The Five

The Five is a British crime drama television series created by Harlan Coben, which premiered on Sky1 in 2016. The series follows a group of friends who are reunited when the DNA of one of their missing friends is found at a crime scene, and it stars Tom Cullen, Otto Farrant, Lee Ingleby, Sarah Solemani, and Hannah Arterton. The show explores themes of child abduction, murder investigation, and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, as seen in similar series like Broadchurch and Shetland.

Introduction

The Five is a gripping and intense series that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of past actions, much like the works of Gillian Flynn and Dennis Lehane. The show's creator, Harlan Coben, is known for his twisty and suspenseful storytelling, as seen in his novels like Tell No One and Gone for Good, which have been adapted into films and television series like Les Revenants and No Second Chance. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Tom Cullen, who has appeared in Downton Abbey and Knightfall, and Sarah Solemani, known for her roles in Him & Her and Bridget Jones's Baby. The show's themes and tone are reminiscent of other BBC and ITV dramas, such as Luther and Vera.

History

The Five was commissioned by Sky1 in 2015, with Harlan Coben serving as the executive producer, alongside Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee. The series was filmed on location in Manchester and Liverpool, and it premiered on Sky1 in April 2016, receiving positive reviews from critics, including those from The Guardian and The Telegraph. The show's success led to the creation of other Sky1 dramas, such as Tin Star and Riviera, which have also received critical acclaim. The series has been compared to other crime drama series, such as True Detective and The Killing, which have also explored complex themes and characters.

Characters

The series follows a group of friends, including Mark Wells (played by Tom Cullen), Danny Kenwood (played by Otto Farrant), Slade (played by Lee Ingleby), Pru Carew (played by Sarah Solemani), and Julie Wells (played by Hannah Arterton), as they navigate the consequences of a traumatic event from their past. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one having their own secrets and motivations, much like the characters in Shakespeare's plays, such as Hamlet and Macbeth. The show also features a range of supporting characters, including Detective Superintendent Claire Holloway (played by Gina McKee), who is investigating the crime, and Dr. Leigh (played by Michael Maloney), a psychologist who is helping the friends to cope with their trauma, similar to the characters in The Sopranos and Mad Men.

Plot

The series begins with the discovery of DNA that belongs to Jesse, a friend who went missing 20 years earlier, at a crime scene, which sets off a chain of events as the friends are reunited and forced to confront their past. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and lies are revealed, and the friends are forced to confront the truth about what really happened to Jesse, much like the plot twists in Gone Girl and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The show's plot is full of surprises, with each episode ending in a cliffhanger, keeping the viewer guessing until the very end, similar to the suspenseful storytelling in Breaking Bad and Narcos. The series explores themes of guilt, shame, and redemption, as the characters struggle to come to terms with their past actions, much like the characters in The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Reception

The Five received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the show's complex characters, twisty plot, and suspenseful storytelling, similar to the reception of The Wire and The X-Files. The show was praised by critics from The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Independent, who noted its similarities to other crime drama series, such as Broadchurch and Shetland. The show's creator, Harlan Coben, was praised for his ability to craft a compelling and engaging story, as seen in his other works, such as No Second Chance and Just One Look. The series has been nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series, and has won several awards, including the Royal Television Society Award for Best Drama Series, similar to the awards won by Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones. The show's success has led to the creation of other Sky1 dramas, such as Tin Star and Riviera, which have also received critical acclaim, and has been compared to other successful series, such as The Crown and Stranger Things. Category:British television series