a bad thing in itself but I do feel, at times, they start to run short of ideas and The Level is a case in question.

Firstly lets look at the good. Its predictably well acted, directed and ably creates an atmosphere of rising tension, that fits well with the series overriding plot.

The bad is reflected in the fact that the whole notion, is a little far fetched. The proposition of a cop having a personal link with an individual from a questionable, legal background is fine. Whats inexplicable are the cops actions after initial events unfold. Whilst most people would be keeping a low profile, maybe even resigning or transferring to stay off the radar, she wades into an investigation that stands to expose her. Of course, this is the at the heart of the story but it is in my opinion "weak tea" and more than a little implausible.

That's not to say this series is not watchable. It is for the most part but I found it stretched my credulity more than a little. Six out of ten from me.

I don't think any fan of the crime drama genre can say that the last few years haven't produced some truly high quality productions. Foolishly I didn't watch The Level during its original run, as I thought it looked run of the mill, I was wrong, and whilst I wouldn't deem it a classic, I would have to say it's very good at least. The acting is exceptional, the characters are engaging, and of course it's very well produced, but the key element for me, has to be the writing, it's so incredibly good, there are multiple twists and turns, and half way through you're left wondering as to who are the good and bad guys, so the writing is so clever, that nothing's particularly black or white.

Nancy is a great, complex character, she's sincere and very likeable, Karla Crome is terrific throughout, a shame for her no second series happened, as she could definitely have done more with that character. Also very good are Amanda Burton, Joe Absolom, Noel Clarke and Laura Haddock. I was so glad to see Philip Glenister in the cast list, but in all honesty he could have been anyone, and was shamefully underused.

Intriguing from start to finish, this is a very high quality series. 8/10

Have you watched all the episodes.. and was it all that horrible.. no. When a show kinda works, you don't readily think about quitting.. and if you can get though the script without saying it's absolute bs.. then it's in the running. All the actors in The Level admirably perform their parts, and you don't have much of a problem with any one of them in particular. Does it break ground.. that's hard for most any show today.. but for the most part it works, and it's on the schedule to look forward to the next episodes. There's lots of programming to watch.. is it all the best it can be, hardly.. but this one's not that bad. Will it continue for multiple seasons.. that remains to be seen, but so far, am willing to at least give it a chance.

Just binge watched it and it kept me guessing. Very enjoyable way to spend a wet afternoon. Great job to all concerned. Keep the U.K. Dramas coming please!