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Special Features
- Six episodes on two discs
- Commentary by Paul Abbott and David Yates on episode 1
- Commentary by Hilary Bevan Jones, Mark Day (editor), and David Yates on episode 6
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One of the BBC's best, this six-part thriller wastes no time building intrigue. It begins like an entry in the fast-paced Bourne series with a foot chase through London, followed by two execution-style hits. Moments later, MP Stephen Collins (David Morrissey) finds out his research assistant, Sonia, was killed in an accident. Newspaper editor Cameron Foster (Bill Nighy) and reporters Della (Kelly Macdonald) and Cal (John Simm), Stephen's former campaign manager, intend to establish whether the events are related. When they realize he's following identical leads for a competing paper, Foster drafts his son, Dan (James McAvoy), to join their investigation. Before long, the team discovers Stephen was having an affair with Sonia. When the news becomes public, his wife, Ann (Polly Walker), leaves him. Then Della finds that the murder victim, a 15-year-old "bag snatcher" from the wrong side of the tracks, contacted Sonia the day she died. He swiped her briefcase, hoping for cash, but found incriminating photos instead--Sonia's death may not have been accidental. From that point forward, it's a free-for-all between the politicians, the press, the police, and big business. An ill-timed affair will complicate matters further.
State of Play embodies British television at its finest. It's also a particularly pulse-pounding portrayal of the journalistic life, a small-screen successor to fact-based films like All the Presidents Men and Zodiac--but with a lot more tea and biscuits. Writer Paul Abbott (Touching Evil) and director David Yates (The Girl in the Café) provide low-key commentary for the first episode, while Yates, producer Hilary Bevan Jones, and editor Mark Day contribute to the sixth. Like 1989 miniseries Traffik, the basis for Steven Soderbergh's award-winning movie, State of Play would later be adapted for the big screen by The Last King of Scotland's Kevin Macdonald. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
Stephen Collins is an ambitious politician. Cal McAffrey is a well-respected investigative journalist and Stephen's ex-campaign manager. En route to work one morning, Stephen's research assistant mysteriously falls to her death on the London Underground. It's not long before revelations of their affair hit the headlines. Meanwhile a suspected teenage drug dealer is found shot dead. These (apparently unconnected) events expose a dangerous habit within modern government of dancing too closely with the corporate devil. Friendships are tested and lives are put on the line as an intricate web of lies unfolds.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
125 of 126 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"The more compelling moments of the series come not in the various subplots surround the mystery in front of us--although it is a great mystery indeed--but in how indoctrinate and incestuous the interplay between politics, media, and industry are in the modern information age. All three stand at cross-purposes, yet secretly acknowledge that none can succeed without careful consideration of the other two. Vital communication often runs deep underneath the observed interactions between the groups, taking place in back-room meetings and clandestine e-mails, and through veiled threats." Judge Arsenault
Having just come off the viewing of 10 weeks of the critically acclaimed HBO's TV show 'The Wire', I needed a pick me up, and wowser did I find one. This BBC 6 show series that aired in 2004 has it all and it is an even toss up with me as to which show is best, 'The Wire' or 'State of Play'. In both series the acting is superb. Bill Nighy as the wry, buttoned down, full of himself editor of the Herald hits the mark every time and won the UK's Best Actor award. Polly Walker known to most of us from HBO's 'Rome' is the politician's wife and is flawless. David Morrissey, as the politician, John Simm and Kelly Macdonald as the intrepid reporters for the Herald mark this cast as fully realized.
The shotgun murder of a drug-related killing, and the apparent accidental death of Sonia Baker, a researcher for Member of Parliament Stephen Collins seems unrelated. The one difference is the makings of a scandal when the news of Sonia's death hits the streets. Stephen Collins the Parliament member who employed Sonia is visibly shocked and upset when her death is announced. The editor of the Herald suspects some hanky-panky and sends two of his best investigative reporters out to look the matter over. Cal McCaffrey and Della Smith find that these two deaths are not only related but were linked to the oil industry and the British government. One scandal after another is uncovered and this minor story soon leaps to the largest story of the year.
The story of corruption and mayhem and lies and deceit are all realistic. The fact that the media, government and industry could all be in collusion seems all too true to those of us in the US looking at the war in Iraq and what has been wrought. What we don't count on is that once we think we have everything figured out, a new twist occurs. Some of this is a little over the top, but the superb acting counters any fallacy.
'State Of Play' shines on the media, in this case, the newspaper, the Herald. Financial success is intertwined with the government, and it is not easy to convince the CEO and the board that publishing the story is the right thing to do. Everyone in this series is touched in some manner by the final decisions and actions that take place. The action, the suspense, the writing, the cinematography are all as one to produce one of the best BBC series I have viewed. Helen Mirren and Russell Crowe are at this moment filming a movie version of this series. We have the best here, how could they ever top this series?
Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 03-13-08
The Girl in the Cafe
8 1/2 Women
Having just come off the viewing of 10 weeks of the critically acclaimed HBO's TV show 'The Wire', I needed a pick me up, and wowser did I find one. This BBC 6 show series that aired in 2004 has it all and it is an even toss up with me as to which show is best, 'The Wire' or 'State of Play'. In both series the acting is superb. Bill Nighy as the wry, buttoned down, full of himself editor of the Herald hits the mark every time and won the UK's Best Actor award. Polly Walker known to most of us from HBO's 'Rome' is the politician's wife and is flawless. David Morrissey, as the politician, John Simm and Kelly Macdonald as the intrepid reporters for the Herald mark this cast as fully realized.
The shotgun murder of a drug-related killing, and the apparent accidental death of Sonia Baker, a researcher for Member of Parliament Stephen Collins seems unrelated. The one difference is the makings of a scandal when the news of Sonia's death hits the streets. Stephen Collins the Parliament member who employed Sonia is visibly shocked and upset when her death is announced. The editor of the Herald suspects some hanky-panky and sends two of his best investigative reporters out to look the matter over. Cal McCaffrey and Della Smith find that these two deaths are not only related but were linked to the oil industry and the British government. One scandal after another is uncovered and this minor story soon leaps to the largest story of the year.
The story of corruption and mayhem and lies and deceit are all realistic. The fact that the media, government and industry could all be in collusion seems all too true to those of us in the US looking at the war in Iraq and what has been wrought. What we don't count on is that once we think we have everything figured out, a new twist occurs. Some of this is a little over the top, but the superb acting counters any fallacy.
'State Of Play' shines on the media, in this case, the newspaper, the Herald. Financial success is intertwined with the government, and it is not easy to convince the CEO and the board that publishing the story is the right thing to do. Everyone in this series is touched in some manner by the final decisions and actions that take place. The action, the suspense, the writing, the cinematography are all as one to produce one of the best BBC series I have viewed. Helen Mirren and Russell Crowe are at this moment filming a movie version of this series. We have the best here, how could they ever top this series?
Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 03-13-08
The Girl in the Cafe
8 1/2 Women
66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
By Quietcat
Format:DVD
State of Play (Miniseries)
Outstanding story, great cast and superb direction! The cast includes some of the best British actors of current day. A great story that, for once, doesn't talk down to the audience. If you appreciate a good suspense film try this one. Everyone I have shown this to loves it. I can't imagine how this can be shortened into a feature length movie, at least the film is using the original writer. Here's to hoping that there will be a second season of this series.
Outstanding story, great cast and superb direction! The cast includes some of the best British actors of current day. A great story that, for once, doesn't talk down to the audience. If you appreciate a good suspense film try this one. Everyone I have shown this to loves it. I can't imagine how this can be shortened into a feature length movie, at least the film is using the original writer. Here's to hoping that there will be a second season of this series.
54 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I caught most of this series on BBC America, but the Tevo missed the last episode and I've been waiting with baited breath for the commercial release in the US. This is so well scripted and acted, it is as good at television gets these days (this and The Wire). I'd definitely suggest seeing the BBC original over what I imagine will be a mediocre Hollywood adaptation that should be out in late 2008.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Drown them in the Thames
All the characters are annoying, even our supposed hero, the reporter. I did not even watch the whole thing. I only lasted for two hours. The whole thing moves too slowly. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Elizabeth C Meuser
5.0 out of 5 stars
intrigue in Britain's political and news industries
First, do not compare this excellent TV show to the sub-standard State of Play with Russell Crowe. While the movie is "updated", and this BBC drama is arguably dated (just look at... Read more
Published 1 month ago by H. Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Compelling - Just Try Stopping After The First Episode!
This is a review of the mini-series and may contain SPOILERS!!
This thriller is well done in every aspect, great writing and acting, taut direction with a gritty feel... Read more
This thriller is well done in every aspect, great writing and acting, taut direction with a gritty feel... Read more
Published 1 month ago by E. J. Tully
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bill Nighy is amazing
The performances in this series, especially from Bill Nighy, are outstanding. The plot and the actors grab you and keep you keenly focused from start to finish. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Josephine Herron
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best British series ever, with stars like Bill Nighy...
Typically excellent British scripting and acting, with people who have become household names in the years following this production. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Edward Brennan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pile of Speggitti
Just wait for the "season" to end and the next Sunday watch this, eat in front of the TV, screen your calls. You will enjoy yourself.
Published 1 month ago by halh
3.0 out of 5 stars
Hoping for more
Directed by David Yates, I thought it would be better but I guess a director can only do so much w/the script. It was OK though
Published 2 months ago by Janet Koski
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good movie
Russell Crowe was excellent in this movie. He can look like any type of character with such ease. Russell is one of the finest actors living today. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Elizabeth C. Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent BBC Drama!
What's not to like with the excellent script and superb actors in yet another incredible BBC drama. We love this mini-series and continue to play it often.
Published 5 months ago by Nonie Rasmussen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nonstop Intrigue
Wow! I couldn't stop watching this well-written, well cast, fabulously performed movie. From the opening moments until the credits rolled, it blew my eyes out. Read more
Published 8 months ago by taaj
