Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision

Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision from ITV1 in 2009 is a riveting drama series that delves into the chaotic aftermath of a major road accident on a busy stretch of highway. As the title implies, the 'collision' is not just a catastrophic accident; it is the catastrophic confluence of events, secrets, and lies that the characters carry with them. The series, which was originally released as a five-part miniseries, was later edited down into two parts for the Masterpiece Contemporary audience.

The premise of the story is relatively straightforward: A major road accident brings traffic to a standstill. Welcome to Collision, a magnetic drama where the lives of ten people plummet into chaos due to a disastrous traffic collision on a major highway. Narratively, the series delves into the past of each victim, revealing secrets and surprises along the way, as we slowly discover more about each character's life before the crash.

These characters are diverse. From a charismatic yet troubled salesman to a quiet, introspective teacher, a struggling mother, an ambitious detective, and a grieving father, the show does not shy away from representing people from all walks of life. Each character's backstory merges masterfully with their present predicament, and as the story unfolds, alliances are made, secrets are disclosed, and lives are transformed forever.

The training and subsequent actions of the collision investigators are portrayed in meticulous and accurate detail. The crash scene becomes a bustling hive of activity, with clues slowly unveiled that deepen the mystery despite providing solutions to some peripheral questions.

What makes Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision compelling viewing is the strength of the writing and the rich performances from the cast. The series is written by acclaimed British screenwriter Anthony Horowitz, who is well known for creating the detective series 'Foyle's War' and authoring the successful Alex Rider spy novels. His understanding of tension, character development, and plot twists is clearly displayed in this series - each episode unravels just enough to keep you hooked till the end.

The series boasts a distinguished cast that includes Douglas Henshall, exuding integrity and determination as Detective Inspector John Tolin, who is entrusted the collision investigation. Kate Ashfield brings a plucky, understated strength to her role as Ann Stallwood, the junior officer on Tolin's team. Along with engaging performances by Dean Lennox Kelly and Lucy Griffiths, the ensemble cast manages to bring to life the brilliantly written characters with depth, conviction, and subtlety.

From an overall production perspective, Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision is a triumph. While it fundamentally relies on strong writing, the directing and editing expertise of Marc Evans, coupled with the haunting music score by Adrian Johnston, bring a cinematic quality to the series, creating an atmospheric tension that permeates each scene.

This captivating series is not just about a traffic accident but reveals an intricate narrative depicting the fragility of life, the effects of trauma, the whisperings of corruption, and ultimately, the resilience of the human spirit. It pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a crime or thriller series, demanding the viewer's attention to follow multiple storylines that eventually merge into a climax that is certain to leave a lasting impression.

Although the series is marketed as a mystery-crime thriller, it would be more apt to describe Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision as a study of humanity under extreme circumstances. Its considered exploration of guilt, grief, remorse, redemption, love, and courage, and how these intertwine with the accident, make it a standout in the pantheon of British drama. It is a clear demonstration of how sudden tragedy can peel back the layers of a person's life, revealing things that lie beneath the surface, hidden from the world - a mini-masterpiece from Masterpiece Contemporary.

In summary, Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision is a series that invites your attention and keeps it till the very end. It's meticulously constructed, brilliantly performed, and expertly produced. This is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates high-quality drama laced with real-world implications and recognisable human experience. Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision came into the television landscape in 2009 and, through its combination of mystery, drama, suspense, and character study, certainly made an impact that continues to resonate with audiences even today.