A new series of police drama Blue Lights debuted on BBC One on Monday night (April 15) and viewers were quick to praise the show. The Northern Irish police drama follows three new recruits, and the experienced officers they work with, manage the trauma and violence of city streets - and stars Welsh actress Sian Brooke as Constable Grace Ellis, a 40-something mother who left her previous career as a social worker to retrain as a police officer.
In the first episode of series two, we saw Grace and the other rookies deal with a training exercise masked as a revolt, an overdose, and an attempted theft-come-violent incident. Viewers were impressed with the "authentic" portrayal of crime in Belfast and some fans praised the programme as similar to smash-hit crime drama series Line of Duty.
"I love Blue Lights. One of the only Belfast TV things that feels truly authentic in the writing and performances," said one viewer. "So excited for Blue Light's return tonight," said another.
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"Brilliant actors, wonderful setting, super script and storylines. Recently watched the first series which confirmed my view that it's the best drama for years. Reminds me of how I felt watching the initial outing of Line of Duty."
"As Grace Ellis, Sian Brooke heads the gripping Blue Lights, with Katherine Devlin and Nathan Braniff among support. New recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland are out to prove themselves. Rookie Blue...meets Line of Duty. Can't wait for more Blue Lights," agreed another, whilst another fan said: "Line of Duty has a natural successor in Blue Lights. Marvellous."
Praising the portrayal of the issues facing the police force in the UK and Northern Ireland, another viewer said: "Lovely to have Blue Lights back. Gives a sense of the real problems facing the police in modern UK society." "Blue Lights is back. Best crime drama on TV at the moment," said another fan. "Seriously. Blue Lights is EXCEPTIONAL television," said another.
Viewers also said they were pleased to see the return of the character PC Jen Robinson. "I wasn't sure how they would do it but delighted with how they've managed to keep Jen in Blue Lights," said one viewer. "Gorgeous scene between her and Happy in tonight's series opener." "Happy and Jen - least likely friendship ever. But so lovely," agreed another.
The synopsis for the new series of Blue Lights reads: "Belfast city centre is awash with drugs and beset by street crime. Our response officers Grace, Annie and Tommy are no longer wide-eyed rookies, and are beginning to feel the personal and psychological effects of relentless and punishing police work."
Discussing what audiences can expect from the series, actress Sian Brooke added: "The stakes are high. It will be quite explosive, moving and an authentic reflection of some parts of present-day Belfast, but audiences can still expect those comedy beats alongside the serious side of the story."
Blue Lights airs on BBC One on Mondays at 9pm. Alternatively, you can watch the series on BBC iPlayer.
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