Watch The Commander

The Commander is a crime drama series produced by ITV1 that premiered in 2003, led by Amanda Burton as the main character. The show revolves around Commander Clare Blake, a determined and strong-willed detective who serves as both a mentor and a role model to her team. She is tough, quick-witted and is truly passionate about her job, which is why her subordinates hold her in high esteem.

Throughout the series, Blake is tasked with handling some of the most intricate crimes in London, involving prominent figures and high-profile cases. The show highlights her career and personal life struggles, as she has to balance her professional life with her relationship with her partner, DCI Mike Hedges (played by Matthew Marsh), and her teenage daughter, Lucy (played by Poppy Miller).

Adding to the complexity of her job is the fact that Blake often finds herself at odds with her superiors and other law enforcement agencies, including MI5. This representation of internal conflicts reflects the inner workings of a police organization realistically, where chain of command is important, and disagreements can lead to negative consequences.

One of the main themes that the show seems to portray is the cost of ambition. Blake is ambitious and aims high, but her ambitious tendencies frequently create conflict, personally and professionally. Despite this, she does not compromise her integrity for the sake of her career, which further emphasizes her strength and determination to uphold justice, no matter what the cost.

The edgy and intense plotlines are a highlight of the show, which is full of twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The unique aspect of The Commander is how the series emphasizes the mental and emotional toll that crime fighting and detective work can have on individuals. It portrays the daily struggles that detectives, particularly women, face while working in a predominantly male industry.

The Commander also brings up social issues, notably gender disparity in law enforcement, especially in positions of power. Reflecting the obstacles and barriers that women encounter in their workplaces, Blake undergoes numerous challenges in the series. Misogyny, harassment, and sexism are present throughout the storylines, but she perseveres despite facing adversity.

In addition, the show also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the significance of the relationships that detectives build with their fellow officers. The camaraderie between Blake and her subordinates adds a human and personable touch to the series. The characters are all relatable, providing glimpses of their personal lives outside the precinct through their interactions, which allow the audience to connect with them as people.

Overall, The Commander is a captivating crime drama with brilliant performances from the cast, especially Burton, who plays her character with the command, strength, and intelligence that fits her Commander status. The show's blending of intricate investigatory methods, criminal experimentation, and character-driven storytelling made it one of the best British crime dramas of the early 2000s. Fans of intricate and intense crime dramas are guaranteed to appreciate the complex and unpredictable plots, which are grounded in a realistic, compelling world.

The Commander is a series that ran for 5 seasons (18 episodes) between February 16, 2003 and on ITV1