'WPC 56 - Series Two'
(Jennie Jacques, Charles De'Ath, John Bowler, et al / 2-Disc DVD / NR / 2014 / BFS Entertainment)
Overview: Set in England’s West Midlands in 1956, this continuing BBC period drama series sees WPC Gina Dawson (Jennie Jacques) struggle to make her mark as the first and only police woman on her hometown beat. With some new faces in the station, it’s business as usual as Gina and the men get on with their daily policing duties.
DVD Verdict: The beautiful Jennie Jacques once again plays the lead role of WPC Gina Dawson. A woman who was the first female officer to serve in her Midlands home town of Brinford, England. Although the series revolves around her there are many intelligently woven threads in the plot that give all the other players a good chunk of airtime, too. None of them disappoint, either. Things again wind-up nicely after five episodes, so prepare yourself for series three!
After all the time and trouble that the producers, cast and crew went to, to get this right I'm surprised that this was aired just after lunchtime in the UK! It was a known fact that it was beloved, but many wondered why it couldn't score an evening TV slot. At least here, now, I have it on DVD to watch - and boy, did I!
The story is well paced and intelligently laid out. The details, language and props were first rate and appropriate. The cast, photography and script were also all top notch. This is intelligent television drama which, in all fairness is something the Americans are becoming good at; and which we Brits have rather lost our way on.
And I know I keep harping on about her, but she IS the central character after all. Jennie Jacques' eyes are so magnetic. The little known supporting cast are drawn from the deep well of British acting talent and it works not having big names in these roles. 'WPC 56 - Series One' depicted Britain in 1956 perfectly, and thus Series Two captures 1956 just as well, of course.
Having made her mark within the community as a female police officer, WPC Gina Dawson, with some new faces in the station, begin a series long hunt for a killer. A hunt that draws he team into the criminal underworld run by a ruthless gangster; as dangerous as he is untouchable. These are all Widescreen Presentations (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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