State Of Play: Complete BBC Series [2003] [DVD]

 

 

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"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

I missed this when it aired on TV and bought the DVD on a friend's recommendation. I'm gald I did, this is outstanding. Interesting to see a pre 'Life on Mars' pairing of John Simm and Philip Glenister (surely a Regan for the new millenium) David Morrisey and Bill Nighy also turn in very convincing performances.
The chief tenet of the show is that politicians will go to almost any length to manipulate events to their advantage, but there is a massively unexpected twist in the denouement that makes this worth watching alone,
Buy or borrow this - you won't regret it.

Having watched this programme 2 years ago (originally transmitted May/June 03 I was really annoyed with myself when I missed the last episode and hadn't recorded it. When I saw it on amazon a few weeks ago to pre-order i knew I just had to own it to see the ending and believe me I wasn't disappointed.

This is a fatastic politcal thriller written by the wonderful Paul Abbott that stars david Morrissey, John Simm and Bill Nighy. I don't want to give too much away about the plot but if you are a fan of political drama this DVD is a must.

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4.0 out of 5 stars drama to be consumed in great hungry chunks
If you have not seen this, then it comes highly recommended. The first episode starts with a breathless chase, and scarcely lets up. Read more

Published 25 days ago by tallmanbaby

5.0 out of 5 stars State of Play
This was a brilliantly written series, it held your attention for all 6 episodes with a twist at the end. On the whole I would strongly recommend a watch

Published 27 days ago by cr1ck3t

5.0 out of 5 stars In my opinion.....
Nobody puts a foot wrong in this film. All the characters are brilliantly played, the plot is believable with a twist at the end that I certainly didn't foresee. Read more

Published 28 days ago by Gubmouse

5.0 out of 5 stars The Interest of Convultion in Dramatic Plots
Unfortunately I do not remember watching this particular progamme back in the nineteen nineties, which I find strange because I always watch "any" drama on the BBC, because... Read more

Published 1 month ago by skimmity

5.0 out of 5 stars Very watchable
This is a very good film made for TV. John Simm and Bill Nighy are marvellous in it. The tension builds throughout and it is excellent.

Published 3 months ago by Pendle125

5.0 out of 5 stars Thriller redefined!
Yesterday I had started watching this series at around 19-45 hrs. Except for the inevitable breaks caused by biological needs, I just could not leave it, despite being pretty... Read more

Published 4 months ago by RIJU GANGULY

3.0 out of 5 stars Slow Pace
This would have worked better in one hour; the pace was slow. Expected it to be better from all the good reviews. Conclusion...okay, but I won't be keeping the dvd.

Published 6 months ago by KL

5.0 out of 5 stars Skip the Movie and Watch This!!!
With a pre-recession budget leading to a pre-recession cast led to a simply classic series. Yes it takes its time, yes it swaggers a bit at times with its political intelligence,... Read more

Published 7 months ago by T Marshall

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant Thriller
What struck me most about this film is just how much you become involved in this mini series, every character is well cast and well written. Read more

Published 9 months ago by ekb

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterclass from the BBC
340 unmissable minutes.
If I tell you I put this on at midnight, intending just to have a look, and watched it right through to the end, six hours later, you will get some... Read more

Published 11 months ago by Justice Peace

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