The Driver

The Driver is a compelling three-part British drama series that first aired on BBC One in 2014. This gripping crime thriller was penned by Danny Brocklehurst, an acclaimed writer known for his adept storytelling in the realm of crime dramas.

At the heart of the series is Vince McKee, brilliantly portrayed by David Morrissey, who is universally acclaimed for the depth and authenticity he brings to his roles. McKee is an unassuming family man wrestling with the monotonous routine of his life. As a taxi driver for over 20 years, his life is far from exciting or fulfilling. His relationships with his family, especially with his wife Ros, played by Claudie Blakley, and their rebellious teenage daughter, are deteriorating. Vince's frustrations extend out of his home into his work where he grapples with unruly customers and gets no satisfaction or joy from his job.

Every character is painstakingly moulded and carries a distinct personality. Morrissey's character is relatable: a middle-aged man disillusioned with his life and yearning for excitement and purpose. Blakley effectively brings the frustration of a wife struggling to hold her family together to life, whilst the daughter, beautifully played by Sacha Parkinson, epitomizes teenage rebellion and angst. These layers of banality and dissatisfaction set the stage for the thrilling events to follow.

Acting as a catalyst to Vince's desperate longing for change is his encounter with an old friend, Colin Vine, played by Ian Hart. Vine offers Vince an opportunity to break away from his routine by driving for a 'businessman' he works with. Although instinctively aware that this proposition might not be entirely within legal confines, Vince is persuaded. The temptation of easy money, the thrill of danger and the chance to escape from his mundane life prove to be too much for Vince to resist. And thus, he finds himself descending into an underworld unseen to the common man.

The series delves into Vince's transformation as he navigates his double life, maintaining his role as a family man while also becoming embroiled in this ominous world. Tension mounts as Vince struggles to keep his two worlds apart, silently dealing with the guilt and stress his secret activities place on him.

“As The Driver,” the show intricately portrays Vince's spiralling journey into a life of crime. However, it also depicts his relationships, his motivations and his emotional turmoil. The layers of this character-driven story are unravelled at a perfect pace, maintaining suspense and interest.

The series showcases its dark, gritty tone with its moody cinematography and appropriately tense background score. Its director, Jamie Payne, expertly captures the grimy landscape of urban Britain while beautifully juxtaposing it with the heart-pounding action sequences. The show does not shy away from displaying the harsh realities of living on the edge of the law.

Furthermore, the series offers a unique spin on its narrative by focusing mainly on Vince’s perspective. It uses this narrow lens to take a deep dive into the psychological impact of his actions while also portraying the inevitable consequences they have on his relationships and overall life.

The supporting cast enhances the central narrative and intensifies the drama. Unpredictable, complex, and dynamic, each character adds depth to the story, creating a fully immersive world that captivates the viewer.

“The Driver” is more than a tale about a taxi driver who decides to become a criminal getaway driver; it is a profound exploration of a man's struggles against the humdrum of his life, a desperate search for meaning and excitement, and the spiralling consequences of bad choices. With gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and genuine human drama, this BBC One series is certainly worth a watch for any fan of character-driven crime dramas.