Criminal Record (2024– ) User Reviews

Don't let the opinionated complaints about the racism angle deter you from watching!

[maria-ricci-1983 · 8/10 · 30 January 2024]

I may be wrong, but this is IMDB, people, and TV shows are TV shows.

It gets complicated when we use the reviews tab for debating politics, racism or political correctness instead of assessing a production as a whole, or try to 'punish' the show with a poor review just because the angle or the ideas portrayed in the plot do not match our view of the world. Yes, it happens, sometimes we get incensed about some messages (this is not the case, Criminal Record is certainly not about the message), but, as a reader seeking for reviews before watching a show, I prefer less opinionated perspectives and find them more helpful.

In purely cinematographic terms, this is a quite enjoyable show, even though the theme is not new to the genre and has already been visited before by quite a few crime and procedural series.

However, the premise still holds, and so far the story is intriguing enough and ambiguous enough to feed the mystery about how things will resolve in the end. You wonder, is the 'bad guy' really that terribly bad or is he not, and a surprise awaits at the end of the season?

It is a pleasure to watch the extraordinary performances of Peter Capaldi (kudos) and a very accomplished Cush Jumbo, who add complexity and nuances to their characters.

Capaldi, in particular, is magnificent. His facial expressions are austere and exuberant at the same time (how does he do it?).

All the supporting roles are well performed and the script hooks the spectators enough to have them waiting for the next chapter. It is not The Wire, it is not Line of Duty, and it stretches some plot lines a bit. But it is still a fine show. I have watched a few hundreds of procedural and detective shows, and this, so far, I am enjoying.

Extremely high quality drama

[mh-200-688983 · 8/10 · 17 January 2024]

The acting from the two leads doesn't get much better. Jumbo and Capaldi give an absolute masterclass in acting. Cush Jumbo gives an incredibly nuanced performance expressing emotion and feeling with every word and look. Capaldi suitably scary as the big bad cop. The story has twists and turns and keeps you guessing. There really is very little to dislike about this show. If you like quality drama it's definitely worth giving it a go. Some reviewers have decided the show is about white folk always being cast as villains but I'd suggest they're bringing some already existing hang ups and looking for ways to reinforce the view. I didn't find any evidence of any prejudices in the way the story was told or cast.

Subtle & a bit different than most crime dramas out of the US

[timb-50989 · 8/10 · 26 January 2024]

As a US resident I've become used to a particular approach to the subject of racism in policing, perhaps more closely hewing to stories originating in the states versus in the UK where this show is set.

The characters and their situations are more nuanced then many I see in crime dramas. After 4 episodes I am still not completely certain of the motivations of one(of the two) major characters. I suspect there is more beneath the surface then is readily apparent, but I'm not certain, and I'm enjoying the (potential) shades of gray as they surface.

The acting is impressive and the script well written.

In summation, if your looking for a formulaic approach each episode you will probably be disappointed. Stereotypical characters, ditto.

I could still be let down by where the show leads, in which case I will come back and modify my score and this associated review, but for now I'm enjoying the ride.

Stellar leads make for great viewing

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 27 January 2024]

As Episode 1 of "Criminal Record; 2024 release from the UK; 8 episodes ranging from 43 to 53 min) opens, we are in London, and introduced to Chief Inspector Hagerty, who does an Uber-like gig on the side for extra money. In a parallel story, a woman is calling 999 (the British equivalent of our 911) to report domestic abuse by her boyfriend. Along the way, the caller makes an astonishing revelation about a crime committed in 2012... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this crime mini-series is the brainchild of British writer and producer Paul Rutman ("Indian Summers"). Here he brings the story of how a Black man may have been wrongly convicted and imprisoned for a crime committed over a decade ago. The mini-series is plot heavy so the less said, the better. Suffice to say that it plots a senior cop who is a white male against a junior cop who is a Black female. Things are tense from the get-go. Check out the very first meeting (in Episode 1) between the two lead characters. To say things are awkward and uncomfortable would be a serious understatement. It also sets the table nicely for things to come. Not enough praise can be given to the lead performers: Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are simply stellar, and the key reason why this miji-series makes for great viewing.

"Criminal Record" premiered on Apple TV a few weeks back. We are now exactly halfway through. The remainder 4 episodes will be released on Wednesday evenings. I just caught up with the initial 4 episodes, and can attest that there is good reason why "Criminal Record" us currently rated 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for a top quality crime mini-series, Id; readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Just finished episode 8.

[lucioniell-69504 · 8/10 · 21 February 2024]

First: wow. It's been such a long time since a crime drama kept me off my phone. The pacing is perfect for me as often crime drama's for me feel a little overdrawn not this one.

Cush Jumbo is as ever amazing in her role, Peter Capaldi was also brilliant I even forgot about his previous roles I usually think of when I see him (Sid's dad in Skins and his roles in Doctor Who).

The twist at the end was genuinely surprising (I'm pretty good at this whodunnit game) and here I am writing a review to recommend anyone thinking of watching it to do exactly that.

Lastly I think there is enough left from the season to justify a second season and I really hope they renew this one rather than leaving it to fade as a limited series.

Intense and Unsettling

[donn-25550 · 7/10 · 6 March 2024]

I admired and appreciated this memorable series more than I enjoyed it. The power and control of the lead male detective Dan Hegarty and his veteran cohorts - all (not coincidentally) older white males - to bend the law, exert their biases, intimidate colleagues and shape events and outcomes to their liking was chilling.

Veteran DCI Hegarty (a frightening Peter Capaldi) and younger colleague June Lenker (the phenomenal Cush Jumbo) clash over her questioning of an old murder conviction Hegarty and cohorts obtained against Errol Mathis, a black man.

The main plot plays against a myriad of personal and family problems afflicting all characters. Some scenes are stressful to watch, and Capaldi's character by the third episode made my stomach tighten with every appearance.

The script is unflinching, the acting is first-rate and the bigger-picture story of unequal justice is memorably driven home. But if it's escapist entertainment you seek, look elsewhere.

Great Contemporary Police Drama

[egseacord · 8/10 · 22 February 2024]

An excellent series with exceptional performances and writing. Being addicted to British crime dramas and having seen whatever I can get my hands on, I could tell right off the bat that it was going to really hold my attention and be a truly satisfying watch. Racism being at its core and intricately weaving its flashbacks from 12 years prior with present day, what arresting police officers considered to be an open and shut murder case and for which the accused was found guilty has suddenly been brought into question. A fearful young woman's call to a crisis center regarding a current and similar murder inquiry draws DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo), a young mixed race mother, to eventually cross paths with the steely and enigmatic DCI Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi), the officer in charge of the original investigation and nearing the end of his career. Who was the woman at the other end of the line and what abruptly dragged her away from the phone? And just what kind of police officer is Daniel Hegarty? Can she prove her suspicions and vindicate a potentially innocent man?

It is disappointing to see the focus of some of the negative reviews posted. As this is a drama set in contemporary times, it deals with the issues perfectly illustrated by the differing perspectives cited here. What sadly is being overlooked or even ignored is that this story is also about the powerful bond between parents and their children, and the lengths some will go to in order to do what they believe to be in a child's best interest. I do hope that this moving series will receive the support it needs to warrant a sequel.

Too artificial

[BongoJustice · 25 February 2024]

The production values are excellent but there it kind of stops. The style is overdone, everything feels forced and artificial just like the moody shots of London. Nobody talks like these characters do, it's not remotely natural sounding.

Peter Capaldi hams it right up as is his way, and that's OK. Everyone keeps insisting Cush Jumbo is this amazing actor but I've not seen any evidence of it, here she's pretty artificial and unbelievable. Maybe it's the poor dialogue, script and plot but she's not impressive.

I bailed out halfway through episode one because this was clearly just going to be yet another streaming drama that has about 2 hours of plot stretched out over 8 hours of TV - they just drip feed one main plot point per episode and the rest is filler. Please stop doing this.

Surely the MET isnt that Corrupt?

[raymaxwell-1 · 7/10 · 11 January 2024]

This has the beginnings of a decent series.

The acting is good with the two main leads giving excellent performances so far.

Episode one set things up nicely but had one plotline that just seemed astonishingly over the top and frankly unbelievable.

I have no idea of Police procedure but it seems nonsense that a DCI could influence The Professional Standards Board to start a "random" investigation into a Police Officer and state it was random in front of her boss when it could be easily proven it wasn't. Why would a DI put their job at risk and do it so blatently unless their back was covered from the top which a DCI grade could not do.

A decent little show with some stellar acting and great cinematography

[declantill · 7/10 · 9 February 2024]

Firstly let me state this - I watched this show because of Capaldi, I love Capaldi and I may be slightly biased because he's it. However, I don't believe I am.

So the positives of this show for me is Cush Jumbo, I mean wow. An unbelievably talented actor. Capaldi is Capaldi, magnificent. I actually think ALL the actors in this are properly solid. No one is poor.

Some of the shots in this show are gorgeous, I see a lot of people not liking the looks into the middle distance and stuff, I like it. Maybe I'm artsy fartsy but I do.

What I don't like is the shoe-horned racial undertones and things that make very little sense to me. For example Chloe being fuming at June for being the face the Met chose to represent as a 'black officer' because she wasn't 'black enough' when that's not what happened and that led to a bullying charge being placed on June's name? Sorry?

I think the racism stuff works, it just had to always be there, from the get go. Not 4 episodes in oh by the way it was probably racially motivated by a hate group. It's just a bit wahay! Racism! It feels a little parody-y

I also cannot stand the writing of June's marriage. It genuinely annoys me and it's not a Criminal Record thing. They do this in EVERYTHING why can't the husband be understanding!? Why does he always have to be a dope? Idk.

Anyway, hope they do something interesting, I've enjoyed it.

Great so far.

[ianmeadows-26093 · 10/10 · 10 January 2024]

Been looking forward to this for a while since the first trailer was aired. Set in London and looks good on the big screen. Some excellent acting, especially from Peter Capaldi who plays DCI Daniel Hegarty with his deadpan expressions giving nothing away. Praise also for Cush Jumbo who plays DS June Lenker. There are some tense moments in each episode, enough to keep you watching. I'm now looking forward to watching the rest of the series.

It's a simple plot looking into a possible miscarriage of justice in an old case for which someone is serving 24 years for the murder of his girlfriend. Looking forward to episode three.

Alright show, no faults but simple

[Xavier_Stone · 6/10 · 10 January 2024]

A British detective show that is interesting enough to keep watching, decent characters and drama.

The story line and plot are mostly simple and straight forward and proceeds almost as predictable as the alphabet. Nothing too nefarious or uncovering a grand conspiracy here, just one old case that was completed in the past has problems.

This will most likely lead to other cases having problems as well. I'll keep watching, but it's average at best.

A British detective show that is interesting enough to keep watching, decent characters and drama.

The story line and plot are mostly simple and straight forward and proceeds almost as predictable as the alphabet. Nothing too nefarious or uncovering a grand conspiracy here, just one old case that was completed in the past has problems.

This will most likely lead to other cases having problems as well. I'll keep watching, but it's average at best.

Not authentic

[CamdenBill · 5/10 · 19 January 2024]

I made it through the first couple of episodes but gave up because the show lacked authenticity, and seemed artifical and forced. The issue of racism was a prevalent theme but it placed characters and attitudes from perhaps the 1980s into the 2020s and it just didn't stack up at all. It was all too black and white and the agenda of the writers intruded far too much on the story itself. There were moments of great acting by the likes of Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo but the lack of any subtlety in the writing left them with little room for manoeuvre. Overall, one to avoid in my opinion as there's much better written stuff out there.

Just fails to hold your interest.

[mountainhutfilms · 24 February 2024]

Rather one dimensional representation of the two main characters neither of whom are particularly successful at engaging either your interest or your sympathy. The title sequence and music are the best part of this series. The two detectives played by Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are annoying characters that speak in some kind of continuous monosyllabic tone. Intended one assumes to convey tension and drama but it just makes for an unrelenting dreary experience. I just failed to stay the course and stopped watching after a few episodes. Apple TV didn't do a very good job of curating this series which is all the more disappointing as the channel has a reputation for being very selective. What a disappointment especially when compared to the wonderful Slow Horses also on Apple TV.

Six episodes would have been sufficient

[maychild1961 · 6/10 · 27 February 2024]

Apart from the brilliant acting of Cush Jumbo and Peter Gabaldi, this crime drama is full of stereotypes. Which is sad, it could have been much better, if the series wouldn't have been so dragged out. The once good, turned bad white copper who (under duress) framed a black man for murder stands against the young, feisty and determined black female police officer. Guess who sits on the longer end of the rope, in the end? Also there are too many backstories which make no sense at all. Watching it, I was torn between the riveting performances of the main characters and the very thin storyline. Anyway, it is absolutely watchable and if you have a lot of time, by all means go for it.

Great Acting/Interesting Story

[zvxcpt · 9/10 · 14 March 2024]

I really enjoyed Criminal Record. Some reviewers claim they've seen the same story a thousand times, but that's nonsense. Yes, it's a police procedural, but there are a bunch of different threads interwoven that keep the viewer guessing until the final scene - and then opens up another possible can of worms right before the credits roll. The acting by the two leads (Jumbo and Capaldi) is first-rate. They play off each other like a cat and a mouse - and neither of them is above breaking the rules to get what they want. As far as complaints that the show is too long and drawn out, I hear that time and again about pretty much every show I watch. Personally, I think people have forgotten about letting a story unfold at its own pace, rather than cramming non-stop action and cliffhangers into every episode. Criminal Record may not be the best or most original show ever, but I think 8.5/10 is a fair rating for this excellent series. I don't think Apple TV+ has any plans for another season, but if they do I'll certainly be watching.

Good with reservations.

[hill-08435 · 7/10 · 31 January 2024]

I'm not british so can't comment on how corrupt and racist the UK police force was or is. The show is predicated on the fact that it was and still is to a lesser extent. As an Aussie I have to go with that and assume it's true even if I suspect there is an element of self righteous- ness in the writing. I thought the production values were very high and the acting by all was fine. Occasionally the script spells out things for the audience that in reality cops would know. I also felt the feud between the two detectives was too drawn out. Kush's character's husband seems deliberately ambiguous and I'm not convinced his character is anything more than a foil for Kush's. It seemed a too obvious contrast. I will keep watching. Capaldi looks like death warmed up but he is a great actor.

Well played

[GregMatt · 9/10 · 26 February 2024]

It took me a while to get into this series, but I'm glad I did.

It accurately captures the zeitgeist of inner-city policing during the austerity years; over a decade of funding cuts mixed with the normalisation of xenophobia and racism that were an inevitable consequence.

It's a (very) slow burn that frequently keeps the viewer flipping between sympathies. Personally, I love a series that challenges me to keep guessing who are the good guys and who are the bad guys! Ably assisted in this drama by a superb cast whose complex characters you couldn't help but like.

Simply put, Criminal Record could be described as a dish best served cold. And for everyone who didn't make it to the end? Your loss.

The last 10 minutes made the wait soooooo worthwhile! Well played everyone.

Seems like a pretty good crime show

[Sexybabexiii · 6/10 · 7 February 2024]

I'm a big fan of crime and English show. This seems to me a pretty good show, holding your suspense and slowly unfolding the plot which is intriguing to me honestly. Yes it's slow and boring initially but as I watched deeper, it got more interesting.

Generally I think the concept isn't too far fetched from any other typical crime shows I've watched. Good cop bad cop, hidden secrets of probably dirty dealings etc. People get hurt from uncovering the truth and so forth.

Whoever wrote the story can get more creative with a twist within a twist? So to make the story less predictable? That will definitely compelled to more people in my opinion.

I'm still enjoying it despite it not being the best yet. But I usually will complete the whole series, unless it's utterly ridiculous and repulsive.

I can't wait to see where it goes

[akeortge · 10/10 · 19 February 2024]

I binged the first 7 episodes after I ran out of Slow Horses. I think some of the negative reviews are people not patient enough to see the bigger picture that's being slowly painted. Perhaps they'd change their minds if they gave the rest of the season a go.

I personally can't wait to see where Episode 8 takes it and am begging for Season 2. It seems every show in the last couple years that has a non-standard way of telling a story or a unique storyline gets canned without having a chance to reach its potential. Yet derivative stuff that follows the same old same old and "reality" tv keep getting renewed. So, come on Apple, let us see where this is going with a Season 2. Please don't leave us hanging.

Underwhelming end of Season 1

[harineem-209-525488 · 7/10 · 23 February 2024]

The series built up nicely to have a very damp end. I like both Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi's performance. Peter Capaldi is seriously unpredictable and scary in some scenes. You cant predict his thinking which made the show very interesting.

Just didnt understand the reluctance of the police department to investigate an obvious connection to a former case just to protect the image of some senior officers. Yes cops are human and miss sometimes but isnt justice more important than being right.

Cush Jumbo's character has to pick devious methods just to investigate new evidence in an old case where clearly there is a travesty of justice.

Overall the end was disappointing with no twists or surpises and kind of open ended.

Good vs Evil in a tense secret hidden police drama

[forjunkmailhere · 10/10 · 8 February 2024]

Set in modern day England, with spoken language English this is a drama of the machination inside a police investigative unit.

Both actors are equal to the task of sinister and outraged as the plot of a of a womans emergency call comes under scrutinity. The caller reports against her boyfriend and lets slip that he has killed previously, however, an innocent man is serving the sentence.

The investingting officer (Cush Jumbo) runs into procedual red tape when bumping against a senior office with good standing (Peter Capaldi). He is just the right amount of menacing and escalates his level of intimidation throung the six episoides so far.

Brillantly engaging we hope the concluding shows bring this to a great finale and not drag out as is the like of other British shows.

Expectantly waiting over here.

Dirt Beneath

[avindugunasinghe · 7/10 · 28 April 2024]

This is a great social commentary than a simple murder mystery. Story makes a precisely deep cut on the feel-good fabric to prove how unconscious narratives are constructed during profilings and prosecution. Dramatization of a complex topic such as this is remarkable. Excellent work by the cast living each character realistically. Great visuals to express the inequality and the social decay it's causing setting a chaotic background for the plot. Unique audio effects and music. The story is a slow burn and messy as a thriller but it's expression of the society makes the watch well worthy of time.

Started out great but...

[kudasai20 · 1/10 · 16 January 2024]

Show was great and it seemed to have a good background.

Capaldi driving around telling police stories using London as setting which is always great.

The mysterious victim that cannot identify herself that suddenly disappears from the call...

And then suddenly the whole show becomes about race and how racist white detectives are.

Honestly... I just can't watch this type of content anymore. I'm done with the show 5 minutes into the second episode.

I was definitely hoping for more since it's been a long time since I found a good British crime drama, but unfortunately it wasn't this time.

Like the other reviewer said, go for a walk, it's better than watching this garbage.

Very well made low quality work

[ghasemi-29-861407 · 6/10 · 11 February 2024]

As one would expect from Apple, they did a good job in terms of build quality. Everything seemed pretty good for the first two or three episodes and I started feeling really good about the show. Then I started noticing some flaws in the story and how dots get connected. It is hard not to notice that certain pieces of the story don't make sense given the circumstances. Characters say things because they want the audience to know something. It just doesn't feel natural for one to say certain things or ignore certain information that gets revealed. Overall, it's an entertaining show and I will continue watching it. I would say it's good if you set your expectations right; don't expect a deep and strong piece of work!