Copyright irishmirror
Blue Lights enthusiasts are being nudged to indulge in another gripping police crime drama as the third series wraps up. The Belfast-based police procedural drama , which first hit our screens in 2023, made a comeback last month, featuring Sian Brooke as Grace Ellis, Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon, and Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster. Set within the fictional confines of Blackthorn police station in Belfast, the series trails three rookie coppers as they grapple with the demands of their new roles amidst a perilous criminal underworld and divided communities, all while figuring out who they can trust. Viewers were hooked by the third series, which aired its sixth and final episode earlier this week. Although a fourth season is already on the cards, it's not expected to grace our screens anytime soon. In the interim, another BBC police drama is ready for viewing on BBC iPlayer, reports Belfast Live . The Responder first graced our screens in 2022, with a second series airing last year. It features Martin Freeman, Adelayo Adedayo, and Ian Hart, with the Sherlock actor taking on the role of PC Chris Carson. Set in a fictional constabulary in Liverpool, Chris is demoted from his Inspector standing and begins working night shifts. As well as dealing with crime, he's forced to come to terms with his past and childhood trauma that comes back to haunt him, as well as his mental health now and a failing marriage. The series, written by former police officer Tony Schumacher, follows Chris across five nights as he tries to adjust and become a better person despite falling apart inside. The synopsis teases: "The Responder holds a mirror up to the emotional extremes of life on the front line of British policing - sometimes darkly funny, sometimes painfully tragic, always challenging. "The Responder follows Chris Carson (Martin Freeman), a crisis-stricken, morally compromised, unconventional urgent response officer tackling a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool. "Whilst trying to keep his head above water both personally and professionally, Chris is forced to take on a new rookie partner Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo). Both soon discover that survival in this high-pressure, relentless, nighttime world will depend on them either helping or destroying each other." Series two took place six months on from the first, with Chris attempting to rebuild his life and relationships while avoiding the corruption surrounding him. The BBC teased: "He is trying to be a better police officer, a better man, and most importantly, a better father to his daughter Tilly. All whilst still dealing with the relentless trauma of being a night response officer. Chris wants a day job. Chris needs a day job. But is he prepared to risk everything to get one?" The Responder was a huge hit with fans, scoring a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Martin winning an International Emmy Award for his performance. One fan wrote: "I was completely engrossed and infected by the show and the incredible performances." Another said: "Absolute absorbing. Marin Freeman is a very gifted actor. I love also Adelayo Adedayo - such expression." A third added, "One of the best TV shows ever. Brilliant plot, brilliantly performed and acted, warms you up and hooks you. Martin Freeman puts in an extraordinary performance, as does the cast around him." The Responder is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
