Watch Collateral

Collateral is a crime drama series of four episodes that premiered in February 2018 on Netflix. The show has been created by playwright and screenwriter David Hare, who has also written the screenplay of the series. The show is a political thriller following the shooting of a pizza delivery driver in London that leaves a chain of events and affects the lives of different people.

The show features a star-studded cast, including Carey Mulligan, John Simm, Billie Piper, and Nicola Walker. Carey Mulligan plays the lead character DI Kip Glaspie, who is assigned to investigate the murder case. John Simm portrays David Mars, a politician who finds himself dragged into the controversy. Billie Piper plays Karen Mars, the ex-wife of David Mars, and Nicola Walker plays a vicar named Jane Oliver.

The story revolves around a case that involves the murder of a pizza delivery driver named Abdullah Asif (played by Sam Otto). The murder happens in a seemingly random act of violence but soon turns out to be something much more sinister. DI Kip Glaspie, who is seven months pregnant and wants to prove herself as a competent detective, is assigned to the case. She starts her investigation, which leads her to different people, including a wealthy businessman named Sandrine Shaw (played by Jeany Spark), who seems to have a connection to the murder victim, and David Mars, a politician who is drawn into the case.

As the investigation progresses, more secrets and lies begin to surface, and it becomes evident that the seemingly isolated crime has wider, political implications. Along the way, Kip gets assistance from Nathan Bilk (played by Nathaniel Martello-White), a local detective, and Abdullah's sister Fatima (played by Ahd), who knows more about her brother than she is willing to reveal. The story’s twists and turns keep the viewers on the edge of their seats as the plot is filled with unexpected surprises.

The show’s strength lies in its writing and performances. David Hare’s writing is sharp, and the show is well-paced, with each episode seamlessly leading to the next. The cast is excellent, with Carey Mulligan’s performance, in particular, being exceptional. She portrays her character with subtlety and precision, and her chemistry with Nathaniel Martello-White adds to the story's intrigue. John Simm gives a solid performance, and Billie Piper portrays a character that is more complicated than it initially seems. Nicola Walker is excellent in the role of the vicar, adding a layer of depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

The show’s direction is also noteworthy. The director, S.J. Clarkson, has a great sense of pacing and is adept at creating tension. The show's crème de la crème, as it were, lies in its ability to explore the social fabric of contemporary Britain. It delves into the politics that surround the case, the inner workings of the police department, and the complex lives of the people who are involved in the investigation. All of these elements combine to make a gripping and thought-provoking drama that is both engaging and enlightening.

In conclusion, Collateral is an excellent TV series that explores contemporary issues in a gritty and thought-provoking way. The show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, political thrillers, and mystery shows. With an outstanding cast, impressive writing, and tight direction, it marks a high point in British television. David Hare's ability to weave together complex narratives with subtle social commentary makes the show a masterpiece worthy of your time.

Collateral is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on February 12, 2018.