Safe House

Safe House is a riveting British crime-drama television series originally from ITV, made available through the Amazon Add-on package spanning from 2015 to 2017. It explores the concept of witness protection in rural Britain, focusing on the life of a former detective protecting those whose lives are at risk.

The show centres around Robert (Christopher Eccleston), a retired police officer who operates a 'Safe House', providing asylum for individuals in danger. Robert and his wife Katy relocated to a remote location in the Lake District, transforming their secluded guesthouse into a sanctuary for people whose life is threatened by grave circumstances, and who hence, require a secure location for concealment. This Safe House adds an undercurrent of anxiety and tension, knowing that any moment tranquil landscapes could be disrupted by imminent danger.

This gripping and intense series infuses an atmospheric sense of dread throughout its high-stakes narrative, as the brooding rural Cumbria landscapes provide a stunning, albeit eerie backdrop, contributing to the overall sense of isolation and suspense the show thrives upon. The relative calm of the English countryside serves as the unfortunate backdrop for criminal activity, bringing a fresh and interesting perspective to the concept of crime and prevention.

The narrative unfolds with Robert being persuaded out of retirement by his former colleague, Mark. When a family on witness protection programme faces a grave threat, Robert and Katy are plunged into a world full of unsettling suspense and nerve-wracking danger, giving the audience a highly intense viewing experience. The narrative pacing, coupled with excellent performances, makes Safe House a must-see for any fans of tension-fueled crime dramas.

Safe House boasts of a fantastic ensemble cast, with Christopher Eccleston at its forefront, stepping into the role of Robert with conviction and gusto. The dance between his past demons and his present realities is beautifully showcased through Eccleston's faceted performance. Marsha Thomason equally shines as Katy, portraying an underlying vulnerability combined with strength and determination that bounces well from Eccleston's brooding performance.

The second season, or “Safe House: The Crow”, retains the same premise but introduces a new set of characters and a new safe house. Starring Stephen Moyer as Tom Brook, a former police officer who now runs a safe house, the series takes a turn towards a new storyline. This new perspective retains the series' atmosphere of saturated suspense despite the change of characters and location, providing the viewers with unfamiliar terrain to explore while keeping them on the edge of their seat.

One striking aspect of Safe House is its ability to sway between the calm and chaos intermittently. There are lulling moments of serene domesticity, swiftly transitioning into scenes brimming with suspense, a testament to the show's brilliant storytelling. The narratives are weaved together in a way that the suspense is not continuous but rather comes in waves, making every tense moment more potent for the viewer.

The series' subplots and minor characters help shape a holistic and complex narrative. Every character is nuanced and moulded with great detail, contributing to the larger storyline in substantial ways. The series manages to maintain its sense of mystery and suspense throughout its two seasons, constantly keeping viewers guessing and intrigued.

Safe House beautifully intertwines its atmospheric builds with carefully crafted characters and masterful storytelling, distinguishing it from the typical, run-of-the-mill crime dramas. The natural landscape is used as more than just a panoramic backdrop; it becomes almost an active character in building the tension, infusing an ominous aspect within the picturesque tranquillity.

Visually stunning, tantalisingly suspenseful, and intricately multi-layered, Safe House is undoubtedly a compelling crime drama that stands above many others in its genre, also confirmed by its high-impact performances and exquisite narrative style. With a sense of vulnerability and mortal danger lurking beneath the serene surface, this series truly encapsulates the essence of crime thriller dramas. Whether you're a lover of character rich stories, picturesque landscapes, or tension-ridden narratives, Safe House is a thrilling and enticing offering from the British drama television scene via the Amazon Add-on package.