Line of Duty, series 5, spoiler-free first look review: fiendishly addictive and grittier than Bodyguard

As police corruption thriller Line of Duty returns for its fifth run, anticipation has never been higher, thanks to the “Bodyguard effect”. Last autumn’s political drama from the same team – written by Jed Mercurio, made by World Productions – became a bona fide phenomenon, attracting the biggest ratings for a decade and winning a Golden Globe.

Line of Duty is now billed as “from the makers of Bodyguard”, much to the derision of long-time devotees. Line of Duty is the original and best, they say, not that Johnny-come-lately with its swish ministerial limousines and hotel sex scenes.

So can the new series live up to the increased hype and scrutiny? Judging by our sneak preview of the opening episode, the answer is, thankfully, yes.

Viewers are flung headfirst into the action with the pulse-pounding hijack of a police convoy. There are shades of the second series, which started in similar style, but this time the budget is bigger, the stakes higher. The daring heist takes place in broad daylight with a gasp-inducing twist.

The raid required a police insider, so anti-corruption unit AC-12 is soon called in, led by crusading Supt Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar). Snapping at his heels are dogged investigators DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure with a new rank and haircut) and DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston with a new beard but the same waistcoats).

Line of Duty is notoriously intricately plotted and specialises in rug-pulling shock reveals, so to go into much more detail would risk spoilers.

What we can say is that it involves rival organised crime syndicates, intriguing developments in the team’s personal lives and a betrayal which will break fans’ hearts. The cliffhanger from last time around was whether Hastings himself could be corrupt. I’m saying nothing without my brief.

The set-up is slightly different but in a way that feels fresh and invigoratingly non-formulaic. Its seedy gangland setting is grittier than in previous series (and indeed the glossy Bodyguard).

This feels like a back-to-procedural-basics approach after the arm-amputating melodrama of series four. We’re treated to the show’s trademark police jargon and interview scenes.

The performances of Dunbar and newcomer Rochenda Sandall catch the eye. Stephen Graham, the reliably superb Scouse actor, is the primary antagonist initially, but Mercurio’s writing is rarely so straightforward. Who polices the police? And do they need policing too?

The opening hour skilfully cranks up the suspense and if you don’t let out at least three involuntary squeals, you’re made of sterner stuff than most.

It also suggests that Line of Duty remains as fiendishly addictive as ever. Enjoy relative freedom this Sunday evening because for the following six weeks, you’ll be glued to your sofa.

Line of Duty returns on Sunday March 31 at 9pm on BBC One

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