Writer: Ben Richards
Director: John StricklandCast: Andrew Buchan (John Mercer), Tamzin Outhwaite (Rose Chamberlain), Liz White (Jess), Jody Latham (Calum McKenzie), Peter Mullan (Lenny Douglas), Simon Kassianides (Saban Zira), Pedja Bjelac (Tarek Sokoli), Badria Timimi (Adelina Sokoli), Oliver Paxton (Uli Sokoli), Philip Wright (Paul), Elisa Terren (Manuela), Ian Burfield (Stevie Kent), Naida Babic (Iliriana) & David Graham (Albanian Man)
A notorious Albanian gangster arrives in London, but Lenny has plans to ensure his swift return to his native land, with his tail between his legs..."I want people to say ‘there goes Tarek Sokoli, the
man who came to nothing in London'..."
man who came to nothing in London'..."
-- Lenny Douglas (Peter Mullan)
So far, so good. The Fixer is doing an admirabl job of refusing to take easy options with its storytelling, and I've yet to be bored by an episode. This week, Lenny (Peter Mullan) instructs his "unit" to scare away an Albanian crimelord called Tarek Sokoli (Pedja Bjelac), who has arrived in London to take his drug-running and prostitution racketeering to an international level..
Mercer (Andrew Buchan) and Calum (Jody Latham) initially try to embarass Sokoli by freeing the women he's forced into prostitution -- by providing one gir, Iliriana (Naida Babic), with stolen passports and contacts. Unfortunately, Iliriana uses some of their money to buy drugs and her escape plan is discovered, leading to her murder. Mercer is particularly angry, as he objects to "collateral damage", especially when handler Lenny treats such unfortunate deaths as par for the course.
Another death occurs after Mercer warns a local heroin importer to stop doing business with the Sokoli's -- with Sokoli's right-hand man Saban Zira (Simon Kassianides) executing the dealer soon after. Killing Sokoli would have been far simpler than trying to discredit him. Rose (Tamzin Outhwaite) tries next, by threatening the life of Sokoli's son after meeting his wife Adelina (Badria Timimi) at a playground. Unfortunately, Sokoli discovers Rose's identity thanks to a contact who knows ex-policewoman Rose's new "profession", and Rose is kidnapped from her home by Sokoli's men.
Of course, Mercer comes to her rescue by single-handedly walking into the building Rose was taken to, down to the basement where she's being held a knife-point, and firing a single bullet into Zira's head, after a simple diversion. It's the first time Mercer has actually lived up to his reputation on the show, and Buchan in general seems to be settling into the conflicted killer role much better now. He glowers and broods more than anything, and his somewhat cherubic face doesn't really strike fear into me, but he at least brings a smooth efficiency to bear with the action stuff.
The character relationships also get a nice polish, as Mercer and Rose grow closer throughout this episode, culminating in Rose's damsel-in-distress moment to solidfy things. Of course, they both admit to a mutual attraction by the end, but Mercer can't yet trust her -- as she's too far in Lenny's pocket. Buchan and Outhwaite work well together, and their chemistry should hopefully sustain this love-on-hold relationship the show has manufactured. It's not so much "will they/won't they" as "they want to/but won't".
Mercer's relationship with wideboy Calum is also defrosting, as his world-weary sniping at Calum's reckless nature and cavalier attitude seemed more affectionate this week. And Calum's not a bad lad -- he's actually quite funny and endearing behind his cheeky persona. It was also nice to see his sensitive handling of prostitute Iliriana; a meeting he exaggerated into a hoary tale of sexual conquest to Mercer and Rose to maintain his reputation.
Peter Mullan has less to do this week, but it was great to see Liz White get a few decent scenes as Mercer's sister Jess. White certainly seemed more at ease, and Jess wasn't such as aloof and drippy as in previous episodes. It'll certainly be dramatic when she learns what her brother is doing these days -- as the price he's paying for killing the aunt and uncle who abused her as a kid has been very steep! White has an emotional openness about her, but I really hope she rises to the challenge when something more complex heads her way.
Overall, episode 3 was another commendable slice of drama from Kudos/ITV. Sure, it's little more than a gritty, British version of Charlie's Angels (name-checked by Calum) at its core, but it's managing to deliver stories that aren't too predictable and balance black-hearted drama with light banter and dark humour. Buchan is improving steadily, Latham's a regular highlight, Mullan is excellent in these small doses, and Outhwaite is making the most of a role that's gradually beginning to gel.
After just a few weeks, this Monday night drama is already a regular fix.
24 March 2008
ITV1, 9.00 pm
