The Show
State of Play, an almost gleefully labyrinthine thriller that was a sensation across the Atlantic in 2003 (later broadcast on BBC America the following year and currently being remade as an Americanized film starring Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe and directed by Kevin Macdonald) is closest in spirit and style to HBO's much lauded epic "The Wire." Over only six episodes, creator Paul Abbott fashions a dense, deviously complicated world that captivates even as it repulses.
It's tempting to explore the ins and outs of State of Play, but I'd prefer to leave much of the narrative a mystery, so as not to spoil the experience for first-timers. The first season kicks off with a bang, as the seemingly random, possibly drug-related murder of Kelvin Stagg (Gregory Poorman) and the shocking, tragic death of researcher Sonia Baker (Shauna Macdonald), employed by Parliament member Stephen Collins (David Morrissey) come under the scrutiny of ruthless newspaper editor Cameron Foster (Bill Nighy), who believes the two deaths to be related. Only when Collins' former campaign manager turned journalist Cal McCaffrey (John Simm) begins digging does he uncover an explosive trail of evidence that suggests some very dark doings in the British government.
Abbott's fascination with both the world of journalism and the inner workings of government propel the show forward on two fronts; sure, the more salacious aspects - sex, scandal and murder - are fun, but Abbott seems to truly enjoy the minutiae of these high-profile professions, building the pressure up on these sharply drawn characters until they very nearly give way. (Again, while I could certainly divulge more detail, that would rob the unsuspecting of great pleasure watching all of this drama set in motion by Abbott.)
It is, however, amazing to me that just that relatively succinct synopsis can encapsulate the core of State of Play, but, somehow (once more, excluding some key details), it does. As I mentioned, Abbott masterfully sketches numerous characters who, through some fantastic acting from this top-shelf cast (Morrissey, Kelly Macdonald, Nighy, James McAvoy and Simm are note-perfect) breathes life into this twisty, high-stakes story. According to reports in the British press, Abbott was commissioned to pen a sequel to State of Play but, as of this writing, hasn't yet completed it. Much like the inaugural season of "24," Abbott's success here will very difficult to top, but I look forward to seeing him try.
This first (and so far, only) season of State of Play is split between two discs -- the first three episodes on disc one, the final three episodes on disc two. As BBC America did not provide a final retail version for review, I cannot comment on the packaging or design of the set, but should a final version be provided, I'll amend my review accordingly.
The DVD
The Video:
Presented in an anamorphic widescreen transfer of its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1, State of Play is a series stocked with evocative, edgy visuals. However, the transfer cannot be accurately judged owing to BBC America's supplying screener discs rather than final product. Should final product be provided to DVD Talk, this rating will be revised to reflect the quality of the image.
The Audio:
Plenty of atmospherics are on display throughout and rapid-fire dialogue is critical to most scenes, so the Dolby 2.0 stereo track is given plenty to do; again, given BBC America's screener copy, it's hard to accurately assess the quality of the soundtrack, but there were no glaring deficiencies apparent.
The Extras:
Slim pickings: The first episode features a commentary track from Abbott and director David Yates, while the sixth episode features a commentary track from Yates, editor Mark Day and producer Hilary Bevan-Jones.
Final Thoughts:
State of Play, an almost gleefully labyrinthine thriller that was a sensation across the Atlantic in 2003 is closest in spirit and style to HBO's much lauded epic "The Wire." Over only six episodes, creator Paul Abbott fashions a dense, deviously complicated world that captivates even as it repulses. Highly recommended.
Buy: