Crime dramas have been a staple of television programming for decades, but some shows have pushed boundaries and sparked controversy with their depictions of violence, criminal behaviour, and societal issues. In this blog I thought I’d take a look at some of the most controversial crime series to come out of the UK and USA.
Controversial UK Crime Dramas
I’m starting with one of my all time favourites: Cracker.
Cracker was a crime drama series that aired in the 1990s and followed the investigations of a mostly obnoxious, anti-social criminal psychologist named Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, brilliantly played by Robbie Coltrane. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of criminal psychology and Fitz’s complex character, but it also drew criticism for its graphic depictions of violence and negative portrayals of minority groups.
One of the most controversial aspects of Cracker was its portrayal of violence. The show didn’t shy away from graphic and realistic depictions of violence, including sexual violence and murder, which some viewers found disturbing and gratuitous. The show’s creators defended these depictions as necessary to accurately depict the crimes being investigated and to highlight the consequences of violent behaviour.
The show also explored storylines where the police themselves were either the perpetrators or victims of crime. The visceral death of DCI Billborough at the hands of Albie Kinsella (masterfully played by Robert Carlyle) was shocking and stark, a grim reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement.
Despite the criticisms, Cracker remains a landmark series in the history of crime drama, and its realistic portrayal of criminal psychology has inspired numerous shows and films in the genre. The show’s exploration of Fitz’s character, and his struggles with alcoholism and personal demons, also helped to humanise the typically cold and detached figure of the criminal profiler.
Line of Duty
If you haven’t seen Line of Duty – Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey, where have you been?
LOD, written by Jed Mercurio (who also wrote Bodyguard) follows AC12, an anti-corruption unit investigating corrupt police officers. The show’s received critical acclaim (and became the UK’s highest rating TV show in 13 years at the end of season 6) and a large following for its intricate plot, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of police work. However, it has also been the subject of controversy due to its graphic depictions of violence and its portrayal of corrupt police officers.
Interesting how the central concept of police corruption has been both widely criticised and endlessly praised. True the violence is graphic, but the show’s creators have stated that they are trying to highlight the issue of police corruption and hold those responsible accountable. Some have argued that the show’s portrayal of corrupt police officers reinforces negative stereotypes.
The critics appear to be in the minority. Line of Duty remains was hugely popular and inspired countless memes, social media pages and debates. The show’s complex characters, intricate plotlines, and nuanced exploration of issues related to police corruption and ethics have made it a standout in the crowded field of crime dramas.
Luthor
Luther is another British crime drama both praised and criticised for its dark themes and portrayal of violence.
The show stars Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a brilliant detective who struggles with his own demons and personal relationships while solving some of the most gruesome and twisted crimes in London.
The show doesn’t shy away from graphic and violent scenes, which some viewers have found disturbing and gratuitous. Critics have argued that the show glamorises violence, making it seem almost heroic at times. Others argue that the violence is necessary to accurately portray the gritty reality of police work.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of “Luther” is its representation of mental health. DCI Luther suffers from various mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, themes explored in the show. Opinions on the representation of these issues are divided. Some argue that the show presents a negative view of mental health, portraying those who suffer from mental illnesses as dangerous and unstable. Others argue that the show is realistic in its depiction of the toll that police work can take on mental health.
However, “Luther” is popular and successful, with a dedicated fanbase, keeping viewers engaged with its complex characters, intense storylines and unpredictable twists.
USA Crime Series
I’m starting with another favourite: True Detective.
True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series that premiered on HBO in 2014. The series received critical acclaim for its complex storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and the performances of its cast. Matthew McConaughey in particular is exceptional in season one.
One of the defining features of the show is its non-linear storytelling, with each season featuring multiple timelines woven together. The first season, in particular, received critical acclaim for its exploration of existential dread and the psychology of its characters.
The show’s beautiful cinematography captures the mood and atmosphere of each season. The first season, in particular, features stunning visuals that create a sense of foreboding and unease, and the use of long, uninterrupted takes and tracking shots also adds to the show’s immersive quality.
However, the show also drew criticism for its portrayal of women and its use of disturbing imagery. Some argued that the show’s female characters were underdeveloped and were either convenient plot devices or objects of male desire. In particular, the show’s treatment of the character of Maggie, played by Michelle Monaghan, drew criticism for reducing her to a stereotypical role as the long-suffering wife of a troubled detective.
Yet again, the show’s use of disturbing imagery, including scenes of graphic violence and sexual violence led to criticism. While some viewers found these scenes to be necessary to depict the show’s dark subject matter, others saw them as gratuitous and exploitative.
Maybe True Detective wasn’t perfect in its portrayal of women, but it remains a powerful and memorable exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Dexter
Dexter has been both praised and criticised for its unique approach to crime television. The show’s protagonist, Dexter Morgan, is a complex and multi-faceted character who often struggles with his own morality and code of ethics. The show’s exploration of the psychology of a serial killer has been praised for its realism and its nuanced portrayal of mental illness.
The show’s been criticised for its glorification of violence (are you sensing a common thread here?) and its portrayal of serial killing as a kind of vigilante justice. Some have argued that the show romanticises and justifies Dexter’s actions, which include gruesome murders of other criminals.
Despite the controversy, Dexter hasn’t suffered, and remains a beloved and influential show within the crime genre. A spin-off mini-series aired in 2021-22, which sparked renewed interest in the show and its legacy.
Mindhunter
This Netflix series follows two FBI agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand their psychology and solve ongoing cases. But does it glorify serial killers with its explicit depictions of murder and mayhem?
It’s not the first series to be criticised for presenting a distorted or unrealistic portrayal of serial killers, potentially glamorising or romanticising their actions.
But for others the show for is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of criminal psychology which explores the complex relationships between law enforcement and the criminal underworld.
Mindhunter joins the ongoing debate about how crime and violence should be portrayed in popular media, along with the complex and often uncomfortable realities of investigating and confronting the darkest aspects of human behaviour.
Conclusion
Controversial crime shows have the power to push boundaries, start conversations, and challenge societal norms. However, they can also be divisive and raise ethical questions about the portrayal of real-life tragedies and marginalised groups.
Regardless of the controversy, crime dramas, along with true crime shows and crime novels, are still hugely popular with audiences.
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Wendy
Wendy Turner-Hargreaves 