The Interceptor

The shows premise is based on "Stingray" technology. Yes this technology does exist, fooling your phone into believing it is connected to a cell tower and subsequently allowing all voice and data to connect. I found it compelling viewing and enjoyed the plot twists. The programme is about a covert police operation to uncover the Mr Big in a drug operation. Ash is our hero who wants to believe that they are making a "difference" rather than just going through the motions. This may cost him his marriage and sometimes going it alone to get the results that will unmask the man behind it all. Interdepartmental rivalries abound as 'Stannard' the police chief, wonders where this covert band of crime fighters get their funding and does his best to undermine their operation, relying on a mole on the team to feed him information.

I'm probably one of the few who have watched this all the way through.

The first episode is an absolute abomination. Every cliche available got a run. All this so he can get a job in a "secret" crime fighting cell with person of interest type setup. Which apparently consists of his mum and dad in a gym. Or something.

We then get eight episodes with the usual everybody has a secret or are hiding something.

Once the setup is established the middle episodes are mostly watchable if you're happy enough to accept really low standards. I'd go so far as to suggest they may even be approaching mediocre.

The final episode sets up the possibility of a second season. But is so awful that it only manages to seal the fate of certain cancellation. Which it apparently did.

This series may become worth watching and I found it OK for a first episode. The basic idea is interesting and it may develop well.

The acting of the lead character isn't of the best quality as his petulant storming around is more akin to a 13-14 year old having a paddy than a professional detective/ customs officer.

However, the suggestion of another reviewer that the IT abilities are 'way beyond capabilities' is farcical. They are speaking without any knowledge. I worked in an IT surveillance role years ago and reality was beyond those 'capabilities' many years ago.

So back to the series. Directing is poor and lets unrealistic acting rule. The characters may develop well as may the story lines.

I would suggest that you watch it and give it a chance. It is entertaining.

It looks like The Professionals aka CI5. It doesn't have chemistry like Bodie and Doyle or Starsky and Hutch. Busy, busy but no character development. Various periods of "plot discussion " mixed with violence. It doesn't elevate this show in any way. Little wonder that they only made a single season. If they wanted the longer season they should have had parallel storylines. Boring by E5. . The "boss" is annoying without being a source of wisdom. Trevor Eve plays a good role but is insufficiently used to maintain the tension. Everything could have been darker and more threatening. Could do better.

I started so I will finish. I gave it two episodes and now I want to know what happens so I will watch it until it finishes. I am annoyed with myself for wasting my time on it though. It is a frustrating show. I like the premise and the storyline, the problem is the editing and some of the cast. There is a lot of overacting particularly by the two bosses, I mean really, you don't have to be bursting with anger in ALL your scenes! Also, how come the new guy ends of practically running things straight off?! Some of the supporting cast are brilliant but you are left confused about who to like. They are all so miserable and grumpy it's like watching eastenders. Basically, the show is trying to be Luther but fails miserably!