ITV should be commended for trying to revamp their drama output in 2008, as part of a new initiative by Chairman Michael Grade. But it hasn't been very successful, has it?
The returning Primeval was a modest improvement, Moving Wallpaper performed well enough to earn a second series (but its sibling Echo Beach's fate is up in the air), The Palace is a limp attempt at a "royal Dynasty", Trial & Retribution hasn't really performed well, Inspector Morse spin-off Lewis is boring Sunday night detective fare, and last night's Rock Rivals (a reality TV show parody) got off to a very shaky start.
The only highlight on ITVs drama schedule is US import Dexter, about a forensics expert who moonlights as a vigilante serial-killer. And, rather ironically, ITV's latest drama The Fixer covers similar morally-ambiguous ground...
In The Fixer, ex-Special Forces soldier John Mercer (Party Animal's Andrew Buchan) is released from prison only 5 years into a double-life sentence for killing his aunt and uncle -- after discovering they abused his sister Jess (Life On Mars' Liz White). He discovers that retired-cop Lenny Douglas (Trainspotting's Peter Mullan) has manipulated his release, so he can lead a covert team of hitmen -- briefed to kill "untouchable killers" and "disorganize crime".
Mercer is blackmailed into accepting this new role and meets his team, which include petty thief Calum McKenzie (Shameless' Jody Latham) and disgraced ex-cop Rose Chamberlain (EastEnders' Tamzin Outhwaite).
Sounds pretty good, eh? The series is created/written by Ben Richards (Spooks/No Angels) and Neil Cross (Spooks), and is directed by Alrick Riley (Spooks/Hustle).
Laurie Mackie, ITVs Director Of Drama, commissioned the show, commenting:
"The Fixer is crime drama like you've never seen it before. With Mercer and his team operating at the very edges of the law, this is a thriller which will ask our audiences tough questions about justice and what happens when the long arm of the law isn't quite long enough. The series is shot through with wit and warmth and Ben has created a group of characters the audience will grow to love."
The Fixer definitely sounds like a step in the right direction for ITV; a high-concept, gritty-sounding drama that makes you want to tune in based purely on the premise. It may turn out to be a brilliant idea, badly executed -- but we'll see. A very early report at The Stage sounds positive, so my expectations have risen.
The Fixer -- Monday 10 March, ITV1, 9.00 pm
Update: Episode 1 reviewed here.
The returning Primeval was a modest improvement, Moving Wallpaper performed well enough to earn a second series (but its sibling Echo Beach's fate is up in the air), The Palace is a limp attempt at a "royal Dynasty", Trial & Retribution hasn't really performed well, Inspector Morse spin-off Lewis is boring Sunday night detective fare, and last night's Rock Rivals (a reality TV show parody) got off to a very shaky start.
The only highlight on ITVs drama schedule is US import Dexter, about a forensics expert who moonlights as a vigilante serial-killer. And, rather ironically, ITV's latest drama The Fixer covers similar morally-ambiguous ground...
In The Fixer, ex-Special Forces soldier John Mercer (Party Animal's Andrew Buchan) is released from prison only 5 years into a double-life sentence for killing his aunt and uncle -- after discovering they abused his sister Jess (Life On Mars' Liz White). He discovers that retired-cop Lenny Douglas (Trainspotting's Peter Mullan) has manipulated his release, so he can lead a covert team of hitmen -- briefed to kill "untouchable killers" and "disorganize crime".
Mercer is blackmailed into accepting this new role and meets his team, which include petty thief Calum McKenzie (Shameless' Jody Latham) and disgraced ex-cop Rose Chamberlain (EastEnders' Tamzin Outhwaite).
Sounds pretty good, eh? The series is created/written by Ben Richards (Spooks/No Angels) and Neil Cross (Spooks), and is directed by Alrick Riley (Spooks/Hustle).
Laurie Mackie, ITVs Director Of Drama, commissioned the show, commenting:
"The Fixer is crime drama like you've never seen it before. With Mercer and his team operating at the very edges of the law, this is a thriller which will ask our audiences tough questions about justice and what happens when the long arm of the law isn't quite long enough. The series is shot through with wit and warmth and Ben has created a group of characters the audience will grow to love."
The Fixer definitely sounds like a step in the right direction for ITV; a high-concept, gritty-sounding drama that makes you want to tune in based purely on the premise. It may turn out to be a brilliant idea, badly executed -- but we'll see. A very early report at The Stage sounds positive, so my expectations have risen.
The Fixer -- Monday 10 March, ITV1, 9.00 pm
Update: Episode 1 reviewed here.
