Yahoo News ITV police drama Viewpoint draws comparisons to Line of Duty
Viewpoint spoilers follow.
ITV's new police drama Viewpoint kicked off tonight (April 26), and genre lovers couldn't help but compare the mini-series' first episode to popular BBC outing Line of Duty.
Starring Phil Davis, Alexandra Roach, Catherine Tyldesley, Bronagh Waugh and Noel Clarke, the show centres on surveillance expert DC Martin King (Clarke), as he and his partner DC Stella Beckett (Waugh) attempt to solve a missing person's case.
In this evening's instalment, the pair set up shop in the home of music lover Zoe (Roach), whose flat is situated opposite that of Gemma Hillman (Amy Wren), a primary school teacher who vanished almost two days ago.
Related: ITV drama Viewpoint suspended filming over positive coronavirus test
Suspicion quickly befalls on Gemma's live-in partner Greg (Fehinti Balogun), who has a history of controlling and possessive behaviour.
But he's adamant that he had nothing to do with her disappearance, despite a mysterious woman rocking up to his place with a bottle of champagne just a few hours after Gemma was last seen.
The story, which was written by Safe House writer Ed Whitmore, is set to unravel over five instalments – all of which were directed by Fleabag and Killing Eve's Harry Bradbeer.
#Viewpoint is no Line Of Duty is it? pic.twitter.com/ABimmKOtSL
— Andy Martindale (@AndyMartindale) April 26, 2021
While it's clear it'll be a bit of a slow burn, and will likely pick up as certain mysteries are revealed, those tuning in tonight were seemingly left unimpressed by the premiere, teasing that it didn't quite live up to other titles, like Line of Duty, Broadchurch and Unforgotten.
"Everyone is so hyped about Line of Duty that Viewpoint isn't enough for us Twitter police drama fangirls, soz," one tweeted, as another said: "Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Wee Donkey it's not quite Line of Duty, is it?"
"The problem for #Viewpoint is it feels like it's slowing time down making the wait #LineOfDuty even longer. I'll give it a chance," a third added, before a fourth wrote: "Trouble is when you watch Line of Duty, nothing else seems that good!"
Related: Line of Duty star responds to their character's shock exit
One person tried to remain level-headed though, arguing: "First episode of #Viewpoint on @ITV. So far, pretty good. I think the energy of #LineofDuty spoils you for everything else. We're judging other shows by it."
That's not to say that everyone was disappointed, though. One viewer took to social media to praise "brilliant" Clarke, and to say that they were "absolutely loving" the series already.
Another said: "Just finished watching Viewpoint. Great acting, great storyline. @NoelClarke, well done."
Check out some more reactions below...
#Viewpoint Hmmm... not blown away by this drama. I like Noel Clarke, but am not sure I can manage another 4 hours of this. Too slow and implausible.
— Tracy Davidson 💙 (@tracydavidson27) April 26, 2021
Not quite #broadchurch (yet) but #Viewpoint has me hooked. Thanks @NoelClarke and the team 👍👍
— Greig (@GreigChristie) April 26, 2021
Maybe we’ve been spoilt with Line of Duty and Too Close, but this is a bit naff isn’t it #Viewpoint
— Jake (@JakeThomasLong) April 26, 2021
Just watched the first episode of #Viewpoint on @ITV with @NoelClarke and LOVED it, really gripping and intriguing, can't watch to watch the rest 😊
— Sarah Gronow (@MissSarah126) April 26, 2021
Sending me to sleep it's a bit slow😴 #viewpoint
— Sue (@Itt39354118) April 26, 2021
Episode one of #Viewpoint done @NoelClarke so far so good. The wife and I look forward to what happens next 👌🏼
— Dave (@davemcginn9) April 26, 2021
Ooooh now just hold on, this #viewpoint has started well....👍@Line_of_duty you need to get busy on a new series guys.....😇
— "Why Me 💙 Why Not" ⚽✌ 😷 (@DF93201) April 26, 2021
#LineOfDuty has ruined me for other cop shows. Watching #Viewpoint and I'm wondering who's a bent copper! Its the same when I watch Endeavour too!!
— Siân (@Sianie_L) April 26, 2021
#Viewpoint well it's no line of duty or peaky blinders
— windup merchant🍀🆗 (@tommysellbuy) April 26, 2021
Only 10 mins into #Viewpoint and love it already, gripping. So good to see @NoelClarke and @Cath_Tyldesley back on screen too.
— Supriya Kaur (@SupriyaKaur) April 26, 2021
#Viewpoint
Fishing me in already......
I’m hooked 👀— Emma Jane 💙 (@fluffed77) April 26, 2021
Viewpoint continues tomorrow night (April 27) at 9pm on ITV.
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