Retrospective: State of Play (BBC)

Layered as an intelligent conspiracy thriller, but with an impressive psychological element to its characterization not entirely surprising from a former Cracker writer, it's an astonishing ride. Paul Abbot's script extols effortless tension with an insightful and cynical eye that spares little illusion about the trappings of press, politics and corporate dynamism.

David Morrissey and John Simm give well-crafted, engaging performances echoed by an array of supporting players -- the likes of which include (a scene-stealing) Bill Nighy, James McAvoy, Marc Warren, Polly Walker, and the ever-glowering Philip Glenister -- who never let the quality slip. David Yates provides direction which is, by turns, lively and patient, with a soundtrack from Nicholas Hooper that fits the tone of proceedings like a glove.

 

 

In my assessment, it would be difficult to impede State of Play's claim on being one of the best television productions out of the UK, so far, this decade.