Blue Lights season 3 may have widened its criminal scope, but it never loses sight of its leading characters’ humanity. In season 3, the rookies of this BAFTA-winning Irish crime drama, Grace (Siân Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin), and Tommy (Nathan Branliff), are rookies no more, having encountered their fair share of danger, heartache, and grief during their patrols. Their newfound maturity is reflected in this season’s narrative, as the criminal conspiracy extends beyond Belfast’s borders for the first time.
That’s not to say that Belfast’s culture, geography, and history are any less important to Blue Lights season 3’s storytelling. Northern Ireland’s capital is just as much of a character as it’s always been in the show, as high-end drugs flood the streets and lead to unexpected rampages in fancy brunch cafés. The rapidly growing organization, led by a quietly terrifying and dignified Cathy Tyson, also pulls in past villains and foes from seasons 1 and 2. More than ever, it feels like Blue Lights is working towards something big, with Belfast and our favorite police constables at the center of it all.
The Stakes May Be Higher In Blue Lights Season 3, But The Characters Are Still The Stars
The story’s growth is undeniable and, given the show’s popularity, understandable, but there’s a part of me that wonders whether the balance that Blue Lights achieves in season 3 between its character arcs and the criminal element will be maintained as the show progresses with the already commissioned season 4.
While the organized crime ring brings intense new dangers for Belfast’s finest, including cul-de-sac standoffs and potential car bombs — Blue Lights excels at building tension — I found myself increasingly disinterested when the story moved away from the constables and focused solely on Organized Crime’s operations. Michael Smiley delivers a strong, elusive performance as head honcho Paul “Colly” Collins, and his history with Helen McNally (Joan Crawford) deservedly gives Helen’s character more to do this season. And yet.
Most hard-hitting crime dramas follow established detectives, investigators, and high-ranking officers; they’re the ones who traditionally handle the juiciest crimes, right? butt Blue Lights’ strength has always been its exploration of what it’s like for rookie cops, new to the force, to experience an array of dangerous, emotional, and unexpected situations, whether those situations involve gun violence or just helping someone find their way home.
Thankfully, this season doesn’t forget about the importance of the constables’ day-to-day routines, even as the danger in Belfast grows. While Stevie (Martin McCann) becomes a new rookie, of sorts, as he tries on the “skipper” role for the first time, Annie deals with her mother’s worsening health. Tommy and Aisling (Dearbháile McKinney) try to make their relationship work as Aisling overcomes a traumatic event, Grace reconnects with someone from her social worker days and opens up about her past, and Shane (Frank Blake) attempts to figure out his place in the PSNI.
Their stories would be worth watching even if they weren’t loosely or closely connected to the larger criminal plot. These characters are fully realized, sympathetic, frustrating, and relatable. While some of the characters’ arcs are heavier this season — Annie, in particular, is put through the emotional wringer — Blue Lights season 3 also finds the heart and warmth in their stories once again. Stevie continues to be an excellent baker, and Shane’s favorite song turns out to be a forgotten banger. Those vital moments of levity make the season’s building danger even more effective.
Of course, those who have been watching Blue Lights from the beginning will no doubt be wondering whether season 3 continues to honor and revisit Richard Dormer’s character, Gerry Cliff, after his tragic and game-changing death in season 1. The short answer is yes; Gerry’s death still affects his mentee, Tommy, and Gerry’s wife, Sandra (Andi Osho). Osho’s performance as Sandra is full of subtle grief, making it all the more moving when it finally rises to the surface during one of season 3’s quieter, safer scenes.
Honestly, Blue Lights is still one of the most impressive police dramas the BBC and BritBox have ever produced. Co-creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson have tapped into something special. Blue Lights season 3 has an open ending, though, one that paves the way for even bigger criminal stories. All I hope is that the constables won’t get lost within the developing conspiracy.
Blue Lights season 3 premieres on BritBox on November 13. Episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays until December 18.
اترك تعليقاً