When it comes to gripping police dramas, ITV’s The Tower series continues to stand out as one of the most realistic portrayals of modern-day policing.
Now in its third season, The Tower has evolved into a tightly-knit narrative that doesn’t just focus on crime-solving but also delves deep into the complex lives of its characters.
With a strong return in season three, the show continues to build on its reputation as a compelling, gritty crime drama that resonates with viewers who appreciate authenticity.
Whether it’s the sharp writing or the top-notch performances, The Tower series 3 has raised the bar for police dramas, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
This article reviews season three of The Tower, exploring why it’s regarded as the most realistic police drama on TV.
We’ll break down what makes the show so compelling, discuss the intricate plotlines, and analyze the key characters that have captured the audience’s attention.
The Tower Series 3 Review: The Most Realistic Police Drama on TV
From the first episode of The Tower series 3, it’s clear that this show is not your typical police drama. The realism it brings to the screen sets it apart from other shows in the genre.
The Tower portrays policing with an authenticity that comes from Kate London’s personal experience as a former detective with the Metropolitan Police.
The third season dives right into the action with a storyline focused on a fatal stabbing that mirrors London’s real-life crime epidemic.
What makes this show the most realistic police drama on TV is its unflinching portrayal of the challenges law enforcement faces today.
From the way investigations unfold to the political pressures within the force, every detail feels grounded in reality.
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The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the difficult moral choices that police officers must make, and this raw depiction of the complexities of modern policing is what keeps viewers hooked.
Gemma Whelan returns as DS Sarah Collins, who once again demonstrates her sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude.
The character of Sarah embodies the show’s dedication to realism—she’s not portrayed as a flawless hero but as a hard-working detective trying to navigate the bureaucratic and social hurdles of the job.
This humanizing element is part of what makes The Tower so compelling to watch.
Intricate Plotlines That Mirror Real-Life Crime
Season three of The Tower tackles some of the most pressing issues in contemporary crime, notably knife crime and gang violence.
The show doesn’t just throw these issues into the mix for drama; instead, it handles them with care, reflecting the very real impact they have on communities.
The opening episode centers around the stabbing of a teenager, which sets the tone for a season that’s steeped in tension and urgency.
The plot intertwines the investigation led by Sarah Collins with a covert operation spearheaded by DI Kieran Shaw (played by Emmett J Scanlan).
This dual narrative adds depth to the show, as it explores both the overt and covert aspects of policing.
The tension between these two parallel investigations creates a compelling dynamic, as each character’s actions have consequences that ripple through the story.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Tower is its ability to balance the personal lives of its characters with the broader crime narrative.
As much as the show is about solving crimes, it’s equally about the impact these events have on the officers involved.
The personal stakes for characters like DC Lizzie Adama, who is juggling single motherhood with her detective duties, add an emotional layer that resonates with viewers.
Compelling Characters and Performances
The strength of The Tower lies in its well-developed characters and the performances that bring them to life.
Gemma Whelan as DS Sarah Collins continues to be a standout, offering a nuanced portrayal of a dedicated detective who is not without her flaws.
Whelan’s ability to shift between vulnerability and toughness makes Sarah one of the most relatable and compelling characters on TV.
Tahirah Sharif as DC Lizzie Adama also shines in this season. Lizzie’s journey from a junior officer to a fully-fledged detective adds an interesting dynamic to the show.
She’s not just dealing with the pressures of her job but also trying to balance her responsibilities as a single mother.
This struggle is portrayed in a way that feels real and relatable, making Lizzie’s story one of the most engaging aspects of the series.
DI Kieran Shaw’s character, played by Emmett J Scanlan, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. His covert operations and personal conflicts, especially his strained relationship with Lizzie, keep viewers on edge.
The show doesn’t present him as a straightforward character but rather as someone who is morally grey, which adds to the show’s overall realism.
Realism Rooted in Authentic Experiences
What sets The Tower apart from other police dramas is its foundation in real-life experiences. Kate London, the author of the books on which the series is based, brings her firsthand knowledge of the Metropolitan Police to the screen.
This insider perspective is evident in the show’s attention to detail, from the procedures the officers follow to the internal politics within the force.
The show doesn’t glamorize police work; instead, it presents it as a tough, often thankless job where success is not guaranteed.
The characters are flawed, and their decisions are not always clear-cut. This commitment to showing the reality of policing makes The Tower a standout in a crowded field of crime dramas.
It’s not just about catching the bad guys; it’s about the messy, complicated process that leads there.
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Conclusion
The Tower series 3 stands as a testament to what a realistic police drama can be. With its strong writing, complex characters, and a storyline rooted in real-life experiences, it offers viewers a gripping, authentic look at the challenges faced by modern law enforcement.
If you’re a fan of crime dramas that don’t shy away from the truth, The Tower is undoubtedly worth watching.