I do enjoy a gritty and dark UK thriller – and this was a good example of the genre. The old trope of the ‘flawed here’ can be a very dreary cliché but although it was used here, it was use in a creative and imaginative way - probably helped by having Idris Elba in this role. Both the setting (London) and scenario (essentially a police procedural) were very well, and often quite darkly, depicted with much murkily atmospheric lighting that added much.
In terms of plot and events, it was complicated but well structured and so could be comfortably followed. The whole scenario though was a scarily impressive demonstration of the grim extent to which electronic surveillance and control is now a central part of our lives. This, in itself, is not new in this sort of contemporary drama but the way it was shown here really brought it home. There are no secrets any more in our world as anything and everything can be hacked.. It conformed my decision, made a while ago, not to have Siri or door cameras etc etc – although I do have a smart TV but do not use all the high-tech options; tbh it’s largely a screen for Netflix!
The expected integration of personal drama and relationships intersecting with the investigative/procedural aspect of the show was expected but very well done and effective; too often the personal elements are not effectively balanced with the thriller/crime aspects of the drama although there were moments in this when this was not the ideal. And the central serial killer was an unusually well-written role, although again probably helped by having Andy Serkis in the role. A highly engaging show.