Watch Babylon

Historical dramas have always been in demand, and Babylon is no exception. It is a British series from 2012 that tells a gripping story of the police department and public relations officers in London. The show gained a lot of fame and critical acclaim among audiences for its gritty portrayal and realistic depiction of the political world.

Babylon focuses on Metropolitan Police's PR department, led by Liz Garvey (Brit Marling), which is facing a difficult time due to the ever-growing number of accusations and allegations against the department. Liz’s team includes various ambitious and talented people who work tirelessly to improve public relations with the department.

Babylon stands out from Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order television shows for its understanding of cultural and social politics. The show is based on real-life situations that the Public Relations department has faced in the past. The political climate of the times proves abrasive and complex. However, the writers handle the subject matter with great finesse, ensuring that each episode delivers a relevant message to the viewers.

Through the show, the public gets an insight into the inner workings of the police department. It is successful at highlighting the fabric of societal issues that plague law enforcement organizations. Babylon positively displays the PR team's efforts to control their public image and the officers' apprehension towards portraying themselves as anything other than competent law enforcers. As the team works on various cases that come under logical scrutiny, it is prioritizing the public's safety while the editors and social media scrutinize their actions.

One of Babylon's most enjoyable traits is the talented cast that brought the show to life. The showrunners assembled a broad and diverse cast of actors who brought unique perspectives to the characters they portrayed. Brit Marling has been lauded for her performance as Liz Garvey, the team leader who is constantly juggling multiple issues daily. Meanwhile, James Nesbitt provides a memorable performance as Richard Miller, the morally ambiguous Commissioner widely assumed to have aspirations beyond the police. Together, they form the central pillars of the show and provide a balance of tension and humor that keeps the show flowing immaculately.

One of the most significant achievements of Babylon is the way it balances sensitive and relevant issues while still delivering excellent entertainment to the audience. With its veracious examination of law enforcement's protracted sketchy history with race relations, sexism, and psychological concerns, viewers will find themselves helplessly engrossed in the deep research presented both dramatically and comically. Babylon manages to delve into the inherent difficulties of a police force without being too preachy or heavy-handed in the portrayal.

In addition to its excellent scriptwriting and acting, Babylon's technical aspects, production values, lighting, and sound design are noteworthy. The show accurately depicts the gritty, dark world of the metropolitan Police Force and offers an engaging, dynamic representation of the UK police. The lighting directors' works provide excellent attention to detail that allows Babylon to look and feel realistic and genuinely alive.

To summarize, Babylon is a remarkable and successful drama series that offers a realistic depiction of law enforcement organizations. It is a well-acted, well-written, directed, and technical masterclass that brilliantly delves into sensitive issues that law enforcement firms continue to face. The show has several accolades to its name for its consistently excellent portrayal of real-life situations and various critical responses to UK law enforcement organizations. All of these aspects make Babylon stand tall among iconic shows such as The Wire, The Killing and Spiral, and at the same time, deeply relevant to contemporary social justice. With only one season comprising six episodes, audiences who love gritty, dark and realistic dramas should consider giving Babylon a chance.

Babylon is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on January 15, 2015.