FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
geordiesdad
At the start I was already hesitant as the 'plot' seemed very familiar.....the old 'I bin framed' one and not much changed my mind.
When the accused is found innocent the 'FRESH LOOK' they want to put on the case turns out to be a politically correctly gendered and ethnicity choiced one you simply have to laugh when we later find out she's 'involved' with the previous head officer on the case.
Gee...think there might be some conflicts here?
It doesn't get better as the 'secrets' are revealed in a timely fashion throughout the 4 episodes.
Sadly it's all been done before....many times and much better...better acting...better writing and let's face it....when you copy a plot idea you'd better be sure you do it AT LEAST as well as the original....and better is better....and this isn't
Bertaut
Innocent is a four-part whodunit that is half by-the-book, paint-by-numbers, nothing-you-haven't-seen-before, and half superbly and realised and expansive family drama. The show begins with David Collins (Lee Ingleby) being acquitted for the murder of his wife, having already spent seven years in jail for the crime. Viewers are never left in any doubt as to Collins's innocence, which does have the unfortunate side-effect of making the characters who are convinced of his guilt seem either naive or antagonistic-by-default. Collins's quest to uncover the truth and learn why people he trusted lied during his trial is never especially gripping, with no real urgency, no major twists, and a decided sense of "is that it?" Where the show succeeds, however, is in the litany of secondary characters whose lives are changed irreparably as the effects of Collins's release ripple outward; his brother Phil (Daniel Ryan), with whom he moves in; his sister-in-law Alice (Hermione Norris), whose testimony that he beat his wife was an important factor in his conviction; her amiable husband Rob (Adrian Rawlins); DCI William Beech (Nigel Lindsay), the original lead investigator, who may (or may not) have suppressed evidence; DI Cathy Hudson (Angel Coulby), the new lead investigator, who also happens to be Beech's girlfriend; Collins's children, Jack (Fionn O'Shea) and Rosie (Eloise Webb), who were adopted by Alice and Rob after the trial; Tom Wilson (Elliot Cowan), Collins's former best friend, whose failure to provide him an alibi led to his conviction; Melissa Wilson (Hannah Britland), Tom's wife, who suspects he knows more than he's letting on; and Louise Wilson (Christine Cole), Tom's ex-wife, who left him after she discovered his affair with Melissa. Each of these characters are given a fair amount of dialogue, screen time, and character development as the show lets the whodunit plot fade somewhat into the background, and it's here where the narrative is at its most enjoyable. It's not going to change your life, but it's worth a look.7/10
glasslens
This a fine piece of television with a constantly weaving story line that keeps you rivited to your seat. All the characters are well acted and the direction is top class. Best of all, it keeps us thinking - there is no chance to nod off or or pop out to put the kettle on - you'd miss too much. The atmosphere of the coast comes through really well - Hayling Island near Portsmouth is a relatively unknown place to non-boating folk and has a bit of a reputation as a caravan/holiday camp place yet the atmosphere really comes alive here. Great atmospheric cinematography that never gets in the way - no gimmics just good. But on UK transmission, something is very wrong with the sound - especially the outdoor scenes. It sounds like it wasn't recorded properly - almost just as though they used the built-in mic on the camera! They've used a lot of compression to try to make it more distinct and ADR people are in the credits so it doesn't make a lot of sence. Oh well, we must not let it spoil a great piece of TV but please ITV, get your quality control working!!!!!
