In a television market dominated by Hollywood style car chases and explosions, Sky One’s newest series Bulletproof is here to offer an alternative take on your typical cop drama. You might be forgiven for thinking that the TV staple of two gun-wielding, brothers-in-arms, baddie slaying coppers is in play here, but Bulletproof is trying hard, and succeeding, to be different.
The show is the brainchild of British actor and director Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), who has been working on the show for the past eight years, and has moulded parts of his own personality throughout it. Bulletproof tells the story of detectives Aaron Bishop (Clarke) and Ronald Pike (Ashley Walters), who are partners working for the National Crime Agency, looking into high-level organised crime. They are both from very different social backgrounds, and that is one of the key storylines throughout the series. Pike is from a high-achieving family and a relatively wealthy background, however his father, who is a senior figure in the agency, is often overbearing and this can cause conflict with his much more relaxed son. Bishop on the other hand grew up in foster care and has had no real family throughout his life, until he met Pike. The two have formed a close bond and continue to do so across the series. This developing relationship is one which keeps viewers heavily involved in both their lives and allows them to follow them both in detail through their ordeals.
As well as Clarke and Walters, the series features a great supporting cast, the majority of whom are starring in their biggest roles to date. At the forefront of the cast is Christina Chong (Line of Duty), who superbly plays the part of NCA officer Nell McBride. This fiery character is central to Pike and Bishop’s team, and the part grows as each episode goes by. Although this is the first time Chong has held down a significant role in a series, she excels in the part and her performance is one to watch. Although the cast in general are on the young side, there are a few experienced heads involved in the form of Lindsey Coulson (EastEnders) and Clarke Peters (The Wire, Person of Interest). These two older characters give a great dynamic to the show with the younger and older generation often coming into conflict.
The structure of the series is expertly created. Each episode in the six-part series features its own storyline, but these all weave together in order to form the overall plot of the series. This keeps viewers coming back each week for more, as missing one episode would mean losing out on a lot of plot development and some key details which are important further in the series. The cinematography in Bulletproof is a defining feature of the show. Despite it being a relatively low budget production for Sky1, there are scenes of stunning visual effects, during gunfights, chases, and car crashes. Some shots in the series are more akin to something you would see in a Hollywood movie, and it is clear to see that the makers of the show are trying to set themselves apart from the competition.
So, while not quite on the same level as Bad Boys, Bulletproof offers a new and exciting take on the typical cop drama, and with two lead characters who are so invested in making the show a success, we are sure to see a lot more of Bishop and Pike on our screens in the future.
Watch the whole first season now on Sky1 catch-up services
