User reviews

'Collateral', a new BBC drama, has been written by distinguisged playwright David Hare. Writing for the theatre, an author has to make great use of dialogue; they lack access to the inner monologue that a writer of fiction can call upon, or the camera and its access to varied surroundings of someone writing for TV or cinema. Hare has his own trademark style of dialogue; and he retains it even when television is his medium. So one thing one doesn't get is naturalistic dialogue. Instead, his characters talk in short, confident sentences, that are non-expository; or at least, the words tell us something about the overall moof of the moment, but can feel almost deliberately obfuscatory in terms of plot. But when it comes to plot, Hare gets one thing right that many authors of detective stories do not: a situation that intially appears bizarrely byzantine to its investigators is in fact less complex than it seemed; the complexity a by-product of what they don't know. There's a relatively simple story at the heart of the mystery, unlike so many stories, where an endless sequence of preposterous developments are required to make sense of it all.

So the writing is good. The underlying theme is thought-provoking too; the responsibility of those of us who live in the relatively comfortable world to those who do not. Hare clearly has strong opinions on this question; but his treatment, though partisan, is fair, and underpins rather than smothering the story. 'Collateral' is unquestionbly highbrow, and won't be for everyone; but I enjoyed its fresh approach one of our most common TV genres.

I don't understand all the low reviews. I found this series to be very riveting. It was multi-layered with characters stories intertwined. I was sorry when it was over.

I watched this mini series in one sitting, not that it was thrilling or real edge of the seat stuff, but it did draw me in. Plenty of plot twists and turns and I think the BBC managed their full quota of diversity box ticking on this one. Good performances from all the leads and it isn't easy to predict the end. Wanders off with plenty of not really needed backdrop stories almost like a soap script at times but it does all fit together. Worth the watch, quite slow as the story unfolds, for me this isn't a bad thing as I prefer story rather than mindless action. The look at detention centre is quite disturbing, if indeed it is an accurate portrayal, the look at the military sexual harassment was quite disturbing but again, seemingly not needed but understandable why it was included. Not unmissable, but still a very competent thriller.

The movie has some serious issues in its core. Now I understand that some may feel like the movie is a bit lacklustre and does not give you the whole picture on some things or goes all the way. It also feels for some that some of the actors may be wasted. But that is up to you to decide, I personally think they are all doing more than a decent job.

It's four parts and it works quite neatly. It tackles subjects that have many sides and blurry lines, because you don't have just black and white. There's a lot of gray areas and a lot of characters who may think they are doing the right thing, but ultimately, what is really a right thing? Who does judge and who can tell? So while it may not go too deep, it still has enough to be worthwhile

Apart from the bad writing, the amazing acting and cinematography make this show binge-worthy.

it is a solid show, it's not the greatest but is not so bad

This is TV. This is drama... All I see in the reviews are polarised views on Brexit / Build a wall / Make Britain Great Again vs. Hippyism / Leninism / stalinism...

Is that what it's become? two completely inconsolable halves?

The whole idea of this show was as that there ARE no clear divides between what is white and what is black. When Kip said "we are the people." she meant it... We are not Politick. We are not Robotic. We are not Servants. We are people. We are humans. We each deserve case by case assessment...

Of course, this show was also demonstrating that this would be impractical in any sense....

still... top marks for acting and raising to our attention the plight of both foreigners in the UK and the services that have to deal with them either for or against their own opinion of what is right.

I know I can be quite generous when it comes to reviewing shows, but when there's quality there I will always point out. Even I am struggling to pick out huge positives for Collateral, I enjoyed the opening episode, I was very impressed by the acting and production values, but somehow it just seems to fall short. I delayed watching it as I watched Trauma, stupid to transmit two shows with John Sim simultaneously. Trauma came in for some major criticism, but I quite liked it, at least it gave Sim a chance to show of his acting quality. I made the right choice as Collateral seems to promise so much, just not deliver, it was a little confusing, a little too clever for its own good and just a little uninspiring. I quite liked the story, but the execution didn't really do it justice. Had the series had episode one's quality all the way through it would have gotten a much higher rating. Not bad, should have been excellent. 6/10

I'm not sure if the naysayers watched the same program I did. I found this miniseries one of the smartest things David Hare has ever written. A suspenseful series for adults with a fine cast l d by a wonder Carey Mulligan.

I really I don't get them. Yes, the first episode seemed like a lot of characters coming altogether at the same time, actually, that was what I felt, they were all presented at the same time while I got lost on who was who; anyway, should TV always be empty? Or worst, bare? I don't think so.

It's the BBC and by the 2nd episode the serie finally got me interested, I'll give a 7 stars to this pending the 2 upcoming episoded, so far I don't think it deserves anything below (nor beyond) that.

Yes, The Honorauble Woman was a 9, I know the BBC can do better, we all do but I'll give this a chance.

Not sure why there have been some low ratings. This was a pretty decent drama. Above average acting (hence an 8 and not a 7). Good and intriguing story kind. Plenty twists. The military side was a bit sub standard as pointed out in previous reviews but that aside it was good. Sad bits in the ending. Happier bits. Billy piper was surprisingly good. Give it a go. It's only 4 hrs which is perfect. Wished some other series would take that stance. Sometimes 6 episodes drag it out.

Collateral (2018), is a new four part limited mini-series that was made by BBC and presented to the rest of the world as a Netflix Original. We were thoroughly intrigued by the trailer which promised a lot with the stellar cast. The 4 episodes of this mini series occur over four consecutive days. They have tried to address too many issues in this short mini series, which in my opinion might have muddles the waters a bit. Carey Mulligan as DI Kip Gillespe, Jeany Spark as Major Sandrine Shaw, John Simm as MP David Mars and Nicola Walker (one of my favorite mini screen actors) as a gay clergy were stellar in their roles.

The series has bits about the pains of a homecoming soldier, the desperation of the refugees fleeing from their terror riddled home countries, drug abuse amongst young mothers, LGBT acceptance amongst the English clergy, rank abusing Army superiors and the immigration stance that has ravaged all developed nations. They have bitten off more than can chew and it becomes glaringly obvious when you watch the characters struggle with their problems.

To summarize, I would say its a decent watch which promised a lot more than it eventually delivered. Too many issues and too little a screen time (and yet there were a few boring fleeting moments in between) might have acted against in making this an exceptional watch. Its a nice enough watch but nothing earth shattering.

The pizza supplier, an illegal economic refugee, is shot after a delivery. It looks like a contract killing. Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie investigates.

The case is solved conclusively, but relatively without tension. In the end it wasn't clear to me what purpose all the subplots should have had. The mini-series isn't exciting enough for a thriller. Too superficially treated as a refugee or military drama. Quite ok, but nothing more.

Can someone tell me why a likely assassin, after a well-executed mission, would leave a phone behind in a unsecured place?

Im only two episodes in and I will definitely watch to the end because I'm enjoying it, but it does have some big flaws.

A previous reviewer nailed it when s/he said this was written like a play, not a movie.. Some scenes are like old "Law & Order SVU" episodes with each character taking turns telling us a bit of information. Very little depth of character; dialogue too rapid-fire. While I agree with the liberal points of view here, I don't like them being presented in such a ham-fisted manner.

I disagree with many of the low marks given to this series. It was extremely well done in every aspect, and though a slightly slower paced than many of my favourite shows and films, the production is superb and kept me spellbound. What most have ignored here is the incredible cinematography and editing work that went into this, and I feel it's some of the best I've seen in some time. I really hope to see more of this series.

Quality British drama from the BBC. Well rounded characters wrapped in a people smuggling murder mystery. Hand held camera work and fast paced editing in EP 2 was almost to hard to watch, thankfully it settles down for the remaining two episodes. Worth the watch

We really enjoyed this show! Wish it were longer! It was fun and entertaining! We wish it had more episodes. Very enjoyable and there were some thrills! It was thrilling.

I think this show is slightly underrated. I found the plot and story to be very interesting, as in I really look forward to the next episode. I think the writing is solid, acting is solid. I also think the show has solid pacing. Two episodes in I would rate this show 7.5/10. I really don't understand a lot of British peoples tastes in TV shows. A lot of British tv shows that I found boring and uninteresting are given high ratings. Unforgotten and case histories average IMDB score is 8/10 even though I found these shows completely boring and uninteresting. Then you have this show which I found very interesting and you have people hating on it. A lot of british people seem to prefer the slow and light hearted crime dramas like wallander, unforgotten, happy valley which I find these shows completely boring and uninteresting. Then you have great shows that are gripping and dark like Mcmafia, collateral, the tunnel that get hated on, I just don't get it.

Simply loved this show. Characters are so brilliant. Love to see more of Kip as a detective. Hopefully there's a follow up!!!! Carey Mulligan is simply the best!!!

I enjoyed this short series. I think a few things could have been done better, but the basic story was interesting and solid, and the acting across the board was excellent.

Basically,, Collateral is a typical British DI series with some minor geo-political aspects (that appear to be far overblown by folks giving negative reviews). What really makes the show standout from others is the performances of Cary Mulligan and the actress playing Sandrine Shaw, who I'm not familiar with. Of course, I've always really liked Cary Mulligan, but I really loved her Tennyson like character here, and would like to see here reprise it in a sequel or a new series. The other actress plays a very important character who is not quite what she seems at first meet, and probably has the most emotional of roles here.

The first episode basically gives us all the pieces, but I'd not really call this a whodoneit. More of a whydoneit. Outside of Cary's Kip and Sandrine Shaw, most of the characters here are like chess pieces getting move around. You get some story of their story here but in many ways are left with not much of substance in the long run. It is only a 4 hour series, but the sub-plots seemed to be setup more as performance pieces for a continuing series. But other wise just there to flesh out the story and plot. In other words, there are character arcs here that are given quite some weight during the four hours, but really only superficially connected to the main plot. Still, the acting is so good that you are left interested if certainly not entirely satisfied at the end.

Overall the series is definitely worth a watch, especially if you are a fan of Mulligan.

I give it 3/10 for the performances of the actors, the assured direction of SJ Clarkson, and for the intent of the writer, David Hare, though not his execution.

This mini series attempted a lot but didn't really deliver. It's as if Hare took a random selection of clippings of newspaper stories he thought interesting and tried to weave them altogether into a state of the nation play. Something about terrorism? Put that in. Immigration? Got to have that. The Army? Of course. MI5? Probably should. Politics? Yep. The Church? Might as well.

Some hot topics and a bold attempt, but it didn't work. There were needless characters and subplots, ridiculous and contrived relationships and situations, and extremely clunky exchanges of dialogue, as well as cartoonish characters, particularly the MI5 guy. Maybe you can get away with that on stage where you need to include more exposition and can be less subtle. But not on screen.

To the reviewers who say it's too clever for some viewers: Nah. It's really not. Clever is letting the audience connect the dots themselves and come to their own conclusions. I don't mind a writer putting their opinions and politics into their stories; that's their prerogative and I like to be challenged to think. This didn't challenge me. It punched me in the face repeatedly to the point where I felt I was being bullied and forced to agree. Naturally, I resisted that affront to my intelligence, and that really put me off liking this show, whether I agreed with some of the sentiments or not.

All in all, this didn't amount to much and the ambition far exceeded the execution, which is a shame because the ideas and the cast had promise.

How polarized are our times? Very. Witness the surprising number of user comments that deplore Collateral simply because it's politics are on the opposite side of their anti-immigrant, pro-Brexit bents.

#SAD

Collateral is very entertaining, and exceptionally well directed by S.J. Clarkson. I've never heard of her, but if Collateral is typical of her work, then I am going to keep an eye out for her future projects. Amazing camera work, crisp editing, strong performances. I always enjoy Carrie Mulligan and she is terrific here, along with the rest of the cast. And the central mystery is very engaging.

So why only 7 stars?

The script goes sideways on several fronts. First, the dialogue is a bit hackneyed, too in the manner of old gumshoe/private eye yarns. Carrie Mulligan's character is not quite three dimensional; she is too much the no bullshit detective stereotype, modeled it appears on Helen Mirren's Jane Tennison. Second, the principal characters are weirdly knotted together. The drug addled witness lives with the local vicar who once had a relationship with the liberal MP whose ex ordered the pizza that the murder victim delivered; and the vicar also has a consult with the pizza store manager who asked the murder victim to deliver the pizza to her former flame's ex. The closeness of the relationships is implausible. Third, yes, there is the politics. Politics are a legitimate subject of drama - and the best political films are the ones that don't lecture the audience about what they should believe. But Hare doesn't pare back his political leanings here; he places his political pontifications in the mouth of at least one character. As David Mamet has said, don't lecture your audience - it's the quickest way to alienate them. Fortunately, the lecturing bits are not completely distracting here - but still, they diminish the story.

Overall, a good series. Amazing direction. Solid performances. And from time to time, a political gobsmacking.