With so many good TV shows knocking around, sometimes it’s difficult to catch everything you want to do. Thankfully, for those who missed Informer the first time around, BBC iPlayer has recently added the six-part thriller back to its archive.
The crime drama follows Raza (Nabhaan Rizwan) after he is coerced into becoming a police informant for the CTSU, a fictional anti-terrorism unit. The show’s synopsis reads: “Gabe (Paddy Considine), who has a past he wants to remain secret, is joined by Holly, his new and ambitious partner (Bel Powley) whose endless curiosity becomes a threat to him. As the central counter-terrorism investigation heats up, the stakes for all three, their families and relationships, get higher and higher.
“Informer tells a story about identity in a world where lines are increasingly being drawn and sides are being taken. What happens when you, or your friends, family or neighbours fall on the wrong side of that line and the personal becomes political?”
Despite fans praising the show when it first aired, the BBC has opted not to film a second season. At the time, the corporation said in a statement: “To make room for new shows, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions about which dramas to recommission and unfortunately Informer won’t be returning for a second series. We’re incredibly proud of the show.”
Reception
Even though Informer only lasted for one season, fans and reviewers were incredibly positive about the show. One enthused: “This is the best British crime series I have seen since I really can’t recall. The plot is genius, the writers have simply done a perfect job, the camera work is brilliant, and it all just oozes of a director, cast and crew having a hell of a time.”
A second added: “Nobody is better than the Brits when it comes to these shows (nobody, not even the French) and Informer has just set a new bar in the genre,” while a third penned: “Gripping storyline, I was on the edge of my seat. The acting and script is great. I also love the way informer was filmed.”
Meanwhile, a fourth posted: “Political, personal and a fantastic example of modern television’s quality Informer was amazing to be entirely honest. Twisty and masterfully edited, the presentation was astounding and full of great performances, its only qualms is a bit of a pacing issue cramming a mass amount into only 6 episodes. Other than that, I can’t speak highly enough and as a one off season it’s a piece you must watch, can’t recommend enough.“
Writing in the Guardian, Tim Dowling said: “Informer is a gripping and engaging thriller. The structure may be a little artful – sometimes the main challenge is keeping track – but I am looking forward to the jigsaw finally locking together, even if, at this stage, the pieces all seem to be from different puzzles. Have faith, trust no one, pay attention.”
Who stars in Informer?
Informer marked the professional debut of Nabhaan Rizwan, who has since starred in the likes of 1917, Juice, Film Club and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. He was joined in the show by the likes of Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon) and Bel Powley (A Small Light).
© BBCAlso featuring in the cast were Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife), Arsher Ali (Line of Duty), Sharon D. Clarke (Doctor Who), Nell Hudson (Victoria), Roger Nsengiyumva (Chasing Shadows), Sunetra Sarker (Casualty) and Stanley Townsend (Blackshore).
Rounding out the cast are Paul Tylak (Noel’s House Party), Rachel Tucker (Hope Street), Fehinti Balogun (I May Destroy You), Arinze Kene (Our Girl) and Elizabeth Rider (Showtrial).
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