By Any Means Episode 1 Review: BBC TV Sunday, 9pm commencing 22 Sept Although initially publicised as an "edgy drama", "By Any Means" is actually a comedy drama relying upon reveals in the last few minutes to show "how it was done". This closely follows in the mould of "Hustle" and is produced by the same company, Red Planet Pictures, who also give us "Death In Paradise" which similarly relies upon comedy and late reveals to give body to the stories.
The basic premise is that someone in the Police has set up a clandestine unit, existing in a grey area, dedicated to acting as vigilantes to "get" criminals otherwise untouchable by the Police and instructed in this by a mysterious female of middle years who seems to be a cross between M and an all-powerful Sandra Pullman (from New Tricks).
The first episode of six was shown yesterday. One of the first suggestions on how to deal with the criminal mastermind is to shoot him. Since a) this is illegal and b) would make for a short programme, this option is discarded. Instead a convoluted plot line commences. Then, a quick con of a psychiatrist later, is followed by the heroes annoying the villain, singing to him and threatening his bodyguards with a gun.
The denouement involves stealing evidence from another crime and then throwing it (it's £20 notes, lots of them) at the villain, who is then "caught" by a plethora of Coppers who turn up at the scene and ask no questions, accompanied by a number of reveals to show how it was done. In case you couldn't guess.
Since this criminal mastermind has already gotten off at criminal trials three times, we are told, I have no doubt his Barrister will have him out in less than the time it takes to ask exactly what the case is, against him. That'd be a laff.
Now, yes, it is funny. Although the lead Copper telling of his infidelity with his sister-in-law isn't as funny as the writers appear to believe. And I did laugh, a few times. But this formula is old and needs more to refresh it than this hodgepodge of poor writing, intermingled with actors hamming it up and having a wonderful time.
Since all 6 episodes are in the can, I expect this to run its course and hopefully disappear without a trace.
The basic premise is that someone in the Police has set up a clandestine unit, existing in a grey area, dedicated to acting as vigilantes to "get" criminals otherwise untouchable by the Police and instructed in this by a mysterious female of middle years who seems to be a cross between M and an all-powerful Sandra Pullman (from New Tricks).
The first episode of six was shown yesterday. One of the first suggestions on how to deal with the criminal mastermind is to shoot him. Since a) this is illegal and b) would make for a short programme, this option is discarded. Instead a convoluted plot line commences. Then, a quick con of a psychiatrist later, is followed by the heroes annoying the villain, singing to him and threatening his bodyguards with a gun.
The denouement involves stealing evidence from another crime and then throwing it (it's £20 notes, lots of them) at the villain, who is then "caught" by a plethora of Coppers who turn up at the scene and ask no questions, accompanied by a number of reveals to show how it was done. In case you couldn't guess.
Since this criminal mastermind has already gotten off at criminal trials three times, we are told, I have no doubt his Barrister will have him out in less than the time it takes to ask exactly what the case is, against him. That'd be a laff.
Now, yes, it is funny. Although the lead Copper telling of his infidelity with his sister-in-law isn't as funny as the writers appear to believe. And I did laugh, a few times. But this formula is old and needs more to refresh it than this hodgepodge of poor writing, intermingled with actors hamming it up and having a wonderful time.
Since all 6 episodes are in the can, I expect this to run its course and hopefully disappear without a trace.