Line of Duty star’s troubling new drama, based on a true story, is flawed but rightly infuriating

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The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes” – A Hard Watch That Leaves You Outraged

22nd July 2005 saw an appalling tragedy unfold when Jean Charles de Menezes lost his life due to a shockingly unfortunate mistake by the police, leaving the entire country in disbelief.

Two weeks ago, the shocking attacks in London left me shaken. Last week, a botched attempt at another attack led the Metropolitan Police on a high-stakes manhunt for the suspects. Unfortunately, in the chaos, an innocent bystander named Jean Charles was tragically mistaken for one of the suspects and ended up being shot.

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As a dedicated admirer, I’d like to highlight that the captivating Disney+ series, penned by Jeff Pope (behind “The Reckoning” and “Four Lives”), delves into the dramatic events leading up to, encompassing, and following a significant demise.

As I watch, the scenes unfold before me like a chilling tapestry, yet it’s not just the grim details that grip me. The drama stirs something deeper, something complex within my heart. Initially, I find myself feeling sympathy for the victim and his loved ones. However, as the story progresses, this emotion transforms into a simmering rage, growing stronger with each passing moment on screen.

An assortment of talented actors, among them Daniel Mays from “Line of Duty” portraying the character of Forensic Investigator Cliff Todd, significantly contribute to its compelling viewing experience.

Edison Alcaide portrays Jean Charles in a down-to-earth manner, which carries a powerful impact. After all, isn’t this style of acting what makes the character relatable and authentic?

He was an ordinary man, carrying on with his routine, but an unlucky sequence of events resulted in his demise.

In this city, it’s our story that unfolds, with star James Nelson-Joyce giving a raw portrayal of police marksman Charlie 2, the one who fired the shot.

During their roles as Commissioner Ian Blair and Cressida Dick, respectively, Conleth Hill and Emily Mortimer delivered commendable performances that ignited many intense scenes due to the complexity of their characters.

Russell Tovey’s portrayal of Brian Paddick, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner, resonates deeply with the audience’s feelings.

What’s keeping Suspect from fully engaging is the tempo. Initially, the series moves gradually to depict the setting and gradually paint a vivid image of how the impending disaster unfolds.

Initially, the deliberate pacing helps set the stage, but it ends up causing a sense of sluggishness in the episode. The sequences seem overloaded with details, not allowing much room for the audience to grasp the interconnected elements before presenting additional complex scenes.

Fortunately, there’s an engaging midsection that successfully built tension, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next development. Regrettably, the conclusion seems hurried due to a sudden and disconcerting leap forward in time.

Consequently, the storyflow seems disjointed. Although one can infer the missing pieces, it gives an impression that significant aspects of the story development are omitted, negatively impacting the plotline and the intended emotional ride.

To put it simply, this show is definitely worth your time due to its powerful performances by the actors and the deep emotional impact of its narrative.

By the conclusion, as the series effectively accomplished its purpose, it will leave an indelible memory of Jean Charles de Menezes.

You can stream the entire four-episode series, Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, right now on Disney+.

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2025-05-02 19:19