This is a fantastic show, easily 8 or 9 out of ten overall. Episode three however is the series' low point in my humble opinion. The episode (subtitled: Andrew) hits multiple plot points, but it mostly revolves around the drama regarding the police officers and their differing opinions about what happened to Vernon. The problem here is that this isn't a problem at all, at least not as big a one as it's made out to be.
Vernon's death, while tragic and preventable, was the result of a dangerous situation brought on by his mental illness, and the officers' actions were justified without the need for lying, bullying, or otherwise covering for each other to save their jobs. Andrew's statement, like everyone else's there, can only speak to what he saw and did, not to what he felt should've happened (despite what social media may have you believe, feelings aren't facts). The other two officers didn't know Vernon, so they were merely responding to what was presented to them. Although a taser would've de-escalated this incident nicely (do UK cops not have tasers?) pepper spray was the next appropriate tool to be used, outside of talking to him that is. The officer with the gun probably could've given Vernon more time to settle down, but waving a knife around wildly and not following instruction gave him little choice.
IMDb doesn't show an end date for this series, so I don't know if that means it's still possible for more episodes, or it simply hasn't been updated yet. Regardless, the pseudo-drama about a police cover up was completely unnecessary in a show already steeped in realistic and captivating drama. To me that just clashed with the rest of the show.
Vernon's death, while tragic and preventable, was the result of a dangerous situation brought on by his mental illness, and the officers' actions were justified without the need for lying, bullying, or otherwise covering for each other to save their jobs. Andrew's statement, like everyone else's there, can only speak to what he saw and did, not to what he felt should've happened (despite what social media may have you believe, feelings aren't facts). The other two officers didn't know Vernon, so they were merely responding to what was presented to them. Although a taser would've de-escalated this incident nicely (do UK cops not have tasers?) pepper spray was the next appropriate tool to be used, outside of talking to him that is. The officer with the gun probably could've given Vernon more time to settle down, but waving a knife around wildly and not following instruction gave him little choice.
IMDb doesn't show an end date for this series, so I don't know if that means it's still possible for more episodes, or it simply hasn't been updated yet. Regardless, the pseudo-drama about a police cover up was completely unnecessary in a show already steeped in realistic and captivating drama. To me that just clashed with the rest of the show.
