The Responder (2022 Tony Schumacher)

Modeled on Schumacher's own experience in the Liverpool police. Conflict absolutely abounds here in all directions. Burned out copper Martin Freeman (great accent and performance - obviously - when is it anything else?) has a drug dealer as his best friend (Ian Hart), was busted from detective by a vengeful Warren Brown, is trying to (a) look out for and (b) find stolen drugs from wayward young Emily Fairn (good), has huge mental issues in that his dad was a monster (encountered in therapy with Elizabeth Berrington), isn't finding the time or love for his family (MyAnna Buring and daughter, the unlikely named Romi Hyland-Rylands) and has to work with rule-book newcomer Adelayo Adedayo (good) AND has to look after dying mum in care home Rita Tushingham. The night, action, gallery of dysfunctional, sad characters had me thinking of Bringing Out the Dead more than once. Touches of humour welcome if not essential - 

- wry dialogue like -

"My advice. Take some time off. Get some sleep. You look like shit."
"You live in a bin."
"Take it or leave it."

Plus delightful Liverpudlian colloquialisms like "Give yer head a wobble" (= think again).

Sweetest moment - Fairn trying to get her bag back, Freeman grabs her, turns into a big hug, he telling her not to write herself off. It finishes, but the open end suggests another series.

With Josh Finan (also good as slightly thick drug dealer). David Bradley, Victor McGuire, Christine Tremarco ('doctor', The Rotters' Club, Good Cop), Mark Womack (Good Cop), Marji Campi (Brookside), Dave Hill (tons of TV, recently After Life, All Creatures, Porridge), Matthew Cottle ('Father Liam Neeson'). Yes, talking of Father Liam Neeson, that's quite a scene, and when the drunk lies there saying his life is a fake, you can see Freeman thinking 'Well that's my life'.

Look at this merry jumble (it was shot in lockdown, thus the streets of Liverpool are so quiet, but nevertheless): Directed by Philip Barantini (1&5), Tim Mielants (2), Fien Troch (3&4). DPs Johan Heurlin Aidt (1), Matthew Lewis (2&5), Seppe Van Grieken (3&4); editors Danielle Palmer (1), Alex Fountain (2&5), Jay Patel (3), Donovan Jones & Alex Fountain (4). Distinctive music from Mark Herbert. Series producer Rebecca Ferguson. The playout track is 'Pilgrim' by Fink, which gives it the right note. 'From small beginnings come big endings'.