Watch Little Boy Blue

In 2017, the UK's ITV network released a crime drama series called "Little Boy Blue," which is available to stream on BritBox. The four-episode series, based on true events, follows the aftermath of the tragic murder of an 11-year-old boy named Rhys Jones. Set in Liverpool in 2007, "Little Boy Blue" begins with Rhys (played by Sonny Beyga) playing football with friends when he is caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting. The bullet was intended for a rival gang member, but it hit Rhys instead. The rest of the series focuses on the investigation into Rhys's murder and the impact it has on his family, the police officers involved, and the community at large.

The series is anchored by Sinead Keenan's performance as Melanie Jones, Rhys's mother. Keenan manages to imbue every scene with a raw and palpable grief, while also conveying Melanie's strength as she fights to get justice for her son. The series also features standout performances from Stephen Graham as lead investigator SIO Dave Kelly and Brian F. O'Byrne as the gang leader responsible for Rhys's death.

One of the show's strengths is its examination of the ripple effects of Rhys's death beyond his immediate family. We see how it impacts his friends, who are traumatized by witnessing the shooting and grapple with survivor's guilt. We see how it affects the police officers working the case, who are determined to bring Rhys's killer to justice but are constantly hindered by a "wall of silence" from the community. And we see how it affects the community as a whole, as tensions rise between rival gangs and residents become afraid to speak out against them.

"Little Boy Blue" also doesn't shy away from examining the systemic issues that allow gangs to thrive in certain neighborhoods. We see how drug addiction and poverty drive young people into gang life, and how a lack of police resources can make it difficult for officers to effectively combat gang activity. The show humanizes both the victims and perpetrators of gang violence, showing how both are often trapped in cycles of poverty and violence that are difficult to break.

Overall, "Little Boy Blue" is a gripping and heartbreaking examination of a community in crisis. The show's commitment to exploring the complexities of gang violence sets it apart from other crime dramas, as does the uniformly excellent performances from its cast. While the subject matter can be difficult to watch, the show ultimately offers a message of hope in the face of tragedy. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone interested in the social issues surrounding gang violence.

Little Boy Blue is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 24, 2017 and on BritBox