In the first 5 minutes of Legends, it is clear creator Neil Forsyth has made something exceptional. Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, and an eclectic selection of solid ensemble players relive one of the most pivotal moments in Margaret Thatcher’s war on drugs circa 1990s. Legends is nothing short of a richly researched police procedural built around real-world events, that unpacks character and story with equal care. Giving Steve Coogan one of his best roles in recent years and reminding audiences what he can do with great material.
Neil Forsyth paints a less than perfect picture of multi-cultural Britain during this period and never seeks to sugar-coat his characters. Tom Burke might put a little too much Cormoran Strike into his portrayal of undercover customs and excise officer Don, but there is no denying those acting chops. There is also a strange fascination that comes with his character, more akin to driving past a traffic collision.
As one persona begins overshadowing the other, Guy disappears down a rabbit hole of uncertainty that gives Legends some real backbone. No punches are pulled and Forsyth juggles all his dramatic elements without ever putting a foot wrong. Relationships feel honest, connections organic, and criminal activities devoid of cliche. There is also genuine humour seeping through the pores of this story that makes Legends captivating without resorting to caricature.
Image Courtesy of Netflix
The trick that is crucial to this Netflix original is a lack of reliance on individual performances. Steve Coogan might be the most well-known name in this cast, but at no point does he attempt to showboat. There is a simplicity and restraint to his portrayal of Don that brings an understated emotional weight with it. As a mentor to so many of this team, Coogan’s characterisation succeeds because he decides to take a backseat.
Whether that means facing off against his boss played by Douglas Hodge or hitting those new recruits with home truths, there is something almost paternal about his portrayal. Giving off a serious Slow Horses vibe in the opening episodes that brings Don closer to Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb when it comes to people skills. This combination of tough love sets up an intriguing dynamic going forward that lends Legends an edge.
Elsewhere, Hayley Squires and Amel Ameen round out this underfunded undercover team, forging a unique chemistry as the operation gains momentum. Beneath the skins of Erin and Bailey they neatly sidestep stereotypes, inject an essential urgency to this operation, and bring an authenticity that feels earned under fire. Not only cementing this Netflix original as essential viewing but giving Forsyth’s The Gold a perfect companion piece.
A reminder to all that home grown drama still exists for discerning audiences willing to look beyond terrestrial outlets. Proof that British dramas can still retain their identity outside of the BBC without compromising integrity or watering down intentions to appease the easily offended. Legends does everything dramas like that used to do back when Margaret Thatcher was in power, delivering thought provoking debate beneath a thin veil of entertainment.
Legends is streaming now on Netflix.