In a landscape full of crime dramas, Apple TV+'s “Criminal Record” stands out for refusing to conform to typical genre conventions. This series, with its intricate narrative and morally ambiguous characters, explores big institutional questions of legacy and change while unraveling a cold case that may have led to the wrongful conviction of an individual. With a stellar cast, the drama subverts viewers' expectations about story, characters, and truth.
The plot begins when a domestic violence call appears to be related to a murder that occurred a decade ago, prompting DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) to investigate the case of Errol Mathis (Tom Moutchi), the convicted suspect. Her search leads her to DCI Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi), the original detective on the case, who dismisses her concerns. This sets off a tense dynamic between the two as they clash over reopening an investigation deemed closed.
Creator: Paul Rutman
Stars: Cush Jumbo, Peter Capaldi, Dionne Brown
The series weaves a dense narrative that combines elements of investigation, social commentary and morality play. While the cold case itself is simple, the story surrounding it is rich with unexpected twists, revealing new layers of characters and challenging assumptions. The conflict between June and Hegarty, framed as a generational divide, becomes more complex as both characters exhibit flaws and fallibility.
The show features subplots involving Errol's son Patrick, Hegarty's troubled parenting, and June's mentally deteriorating mother. However, these subplots pale in comparison to the passionate dynamic between June and Hegarty. The chemistry between Jumbo and Capaldi elevates the series, exploring conflicted and sometimes respectful interactions.
June's character shines as a bold, tenacious, and at times paranoid investigator. Her multifaceted identity as a police officer, mother, and black woman adds layers to the narrative. Capaldi's portrayal of Hegarty steals the show, presenting a character with a gruff exterior and complex moral dilemmas. The series provocatively questions how viewers perceive him, resisting the temptation to make him a clear villain.
Although the central case does not break new ground, “Criminal Record” addresses current issues within the field of police and justice. He excels at raising questions, although he does not always provide answers. As a character-driven drama featuring powerful performances from Jumbo and Capaldi, the series is a valuable addition to the crime genre, offering a compelling exploration of legacy, change and the complexities of truth and justice.
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