The critically acclaimed British crime drama The Tower, streaming for free on ITVX, has captivated audiences and earned comparisons to hit series Line of Duty and Unforgotten. The show, adapted from Kate London's Metropolitan Police novels by Patrick Harbinson of Homeland and 24 fame, holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot and Premise
The series follows Detective Sarah Collins, played by Gemma Whelan, as she investigates the deaths of a long-serving police officer and a teenage girl who fall from a London tower block. The official synopsis states: "After a long-serving cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a London tower block, Detective Sarah Collins investigates the dark heart of policing." The story delves into the murky underbelly of the policing world, keeping viewers on edge.
Cast and Performances
Gemma Whelan, best known for her role as Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, takes her first primetime lead role as Detective Collins. Her performance has been described as "astonishing" by critics and audiences alike. The supporting cast includes Tahirah Sharif, Jimmy Akingbola, Emmett J. Scanlan, Lola Elsokari, Nick Holder, Karl Davies, and Nabil Elouahabi.
Production and Reception
The Tower premiered in November 2021 and spans three seasons. Season one has three episodes directed by Jim Loach, season two has four episodes directed by Faye Gilbert, and season three has four episodes directed by Rene van Pannevis. Although set in southeast London, the show was predominantly filmed in Manchester and Liverpool.
The series has received widespread acclaim. One critic noted: "Polished in every way - the acting, dialogue and complicated ethical quandaries - this crackerjack series is super smart." Another review stated: "The show is very sobering and builds to its climaxes amazingly and fulfilling." An IMDB user wrote: "Up there with the best of British crime drama... A mix of Unforgotten meets Line of Duty with quality story line, depth of characters and a story thread that makes sense."
Viewers have praised the show as a binge-worthy experience. One fan commented: "Having only discovered it recently I watched all 11 episodes in a bit of a binge... it grows each time and leaves you wanting more." Another added: "This series is excellent. It is hard to stop watching and go to bed when I need to."
The Tower is streaming now on ITVX.
