Synopsis
The Level is a British crime drama series that aired on ITV in 2016. It stars Karla Crome as DS Nancy Devlin, a National Crime Division detective who is sent back to her hometown of Brighton to solve the murder of her drug-trafficking father figure, Frank Le Saux (Philip Glenister). Nancy is forced to keep her involvement in the case a secret from her colleagues, and she soon finds herself caught up in a web of lies and deception.
Cast and Director
The cast of The Level includes:
- Karla Crome as DS Nancy Devlin
- Philip Glenister as Frank Le Saux
- Robert James-Collier as DI Mark Travis
- Joe Absolom as DS Mike Dryden
- Amanda Burton as DCI Michelle Newman
- Lindsey Coulson as DCI Jane Cafferty
The series was directed by David Blair.
Premiere Date
The Level premiered on ITV on October 1, 2016. It ran for six episodes.
Story Plot
The Level is a fast-paced, twisty crime drama that follows Nancy Devlin as she tries to solve the murder of her father figure, Frank Le Saux. Nancy is a good cop, but she has a secret: she has been protecting Frank from prosecution on several occasions. When Frank is murdered, Nancy is forced to come clean to her colleagues, but she still refuses to reveal her true relationship to Frank. This puts her in a difficult position, as she is now the prime suspect in the murder investigation.
As Nancy tries to clear her name, she uncovers a web of lies and deception. She soon realizes that Frank was involved in a lot of shady business, and that there are many people who would have wanted him dead. Nancy must race against time to find the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
Critical Response
The Level received positive reviews from critics. The Guardian praised the series for its “strong cast” and “twisty plot,” while the Independent called it “a gripping, suspenseful thriller.” The series was also a ratings success for ITV, averaging over 5 million viewers per episode.
Life Lessons
The Level can teach us a few life lessons, including:
- The importance of honesty. Nancy’s lies and deception ultimately come back to haunt her. If she had been honest with her colleagues from the start, she might have been able to clear her name sooner.
- The importance of trust. Nancy’s relationship with her colleagues is damaged by her lies. She must work hard to rebuild their trust if she wants to solve the case.
- The importance of family. Nancy is ultimately motivated by her love for her family. She is willing to risk everything to protect them, even if it means breaking the law.
Conclusion
The Level is a well-made crime drama with a strong cast and a twisty plot. It is a suspenseful and thought-provoking series that will keep you guessing until the very end.