If you happen to’re on the hunt for a gritty thriller thriller, look no additional.

The crime drama premiered in 2021 (Picture: Britbox)
There is not any scarcity of gritty crime dramas, however this one might have slipped underneath the radar. Primarily based on the bestselling novel of the identical identify, the sequence follows DI Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott) as he investigates the kidnapping of a schoolgirl in Edinburgh. As he unravels the thriller behind 13-year-old Brittany’s disappearance, Lennox confronts his personal emotional fragility and battles a drug habit, haunted by previous traumas.
Drawn deeper into the harrowing investigation, he finds himself at odds together with his superiors whereas on the hunt for a harmful legal. The six-part sequence premiered on Britbox in 2021, adopted by a second sequence two years later. Scott’s portrayal of Ray Lennox is commonly thought to be the spotlight, confirmed by his Worldwide Emmy Award and BAFTA win for his efficiency. The Scottish drama additionally stars Joanna Vanderham, Ken Stott, Laura Fraser and John Simm.

The sequence follows DI Ray Lennox as he investigates the kidnapping of a schoolgirl in Edinburgh (Picture: Britbox)
Crime is predicated on the 2008 novel by Irvine Welsh – the creator of Trainspotting. The story continued with two sequels, The Lengthy Knives (2022) and Decision (2024).
Whereas a 3rd sequence has not but be commissioned, it was in improvement however was held up attributable to monetary issues at ITV.
Talking on the Edinburgh Worldwide E book Competition in 2024, Welsh stated: “We’ll hopefully get the possibility to do that e book once they give us the cash. I simply assume if we don’t do them on the identical finances degree as the opposite two we’d be barely dishonest the viewers a bit. It will be a bit sloppy.”
The sequence has been lauded on-line, with one IMDb reviewer writing: “I warmed to this by about E3. It then held my consideration till the top. There have been loads of flaws, however I might stay with them. Though the story and among the characters are a bit excessive, I appreciated the little touches of humour and the good tussle between Lennox and the evil Confectioner (who, for some cause, is just not even credited within the forged checklist).
“I suppose the principle downside I had was the credibility of the extent to which Lennox’s previous has affected him. There have been additionally some odd little plot components that did not appear to suit. However this was a robust extremely participating drama.”
One other posted: “What a fascinating sequence that is, nicely value your time. The story is nice, it is an intriguing, suspenseful thriller, it put me in thoughts of a cross between Rebus and Prime Suspect. We have been starved of Scottish crime dramas, consider Taggart and Rebus, hopefully this present will run for a while. It is very nicely made drama, it seemed nice, the music was spot on. The pacing was spot on.
“The most effective ingredient of it, the appearing, the appearing is genuinely off that scale, Dougray Scott delivers a masterclass, he is phenomenal, Lennox is broken, decided and coping with severe habit points, he is from good. This was really a fascinating watch.”

Dougray Scott’s efficiency has been likened to Stephen Graham (Picture: Getty)
The sequence was described as a “masterpiece” on X, whereas another person declared: “This was a top-drawer drama sequence. The script was excellent however the appearing specifically was merely class. Dougray Scott specifically was astonishing – in reality his performances have been on par with the likes of Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. And that is saying one thing. Astonishing stuff.
The evaluate continued: “And all of that is interwoven with firstclass path and manufacturing. I couldn’t take my eyes off it from the primary episode to the final.
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“A phrase of warning although: this isn’t for the faint-hearted. There are a selection of scenes that are as hard-hitting as they’re harrowing. Lastly, that is an distinctive depiction of a serial killer who like a lot of his style, has a superior intelligence that leaves most aghast. Thanks to all within the making of this superior drama sequence…”
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