State Of Play : Complete BBC Series 1 [2003]

Customer Reviews:

Incestuous Interplay Between Politics, Media and Industry.......2008-03-14

"The more compelling moments of the series come not in the various subplots surround the mystery in front of us--although it is mystery indeed--but in how indoctrinate and incestuous the interplay between politics, media, and industry are in the modern information age. All three stand at cross-purposes, yet secretly acknowledge that none can succeed without careful consideration of the other two. Vital communication often runs deep underneath the observed interactions between the groups, taking place in back-room meetings and clandestine e-mails, and through veiled threats." Judge Arsenault

Having just come off the viewing of 10 weeks of the critically acclaimed HBO's TV show 'The Wire', I needed a pick me up, and wowser did I find one. This BBC 6 show series that aired in 2004 has it all and it is an even toss up with me as to which show is best, 'The Wire' or 'State of Play'. In both series the acting is superb. Bill Nighy as the wry, buttoned down, full of himself editor of the Herald hits the mark every time and won the UK's Best Actor award. Polly Walker known to most of us from HBO's 'Rome' is the politician's wife and is flawless. David Morrissey, as the politician, John Simm and Kelly Macdonald as the intrepid reporters for the Herald mark this cast as fully realized.

The shotgun murder of a drug-related killing, and the apparent accidental death of Sonia Baker, a researcher for Member of Parliament Stephen Collins seems unrelated. The one difference is the makings of a scandal when the news of Sonia's death hits the streets. Stephen Collins the Parliament member who employed Sonia is visibly shocked and upset when her death is announced. The editor of the Herald suspects some hanky-panky and sends two of his best investigative reporters out to look the matter over. Cal McCaffrey and Della Smith find that these two deaths are not only related but were linked to the oil industry and the British government. One scandal after another is uncovered and this minor story soon leaps to the largest story of the year.

The story of corruption and mayhem and lies and deceit are all realistic. The fact that the media, government and industry could all be in collusion seems all too true to those of us in the US looking at the war in Iraq and what has been wrought. What we don't count on is that once we think we have everything figured out, a new twist occurs. Some of this is a little over the top, but the superb acting counters any fallacy.

'State Of Play' shines on the media, in this case, the newspaper, the Herald. Financial success is intertwined with the government, and it is not easy to convince the CEO and the board that publishing the story is the right thing to do. Everyone in this series is touched in some manner by the final decisions and actions that take place. The action, the suspense, the writing, the cinematography are all as one to produce one of the best BBC series I have viewed. Helen Mirren and Russell Crowe are at this moment filming a movie version of this series. We have the best here, how could they ever top this series?

Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 03-13-08

The Girl in the Cafe

8 1/2 Women

Great, save the last 20 minutes!.......2008-02-29

Being a politics junkie and great fan of the West Wing, and having heard positive references to this series on Front Row many times, I thought it was time to see what the fuss was about. And largely I was not disappointed. It is taught, superbly written, well directed, and believable, until the last 20 minutes, when the wrap up/finale is completely implausible, and so ultimately a let down. It left me wondering if Paul Abbott actually wrote this ending at the outset, or if he was strong armed by the producer to alter it before it was commissioned, that said, the rest of it is well worth a watch - just manage your expectations for the ending!

Northern Exile Cumbria UK.......2007-12-06

Superb Political Drama at its best. Watch this and you will not be disappointed.The script was extremely intelligent, complimented by superb acting by the entire cast. Some wonderful facial expressions especially Polly Adams when chasing after her husband. A really gripping drama and if you like political intrigue you will love this

Truly great drama for adults.......2007-11-28

Easily one of the best TV dramas I have ever had the pleasure of watching. The cast and story is magnificent and there is a great performance from one of James McAvoy's early TV appearances. Even the usual on/off John Simms is very good here, which is always a good sign when a whole cast is on form.

The complex plot demands attention, so this is not suited for a 'modern' Big Brother, new Doctor Who watching audience.

A wonderful series spoiled by a weak ending.......2007-11-28

The acting and writing in this series was marvelous with Sims giving, in my opinion, a better performance than in Life on Mars. However, the ending wimps out, all of the previous plotting had suggested a massive conspiracy but in the end the wrap up in unconvincing and spoils what had gone before.

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