Critic Reviews

Creator/writer Catherine Moulton takes her time in unfurling the action, which opens the door for Ayling-Ellis and Moore to add depth and dimension to their beautifully written parts. It’s their electric performances that elevate this from being your average crime thriller. And the last two episodes are outright nail-biters.

The strength of the cast, and Ayling-Ellis in particular, carries things convincingly.

Ayling-Ellis is a revelation as a confused young woman who has reached a cross-roads in life, having split from he boyfriend with her 30th birthday looming. But while she puts flesh and blood on the character, where Code of Silence works best is as an old-school heist.

Is every second of this series satisfying? Nope. Ritchie – who, in my opinion, is a total superstar – isn’t given enough to do. .... Still, overall, Code of Silence is truly groundbreaking, and the first three instalments are sublime.

There is solid support from Charlotte Ritchie and Andrew Buchan as the detectives who employ her services and underestimate her bravery. A taut plot sees Alison drawn further into danger, and the direction builds a real air of menace. The episodes don’t drag. .... Ayling-Ellis establishes she’s easily capable of leading a strong thriller.

The result is a fresh, original drama that has done the near impossible and given us a cop drama with something new to say.

Besides a handful of easily fixable stumbles, Code of Silence's debut season cements itself as an instant classic: compelling, entertaining, and trailblazing, with Ayling-Ellis' unmissable star turn as the best boon of all.

My only regret is that the absorbing Code of Silence ends after just six episodes. Thankfully, there will be more.

As played by Rose Ayling-Ellis, Alison is an intriguing mix of naivete and risk-taking, with a side order of sex appeal. .... A British cop show that features a disabled person whose skills become an unexpected asset to police work. And to “Code of Silence’s” credit, it’s told from the point of view of Alison, rather than the police.