Are you looking for a new crime drama to binge-watch? If so, you might want to check out London Kills, a British police procedural series that premiered in 2019.
But is it worth your time? Let’s take a closer look.
What is London Kills?
London Kills follows the investigations of an elite murder squad in London led by Detective Inspector David Bradford (played by Hugo Speer). The team includes Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small), Detective Constable Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick), and Trainee Detective Constable Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin).
What are the strengths of the show?
1. Strong performances
The cast of London Kills delivers solid performances, particularly Hugo Speer as the enigmatic and brooding Bradford and Sharon Small as the determined and empathetic Cole. Their chemistry and conflicts drive much of the show’s tension.
2. Intriguing cases
Each episode of London Kills features a standalone murder case that the team must solve. While some of them follow familiar tropes, such as the “locked room” mystery or the “whodunit” puzzle, others offer surprising twists and emotional resonance.
3. Atmospheric setting
As its title suggests, London Kills takes place in various locations around the British capital, from posh neighborhoods to seedy alleys. The show captures both the glamour and grit of London, adding to its authenticity.
What are the weaknesses of the show?
1. Formulaic structure
While London Kills tries to mix up its storytelling by featuring different killers and motives each episode, it often falls into a predictable pattern: the investigators gather clues, interview suspects, have personal dramas, and eventually catch the culprit. Some viewers might find this repetitive.
2. Thin character development
Although the main characters of London Kills have distinct personalities and backstories, they don’t evolve much over the course of the series. Their relationships and conflicts remain static, which can make them feel one-dimensional.
3. Lack of originality
London Kills doesn’t break any new ground in terms of its genre or themes. It borrows heavily from other crime dramas, such as the gritty realism of Luther or the ensemble dynamics of Prime Suspect. As a result, it might not offer anything fresh for viewers who are well-versed in this type of storytelling.
Should you watch London Kills?
In conclusion, London Kills is a decent crime drama that offers engaging cases, strong performances, and an atmospheric setting. However, it also suffers from formulaic structure, thin character development, and lack of originality.
If you’re a fan of police procedurals and enjoy watching murder mysteries with a British twist, you might find it worth watching. But if you’re looking for something truly innovative or groundbreaking in this genre, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Pros:
- Strong performances
- Intriguing cases
- Atmospheric setting
- Cons:
- Formulaic structure
- Thin character development
- Lack of originality