The whole macho thing is at work here. These guys can't let go of their posturing, even when their own are dropping. The drug culture is portrayed here in a cold, heartless way (the way it is). The sad thing is that once in the trap, there is no easy way out. Wayne, the little boy, has an opportunity to escape, but he is still a little boy and subject to the rules of the culture. Good episode, but not very uplifting.
4 Reviews
So depressing..
Sleepin_Dragon19 July 2018
Choices concludes in the same depressing manner as it began. Series Nine was definitely off form, it still feels as if the show's still trying to come to terms with losing Amanda Burton's commanding central character. The story isn't bad, but the execution seems a little below par, the show is great when specks of humour are added in to break up the gore and misery, this episode is once again devoid of any lighter side, it's just so depressing to watch. As with the first part I found several of the performances a little underwhelming, Craig Kelly, who's normally so good is just so cold here, he's almost irritating, as are some of the gang members. Huge credit though to young Perry Allen, fantastic as Wayne, showed several experienced people how to act.
A bit disappointing. 6/10
A bit disappointing. 6/10
7 for the main plots/10 for Leo's grief
trixie301 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I am only going to comment on Leo's subplot. His behavior is the most honest portrayal of grieving the loss of a spouse or child that I've seen. Other BBC/British shows tend to get that kind of grief more spot on than most US shows by far. In the US, it seems to be: Week 1: Death, week 2: grieving, and week 3: Back to "normal." That is a big, fat lie and does a disservice to everyone.
Leo's second talk with Harry is what every one of us wants or needs to say to the people we know. Just as we understand the way Leo breaks down at the end of Ghosts, Part 2, so we know what drives Leo to finally say what needs to be said. The truest is when Harry says they "know" what Leo has been going through and Leo replies, "Well, you don't actually." Of course this is fictional drama, so Leo's grief is also woven into the whole, but it's a pretty fair picture of the fact that we do not "get over" it and grieve in our time and own way.
Leo's second talk with Harry is what every one of us wants or needs to say to the people we know. Just as we understand the way Leo breaks down at the end of Ghosts, Part 2, so we know what drives Leo to finally say what needs to be said. The truest is when Harry says they "know" what Leo has been going through and Leo replies, "Well, you don't actually." Of course this is fictional drama, so Leo's grief is also woven into the whole, but it's a pretty fair picture of the fact that we do not "get over" it and grieve in our time and own way.
Excellent
smuffin4 February 2024
I have to start this with a rebuttal to a previous reviewer who basically said the series had dropped off following the departure of Amanda Burton when for me at any rate it has largely improved. Making Leo the pseudo lead character and having the excellent Harry and Nikki as co-leads has turned what I thought to be a poor show excellent.
Moving on to this story arc and it has been well written in showing the pure grief of Dalton so many months on when most series would have had him back to normal and ignoring the pain. The story itself was well played out although the 'big reveal' was obvious from the get go. The young actor playing Wayne did an incredible job and I'd say was an obvious inspiration for the character of Ryan in Line of Duty.
Overall a well though out and well acted couple of episodes.
Moving on to this story arc and it has been well written in showing the pure grief of Dalton so many months on when most series would have had him back to normal and ignoring the pain. The story itself was well played out although the 'big reveal' was obvious from the get go. The young actor playing Wayne did an incredible job and I'd say was an obvious inspiration for the character of Ryan in Line of Duty.
Overall a well though out and well acted couple of episodes.
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