Between the Lines

Between the Lines launched Neil Pearson's career big time, and he became the hero that attempted to crack down on police corruption. Between the Lines was a huge hit and got under the skin of British police culture under the then Conservative government (this was a few years before Tony Blair and New Labour took power).

To my mind, this show, now 15 years old (well, nearly) is an excellent portrayal of the progress, or not, of its main character.Well placed, and pushing all the right buttons, he was promoted but with a qualifier:- do this s$$t job and...

Between the Lines, and it's pleasant. BtL is one of those ensemble, renegade, rage-against-the-machine flicks that have always been with us, but were completely at home in Post-Watergate Land.

You know what happens when you bite into unripe fruit. It is not sweet or juicy; but it is a bit sour.

This note perfect film really must be seen. It is one of the best ensemble pieces ever made.

I had never heard of this movie until about two months ago when I was looking up actor John Heard. I had just watched 'Cutter's Way (1981)' and was extremely impressed by his performance having previously only recognized him as the dad in 'Home Alone.

They don't make em like this any more - a low-budget commercial character comedy about the dissolution of an underground newspaper. Yes, it is pretty disappointing that the newsroom milieu gets largely shunted aside to make room for the romantic vagaries, even if these are fairly amusing and insightful in and of themselves.

The first two series were about the work of the Police Complaints Department. The slightly disappointing third series was basically about a team of private eyes who used to work together in the Police.

"Between the Lines" was a show which reflected British television's attitude to the police in the Thatcher years...namely, that the police are brutal, corrupt and fascist.