If there’s one show on TV that is so undeniably sure of what it is, it’s Hope Street.
The BBC NI police drama, which returns to screens this week, has been serving up light-hearted crime stories with an extra helping of community spirit for four years now, making it something of a rare veteran in this fickle world of TV.
It’s compelling without being complicated, warm without being sickly sweet and pure escapist fun without being silly. Factor in a strong cast, relatable stories and a gorgeously picturesque setting, it ticks all the boxes.
The third and fourth series raised the stakes a little, focusing more on character-driven stories and, despite significant cast changes throughout, it never dipped in quality. If anything, it improved.
But four years, five series’ and almost 50 episodes in, you might think that the charm and sparkle we’ve come to expect from the daytime drama would be wearing a bit thin by now.
I’m pleased to report that this isn’t the case.
With a bunch of newbies and intriguing mysteries that keep things fresh – albeit without losing the qualities that makes the show so likeable – the fifth series, of which the first four episodes can now be streamed, is exactly what you’d want it to be.
The absence of Callum McCarthy, who was in many ways the heart of the police station, is a bit jarring and certainly takes a little bit of time to get used to, but the writers did what they could to soften the blow with the introduction of Police Constable Donal Gallagher.
Unsuspecting and gentle Donal certainly refreshes the dynamic a bit, providing a very different kind of energy to station than anything we’ve seen thus far.
I like how Hope Street avoids falling into the trap of ‘replacing’ characters with copies of their predecessors. The archetype might be similar in nature – Lois Dunlop, for example, fills the role left by Concepta O’Hare- but the two are ultimately very different in terms of characterisation.
The same applies to Donal and Callum.
Donal wastes little time in forming bonds with various characters both in the station and otherwise, livening up existing dynamics and creating new ones along the way and Cameron Cuffe absolutely excels in the role, making a memorable impression from his first scenes.
New GP Sasha Cookson is similarly quite the character. You’re never quite sure what to make of her, largely in part due to star Jenn Murray’s exquisite portrayal, and the newcomer’s burgeoning romance with Donal provides a predictably charming tale of ‘will-they-won’t-they?’, which is something that feels so at home in this show.
Sasha and Donal aren’t the only star-crossed lovers in Port Devine this year, with Lois Dunlop and Seamie McCarthy still fighting their feelings for one another.
Both proved great additions to the show last season with Eleanor Methven in particular shining as the busybody with a heart of gold, and the two are at the centre of some of this year’s best material, providing for some unexpectedly poignant moments along the way.
And speaking of shining, Katie Shortt delivers some of her best work as Brandi McClure, who we see a very different side to at the beginning of series five. I was glad to see Brandi back – there was a star quality about the character last year and she remains one of Hope Street’s best.
It’s nice to see how Ryan is more confident this year too, both in his role at the station and in his relationship, standing up for Brandi where necessary, and star Finnian Garbutt is so at home in his role it’s hard to imagine a time when he wasn’t in the show.
Nicole is on top form this series yet again, with star Niamh McGrady so on the money in her portrayal of the landlady, who is caught between her desire to do the right thing and to not offend husband Clint while doing so.
Aaron McCusker has some great moments with co-stars Katie and Niamh too as The Commodore once again provides for much of the comic relief amid the regular crime stories, and Clint’s little rivalry with Brandi makes for some delicious scenes.
Marlene and Eve’s relationship is tested once again, allowing stars Kerri Quinn and Tara Lynne O’Neill the opportunity to really thrive amid some interesting developments where Luke is concerned, while Ross and Chloe’s sibling relationship remains incredibly endearing.
And while there doesn’t appear to be a long-running narrative akin to that of the Shelley mystery last year, the stakes remain high enough in the episodic crime stories, with personal connections to the officers in some of the weekly plots helping to ensure the audiences’ interest never wanes.
It shouldn’t be taken for granted just how big an achievement it is for a show to reach five series in an era where many struggle to either get greenlit or make it past their first season.
With blockbuster streaming hits with reduced episode counts considered the way of the future, continuing dramas and even soaps are often regarded as a thing of the past.
If that’s the case then Hope Street has quite simply tore up the rule book.
I mentioned in my review of series one that there is still very much an appetite for programmes such as this. With 50 episodes now under its belt, it’s proven that theory tenfold. And if the strength of series five is anything to go by, it’s just getting started.
Hope Street airs Fridays at 2pm on BBC One or stream the first four episodes of Series 5 on BBC iPlayer now.
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