« You can't handle the truth! » (Colonel Jessep, A Few Good Men)
ITV1 aired on Friday the last episode of Injustice, Anthony Horowitz's five-part event drama following the critical and rating success of his previous "stripped" serial Collision two years ago. Monday's premiere did the job, fulfilling its bait function for the rest, but the second episode already lost steam and the following surprisingly burnt one of the key plots. The penultimate chapter made Injustice work better as a classic crime drama than an ambitious jigsaw thriller, carried by the formidable presence of Charlie Creed-Miles as investigative officer DI Mark Wenborn. Especially in a BAFTA worthy scene where Wenborn lost his marbles while interrogating the young offender (and aspiring writer).
Maybe our expectations were exaggeratedly high because of the sublime Collision and the week was definitely uneven but at least watchable, until the finale. James Purefoy was excellent in full David Morrissey mode as the eminent citizen with a skeleton behind the suits in his cupboard. Charlie Creed-Miles delivered a stellar performance as DI Bastard, saving us from the total boredom inspired by poor Dervla Kirwan's character (to the point we prayed she signed a deal with Cybermen). Even Obi Abili as DS Taylor, Wenborn's sidekick, began to attract some attention. Then the last episode fell down the stairs as quickly as the hateful wife beater.
« You always believe the best in people. You are too easily taken in. Not, I would have to say, the best quality in a criminal barrister. » Being spared rather conveniently another chat with Wenborn, Will raised an eyebrow alongside viewers on a terrible line mentioning a Swiss watch brand and saved his old university pal from troubles. Before having his Dave Kujan moment (1) when he figured out Martin was not entangled in a conspiracy but just another mistake (his mute imaginary friend approved). Travers should have a therapy and retire, or find a job in an NGO.
The next time William Travers has a relapse of his very personal conception of idealism, don't make another five-part "stripped" drama out of it. But thanks for Charlie Creed-Miles.
(1) Chazz Palminteri in The Usual Suspects (1995).
Episodes Two and Three: http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2011/06/injustice-episodes-two-three-itv1.html
Episode One: http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2011/06/injustice-itv1.html
http://www.itv.com/injustice/
http://itsacrime.typepad.com/its_a_crime_or_a_mystery/2011/06/itv-injustice.html
http://lifeofwylie.com/2011/06/06/injustice-this-is-not-just-a-tv-thriller/
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