The Shadow Line

Watch The Shadow Line

  • 2011
  • 1 Season
  • 7.9  (5,067)

The Shadow Line is a gripping and intense crime drama series that aired on BBC Two in 2011. The show features an outstanding cast comprising of Christopher Eccleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Sher, Stephen Rea, Rafe Spall, Eve Best, Lesley Sharp, Richard Lintern, and Robert Pugh.

The series revolves around a murder investigation that intertwines the lives of numerous individuals who are all connected through their association with the deceased. The story begins with the brutal killing of a drug dealer named Harvey Wratten, who was released from prison on a royal pardon. With no obvious leads or motive for the murder, the investigation is assigned to DI Jonah Gabriel (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who himself is recovering from a gunshot wound that has left him with severe memory loss.

As Gabriel begins digging into the case, he uncovers a sinister web of corruption and deceit that spans across both the criminal underworld and law enforcement. His investigations lead him to an assortment of colorful characters, each with their own hidden agendas and motives.

One of these characters is Joseph Bede (Christopher Eccleston), a local kingpin involved in the drug trade who is attempting to go legit. Bede's involvement with Wratten prior to his death makes him a prime suspect in Gabriel's investigation, and he must work to clear his name while also protecting his family and business interests.

Another key player in the story is Gatehouse (Stephen Rea), a shadowy figure with connections to both the criminal and political spheres. Gatehouse's motives and identity are shrouded in mystery, and his involvement in the case adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the story. His relationship with Wratten and the events that led to the latter's death form a key part of the overall plot.

Other notable characters include Jay Wratten (Rafe Spall), Harvey's troubled son who is seeking revenge for his father's death; Laura Gabriel (Lesley Sharp), DI Gabriel's wife who becomes increasingly worried as her husband's investigation puts them both in danger; and Commander Penney (Anthony Sher), a high-ranking government official with links to Gatehouse who is attempting to manipulate the investigation for his own benefit.

The Shadow Line is a show that deals with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The characters are complex and well-written, with each possessing their own flaws and strengths. The interactions between them are often tense and emotionally charged, as they navigate a world where trust is a rare commodity.

The cinematography, sound design, and music are all top-notch, creating a moody and atmospheric tone that perfectly complements the show's dark subject matter. The plot is intricate and multi-layered, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The pacing is slow at times, but this allows for the characters and plot to develop in a nuanced and compelling way.

Overall, The Shadow Line is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and complex storytelling. The acting, writing, and production values are all exceptional, resulting in a show that is both gripping and emotionally resonant.

The Shadow Line is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between May 5, 2011 and on BBC Two

The Shadow Line
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Seasons
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
June 16, 2011
Bede desperately tries to complete the final drug deal as his wife's condition deteriorates rapidly, while Gabriel is inexorably drawn into a shocking confrontation with Gatehouse.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
June 9, 2011
Gabriel uncovers some dark truths about Counterpoint that implicate his colleagues, and Glickman warns him that Gatehouse will hunt him down. Bede gets one step closer to finally getting out of the drugs game.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
June 2, 2011
Gatehouse finally tracks Glickman down, with explosive consequences. Gabriel gets closer to finding out why he was shot, and there's help for Bede's floundering business deal from an unexpected direction.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
May 26, 2011
Gabriel struggles to placate his ex-mistress and Gatehouse shows he'll go to great lengths to find Glickman.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
May 19, 2011
McGovern is convinced there is more to the Wratten case and visits the retired Police Commander Penney at his private boat yard. When Beatty shows Gabriel the Wratten release files, Gabriel is certain that whatever lead to Wratten's release, also got him killed. Beatty and his team make a drugs bust at a motorway service station, and arrest Bob Harris's man Stephen.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
May 12, 2011
Andy Dixon, scared and isolated, finally breaks cover and calls Sara which allows the police to put a trace on the call. On Gatehouse's orders, Andy Dixon meets Jay Wratten and tells him that after picking up Wratten, he had driven him to meet someone at the car park where he was shot. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Honey stake out Harvey Wratten's funeral.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
May 5, 2011
Julie and Joseph Bede meet with her doctor who delivers devastating news. Meanwhile, Jonah Gabriel explains Delaney's parents how he has no recollection of the shooting that killed their son due to the bullet lodged in his brain. The waters of Gabriel's past become further muddied when he finds a suitcase full of money secretly hidden in his wardrobe.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
May 5, 2011
Two years ago Harvey Wratten, one of the UK's biggest crime lords, was imprisoned for buying 200 kilos of heroin. But after serving only 2 years he received a Royal Pardon. After only 4 hours of freedom Harvey Wratten is murdered. This is where The Shadow Line begins....
Description
Where to Watch The Shadow Line
The Shadow Line is available for streaming on the BBC Two website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Shadow Line on demand at Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV and Pluto TV.
  • Premiere Date
    May 5, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (5,067)