The Fixer - Series 1 [DVD]

There’s not too much originality to the concept behind ITV’s drama series The Fixer. But it’s the execution of it that lifts the show onto the recommend pile.

John Mercer (played by Andrew Buchan) finds himself let out of prison early, albeit with a bit of a catch. It soon becomes clear that the price Mercer must pay for his early release is to become a hired gun for the authorities, whether he wants to be or not.

Also starring Peter Mullan and Tamzin Outhwaite, The Fixer soon sets its sights on delivering solid action, and lots of it. What’s more, it succeeds: this is as entertaining a contemporary action drama as ITV has come up with in some time, and the pedigree of the programme makers (whose experience brings in the likes of Hustle and Spooks) is evident from the very early stages.

Right from the moment the opening episode explodes onto the screen, The Fixer is a relentless journey, packing in plenty of thrills and excitement. Well written, and with interesting characters too, it manages to lift itself above the well-trodden central idea, and offer up many hours of strong entertainment. Let’s hope that more adventures of The Fixer are in the offing. --Jon Foster

From the makers of Spooks, Hustle and Life on Mars, this is ITV's latest action-packed, high-octane series.

John Mercer (Andy Buchan) is an assassin for the state - beholden to his sinister master but not the boundaries of the law.

Released from prison unexpectedly early, Mercer is introduced to Lenny Douglas, a police officer retired on the grounds of "ill health". He quickly realises his newfound freedom comes at a price. Douglas runs an unofficial operation with a single brief: dealing with untouchable criminals and disorganising crime. Mercer’s role is that of hitman.

On hand to help Mercer fulfil each hit are Calum, whose main interests are girls, drugs and music, and the sharp tongued but seductive Rose, an ex-copper forced out of the police by scandal. The team are brought together to bring order where the law has failed. But can operating outside the usual parameters of the law – even under the pretext of protecting it - ever be justified?

Starring: Andrew Buchan (Cranford, Jane Eyre), Peter Mullan (Children of Men, My Name is Joe), Tamzin Outhwaite (Hotel Babylon, EastEnders), Jody Lee Latham (Shameless, Holby City).

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital Stereo ), English ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Interactive Menu, Making Of, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: There's not too much originality to the concept behind ITV's drama series The Fixer. But it's the execution of it that lifts the show onto the recommend pile. John Mercer (played by Andrew Buchan) finds himself let out of prison early, albeit with a bit of a catch. It soon becomes clear that the price Mercer must pay for his early release is to become a hired gun for the authorities, whether he wants to be or not. Also starring Peter Mullan and Tamzin Outhwaite, The Fixer soon sets its sights on delivering solid action, and lots of it. What's more, it succeeds: this is as entertaining a contemporary action drama as ITV has come up with in some time, and the pedigree of the programme makers (whose experience brings in the likes of Hustle and Spooks) is evident from the very early stages. Right from the moment the opening episode explodes onto the screen, The Fixer is a relentless journey, packing in plenty of thrills and excitement. Well written, and with interesting characters too, it manages to lift itself above the well-trodden central idea, and offer up many hours of strong entertainment. Let's hope that more adventures of The Fixer are in the offing. ...The Fixer - Series One - 2-DVD Set ( The Fixer - Entire Series 1 )