Virdee: The Detective Drama That Redefines Family and Crime

If there’s one genre that will stand the test of time on British TV, it’s the detective drama.

There’s an undeniable charm in watching a tight-knit police unit or lone detective, as seen from Inspector Morse to Line of Duty, Luther, and Endeavour, that consistently captivates audiences.

This February, join the BBC’s fresh new series, titled “Virdee.” The story revolves around the character Harry Virdee (played by Staz Nair). Trouble brews in his hometown of Bradford as tension between rival gangs escalates, potentially igniting a citywide gang war.

As Harry delves deeply into a significant gang investigation, it becomes clear that the main detective himself has some connections to this criminal underworld. Specifically, one of the city’s most prosperous businessmen and suspected gang leader is none other than his brother-in-law and childhood friend, Riaz (also known as Vikash Bhai).

The first installment begins by Harry chasing after a suspect, narrowly avoiding a collision with a train along the way. After a brief brush with danger, he quickly brushes himself off and puts on a suit, giving an air of James Bond in the transition. Despite the ongoing enigma throughout the storyline, we swiftly move to a lively wedding celebration filled with music and the rhythmic beat of dhol drums.

Harry’s spouse, Saima (Aysha Kala), is calmly biding her time until Harry completes his work, so they can enter together and partake in the joy – for it’s not just a wedding they’re attending, but also their initial encounter with Harry’s parents as a couple.

In spite of being married for a number of years and sharing a young son, the strains within the Virdee family run very deep. To such an extent that despite having been disowned by his parents – primarily his father – Harry still aspires to win their approval, sometimes at the cost of his own relationship.

Before stepping into the hall, I make an effort to adjust Saima’s saree, ensuring it conceals her religious necklace. This is because, as I’ve discovered, Ranjit (Kulvinder Ghir), Harry’s father, isn’t in favor of Harry marrying a Muslim woman like Saima.

Consequently, the groundwork is set for a rather suspenseful beginning to the series, with multiple layers of anticipation.

In other words, it’s not always groundbreaking or original to create a detective series where characters’ personal lives are intertwined. These main figures may appear cold or enigmatic at first, their backstories gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Viewers may grow fond of them as they uncover more about the reasons for their involvement in law enforcement.

However, instead of following conventional storytelling methods where some dramas attempt to make unlikable detective characters more relatable or provide little for viewers to connect with, Virdee uniquely intertwines Harry’s personal family issues alongside the complex central case in the series. This approach sets it apart from other productions.

Instead of merely catching brief glimpses into Harry’s life as a father and husband, where his family members seem secondary, Virdee carefully constructs the narrative to delve deep into the thoughts and emotions of each family member. It’s quite challenging to pack such depth into just six episodes, but AA Dhand masterfully achieves this in an impressive manner.

In a unique twist for the detective drama genre, Virdee stands out with its predominantly South Asian cast and themes centered on interfaith relationships and bias. Instead of being overtly preachy, this series subtly immerses viewers in this world, offering numerous profound moments and top-notch action-packed scenes that keep you engaged.

In an interview with TopMob magazine, Dhand shared about his main character Virdee, stating that unlike many TV detectives who are usually divorced or play the lothario role, Virdee’s family life is his greatest strength and forms the core of his being, as he crafted a love story within a crime thriller.

Beyond just thinking about Saima and their son Aaron, Harry’s heart also aches for his extended family who are still alive, a sorrow that lingers in every installment.

Shifting the focus of a thriller such as Virdee towards Harry’s personal life and love story is quite daring, considering that many viewers enjoy the recurring structure of a procedural drama where each episode presents a new case and resolution. However, this BBC series boldly disregards traditional narrative conventions, instead enriching an already intricate crime plot with elements that are not just supplementary, but crucial and significant.

2020’s summer disturbances remain a blemish in contemporary British history, demonstrating how prejudiced attitudes towards Muslims and immigrants escalated into an era when numerous individuals of color feared for their safety outside their homes.

In Virdee, scenes from Bradford’s 2001 riots provide vital background for Harry’s upbringing. However, these flashbacks raise the intriguing question about how politics and societal conditions have evolved over the past two decades. Given the escalating far-right sentiment that appears to be at a peak (and quite unsettling), Virdee serves as a reflection of modern society in multiple aspects.

The prejudice shown by Harry’s Sikh father towards Saima, solely due to her being Muslim, is a reflection of the destructive power of bigotry, tearing apart the bond between family members, as we witness in Harry’s case.

Through skillfully integrating Harry’s family narrative as a central element of the series, Virdee avoids the cliché of side characters serving solely to enhance the main character. Unlike Saima being portrayed merely as a worried wife counting down the minutes until her husband returns, she is depicted as a multi-dimensional character, grappling with the guilt linked to Harry’s parents and navigating her own complex family dynamics.

In a similar vein, Harry’s niece Tara (Nina Singh) represents a fresh chapter for the family, dedicated to living authentically and venturing boldly in her professional life. Similarly, Riaz is an intricate character who shows just how far one can push themselves to improve the city they call home.

In this production, every line and scene is purposeful without feeling drawn out or slow. Unlike some series where there seems to be excess content, Virdee manages to pack in high-octane action, unexpected twists typical of big-budget movies, yet maintains a level of emotional depth that’s not often found in TV shows. This balance makes the whole experience even more engaging.

2025-02-10 22:35

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