‘Critical’ Episode 6 review

Six episodes in to Critical, and we’re getting used to the format of Sky’s new medical drama. A patient arrives, probably with breathing difficulties; there’s a period of jargon-led assessment; via a detour to the CT department we move to theatre; and ultimately the patient will be opened up, at which point cue graphic detail … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 5 review

In a nice change of pace to the usual problem of insufficient resources and staff, this week the Critical trauma team has quite the opposite problem when they find themselves with too many doctors. More specifically, Lorraine Rapparport (the marvellous Claire Skinner) is back after her sudden disappearing act in the first episode. It turns … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 4 review

“It’s working, you’re making the team a unit,” says Fiona to Glen at the end of this week’s Critical. It’s probably as reckless a statement as saying, “See you back in Blighty” during a War film, and almost certainly next week the team will be disbanded, or will be fiercely at loggerheads with each other, … >

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Daniel Mays joins ‘Line of Duty’ cast for Season 3

The new season of Line of Duty will begin filming in Belfast later this month, with Mrs Biggs star Daniel Mays playing AC-12’s “most dangerous adversary yet”. Mays has been cast as Sergeant Danny Waldron, the highly proficient leader of an Armed Response Unit whose unpredictable behaviour is becoming a threat to colleagues and suspects. … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 3 review

It’s an indication of how engrossing Critical is that despite my squeamishness with regard to medical matters I’m finding it compulsive viewing. In fact during this week’s episode I found myself delighted to focus on the exposed chest cavity of the patient – mainly because it allowed me to divert my attention away from the … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 2 review

With great economy, the second episode of Critical sets about bringing the show’s wide cast of characters to life. It’s not easy task in a programme set in ‘real time’ (or “The Golden Hour” as one of the characters labels it), but it’s an impressive demonstration of the old adage of ‘show not tell’. The … >

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‘Critical’ Episode 1 review

At the start of Critical’s first episode, an air ambulance helicopter comes in to land on the rooftop helipad of a building called General Hospital. However, any suggestion that this familiar name brings with it the comfortable ‘doctor/nurse romance’ territory of the afternoon soap is promptly expelled as the anonymous patient-of-the-week projectile vomits a spray … >

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‘Critical’ interview: Neve McIntosh chats about Sky1’s new medical drama

Best known to Doctor Who fans as Madame Vastra, Scottish actress Neve McIntosh stars as head nurse Nicola Hicklin in Sky1’s Critical. An ultra-realistic real-time medical drama from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio, the 13-part series begins at 9pm on Tuesday 24 February on Sky1. Set in a state-of-the-art Major Trauma Centre, each episode scrubs … >

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‘Critical’ trailer: ‘Line of Duty’ writer’s new hospital drama series

Sky1 has released a trailer for Critical, the new real-time medical drama from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. Starring Lennie James (Line of Duty), Catherine Walker (Strike Back), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) and Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat), the 13-part series begins at 9pm on Tuesday 24 February on Sky1. > Like Critical on Facebook. Set … >

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Sky1 reveals start date for new medical drama ‘Critical’

Critical, Sky1’s new real-time medical drama from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio, will begin later this month. With each episode telling “one story, in one place, in one hour”, the 13-part series stars Lennie James (Line of Duty), Catherine Walker (Strike Back), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) and Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat). The first episode airs … >

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