Suspects: Series One & Two

This British series, broadcast stateside on Acorn TV, features a gimmick: none of the episodes were created with scripted material; instead, actors were provided with detailed storylines and then expected to improvise all of their dialogue. Stylistically, Suspects is also nontraditional, as the episodes are filmed in documentary style. The result is certainly different: for starters, the focus is almost entirely on crime solving without any backstories or other distractions that might divert attention from the officers' duties. The series attempts to give some degree of balance by investing the three main characters with very different personalities: DI Martha Bellamy (Fay Ripley) commands operations with a steely, no-nonsense attitude, while DS Jack Weston (Damien Molony) and DC Charlie Steele (Clare-Hope Ashitey) rely on emotional instinct and intellect, respectively. At first, Suspects comes across as a refreshing new approach to standard issue police dramas, and the complete and undivided attention given to crime investigations helps reinforce the seriousness of the subject matter. But after the initial novelty wears off, the show begins to feel like little more than a fancier version of a well-worn genre, burdened by predictable plots and meandering direction. But even if the series wears out its welcome before the second season finale's closing credits, it nevertheless deserves kudos for its risk-taking approach. Presenting all nine episodes from the 2014 first and second seasons, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Suspects: Series Three & Four is also newly available.] (P. Hall)