The world of police procedurals is a crowded one, dominated by the long shadow of hits likeLine of Duty. But a new series,Criminal Record, isn’t interested in simply following a proven formula. Instead, it’s forging its own path, delving into issues its stars believe are far more pressing and complex.
Peter Capaldi, known for his intensity, explains thatCriminal Recordtackles “hotter issues” than many of its contemporaries. The show doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, and its second season promises to be even more gripping, exploring the dangerous landscape of deepfakes and online misinformation alongside a compelling murder investigation.
Season one established a tense dynamic between DCI Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi) and DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo), confronting systemic racism and corruption within the police force. This season amplifies that tension, forcing the two officers into an uneasy alliance as they navigate a web of deceit and danger.
What truly setsCriminal Recordapart, however, is its refusal to offer easy answers. Unlike shows that neatly tie up loose ends, this series embraces ambiguity, presenting flawed characters operating in shades of grey. It’s a deliberate choice, allowing for a deeper exploration of morality and consequence.
Cush Jumbo emphasizes the show’s commitment to character development, noting that it allows for a more nuanced portrayal of individuals. “We are good at showing the parts of life that won’t take a case forward, but will take a character forward,” she explains. “We can make a character that is traditionally bad very complex, and make an audience be confused about why they might like them, even though they should hate them.”
The relationship between Hegarty and Lenker is a masterclass in dysfunctional partnership. It’s a dynamic rarely seen on screen, a deliberate inversion of the classic “buddy cop” trope. To maintain the authenticity of this tension, Capaldi and Jumbo made a surprising decision: they chose not to rehearse.
“Cush brings such depth and emotion to the character,” Capaldi reveals. “I’ll never predict it. I never know what she’s going to do, and I think rehearsal tends to drain that a little bit.” Jumbo agrees, appreciating the unpredictable energy Capaldi brings to the role, and the way it keeps their interactions raw and authentic.
For Capaldi, playing the stoic Hegarty presented a unique challenge. Accustomed to roles that demand outward expression, he found himself actively suppressing his natural tendencies. “It takes me all of my energy to control my face, to try and be still,” he admits, laughing. “I’ll be exhausted at the end of the day to have a wipe down because I’ve been sitting quietly.”
The show’s commitment to tackling relevant social issues is paramount. Both Capaldi and Jumbo acknowledge a sense of responsibility when dealing with sensitive topics ripped from the headlines. The writing, they say, consistently reflects the current zeitgeist, forcing them to confront the realities of the world around them.
“We’re always trying to make a show that is incredibly exciting to watch and very entertaining, but we cannot ignore the world that we live in,” Jumbo explains. “Paul Ruttman, who writes our show, it’s completely attached to what is going on. So, yeah, we definitely feel the responsibility to look after the topics, because they’re real.”
Capaldi adds that the structure of a police procedural provides a perfect framework for exploring these complex issues. “You always have a SWAT team, a car chase, and a shootout,” he says. “That’s the brilliant thing about cop shows. They will always deliver those entertaining story elements while at the same time allowing you to explore what’s going on in society.”
