The Capture (TV Series) What Happens in Helmand (2019) User Reviews

That's how to start a drama.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 10 November 2019]

Shaun Emery, a serving soldier, is on trial for murdering a Taliban fighter in cold blood, he has a clever legal team who get him off.

This first part was gripping, intense drama, sixty minutes of captivating drama. Thoroughly imaginative, relevant and thought provoking drama, which makes you question the British legal system, and wonder in awe at the intelligence of those individuals who work in it.

Terrific performances, Callum Turner and Laura Haddock were both terrific, and very sincere.

Strong production values, this was impeccably well made. I hope the rest of it continues in the same fashion.

Gripping

[rmoore-56895 · 9/10 · 5 September 2019]

One of the best episode's I've seen in a while, looking forward to see where it goes!

What Happens in Helmand

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 4 September 2019]

The Capture was sold as an international conspiracy thriller with a multinational cast that includes Famke Janssen and Ron Perlman.

So the first episode must be atypical or designed to wrongfoot the viewer.

Soldier Shaun Emery (Callum Turner) is released from prison when an video expert points out the flaws in the audio of his Head Cam footage from Afghanistan that seem to show Emery executing a Taliban prisoner.

While celebrating his freedom Emery goes to talk to his barrister Hannah Roberts (Laura Haddock) on the street, they kiss and then he chases after her after a bus has gone past. The events are captured by CCTV and viewed by someone in a surveillance centre. It causes concerns and Emery is arrested by DI Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) who now searches for the whereabouts of Hannah Roberts.

It might have started off slowly but by the end you are left wondering what you have seen is real or whether Emery has been traumatized by his time in Afghanistan. Another view is something else happened to Emery which could lead to an international cover up.

It is not really a fast paced hi tech thriller like 'Enemy of the State' but I would certainly continue watching this as I expect this to have twists and turns.

Highly Manipulated

[Warin_West-El · 5/10 · 18 June 2023]

This is a good opener, although it is HIGHLY manipulated.

Shaun Emery has been released from prison. Just a little while goes by and he is once again being accused of a crime. NOW HERE'S THE MANIPULATION: If you had just gotten out of prison, would you jump around violently and assault police officers? If you're accused of a crime you KNOW you didn't commit, is yelling and fighting the best way to convince others you're innocent? It strains credulity to think Shaun Emery could be so utterly stupid.

Also: the writers make a point of Shaun failing to pick up his daughter from school because he has been arrested. Which is convenient for the plot but statistically unlikely. He could have gotten arrested the day before or the day after. However, the screenwriters would have us believe it's completely natural for Shaun to be arrested on the very day of his appointment to reconnect with his daughter.

This opener relies too heavily upon the utter stupidity of the main character, who practically goes out of his way to make himself appear guilty.

I rate this episode 9 for a good opening premise but 1 for far-fetched manipulation.