State Of Play - Series 1 (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Superb acting and clever story
Disadvantages:	None !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

HAT IS IT: State of Play is a six part BBC drama first shown in 2003. It has recently been adapted into a Hollywood film starring Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren. The original series began with two seemingly unrelated deaths: the shooting of a young man thought to be drugs related and the death of a young female political researcher. As the series develops, a complex network is established which draws in the drugs underworld, the press and important political figures. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil this fantastic series for anyone; sufficed to say themes of corruption and betrayal abound across the press, government and police force.

CAST: State of Play has one of the best casts I think I have ever seen in one drama. David Morrissey, John Simm, Bill Nighy, Marc Warren, Kelly MacDonald and James McAvoy all feature in the ensemble cast. The series was written by Paul Abbott, the acclaimed television writer who created such series as Shameless and Cracker. I really can't say enough about how fantastic this cast is and how brilliant all of their performances are. It is rare to see a cast work this well together; no-one attempts to hog the limelight and every performance is award worthy.

As there is such a complex network of relationships in this series and the plot is so intricate, it is difficult to know how to talk about it. I will just go through a few of the things that have caught my attention. I am currently re-watching the series and have just watched the second episode but I'll try not to give too much away!

STEPHEN AND CAL: The relationship between politician Stephen Collins (David Morrissey) and journalist Cal McCaffrey (John Simm) is one of the most engaging and well developed onscreen friendships (if this is really the right word to use) I have ever seen in a drama. Stephen and Cal are old friends who have drifted apart as Stephen has risen through the political ranks to head up a high profile energy committee. The two are brought back together as Stephen becomes involved in a scandal and Cal offers his help. The mixture of warmth and tension between the two men is captured perfectly by both actors and makes for very exciting viewing.

THE POLICE AND THE PRESS: The cat and mouse game between the press and the police begins with the former trying to keep hold of their exclusive story but quickly becomes a lot more dangerous as the journalists uncover things which put them in great danger. The first episode sees a tender working relationship develop between smart young journalist Della and the slightly naïve DI Brown. The sweetness of this relationship is a credit to Paul Abbott's writing as it is completely natural and believable. Bill Nighy also shines as the cynical but protective newspaper boss who will do anything to keep a story and protect his staff. MacAvoy is very charming as the morally dubious young reporter desperate to prove himself.

There are so many interweaving storylines and the action moves at such a pace that you cannot help but be utterly sucked in by this intelligent and well written series. The characters are so credible that you cannot help be moved by them. I really cannot recommend this thoroughly enough!