Deaf Actress SHOCKS in New Crime Thriller!

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In the past, crime thrillers and disability representation have not typically been associated, but ITV’s show “Code of Silence” demonstrates that it’s indeed a perfect match.

In a new six-episode production, Rose Ayling-Ellis, known for her roles in EastEnders, Reunion, and Strictly Come Dancing, portrays Alison Brooks – a Deaf individual who finds herself in an unforeseen situation while working at a police cafeteria when a remarkable opportunity arises.

As a seasoned movie reviewer, I found myself immersed in a thrilling tale where a dedicated team of detectives are in a relentless sprint against time to thwart a notorious criminal gang from executing their most ambitious heist yet. In an unexpected twist, with their go-to lip readers occupied elsewhere, these investigators turned to Alison, who had registered her skills on the station’s database when she first began her career there. This intriguing change of pace added an exhilarating layer to the cat-and-mouse game between the law enforcement and the criminals, making it a must-watch for any action movie enthusiast.

In spots where eavesdropping was practically out of the question due to the secretive nature of the gatherings, detectives required her assistance in piecing together the puzzle by scrutinizing security camera footage and covert cameras. Initially doubtful about her capabilities, Alison’s input quickly proved them wrong, consistently making substantial contributions to their investigations.

However, she’s quick to clarify that lip-reading isn’t a magical ability, but a valuable skill that, like many others, has its boundaries. Not long after, she decides to investigate further by reaching out to Liam Barlow, the most recent and youngest member of the group. It’s at this point that Code of Silence starts to unfold in full.

However, although the concept of a detective who can read lips is immediately engaging and ideal for generating suspenseful scenes, what truly sets the ITV series apart as essential television is its exploration of disability issues.

Although Alison possesses unique abilities stemming from her experience as a Deaf individual in a hearing environment, these skills are not what primarily define her charm or propel the storyline. Instead, it’s other aspects of her character that captivate and advance the plot.

Alison isn’t driven by her deafness to accept DS Ashleigh Francis’s (Ghosts’ Charlotte Ritchie) initial invitation to aid the detectives in solving the case, nor is it what prompts her to land a job at The Canterbury Tap, or why she persists in monitoring the gang long after DI James Marsh (Broadchurch’s Andrew Buchanan) dismisses her for potentially compromising the investigation. Instead, her actions are fueled by other factors.

Rather than relying on just one aspect, it’s her intelligence, bravery, ambition, charisma, determination, and sharp intellect that not only make her an enjoyable character to observe and someone we readily support, but also drive significant plot progressions.

Alison, living in a world not designed for her, wouldn’t necessarily have made her tougher by default, but rather, it probably strengthened her resolve and self-assurance. After all, overcoming obstacles created by environments and circumstances that seem to overlook her is likely what fortified her spirit.

However, it’s important to note that those traits you mentioned aren’t the entire story about her. They are deeply ingrained in her nature. Essentially, the potential was always there within her, and Alison nurtured it along the way.

Catherine Moulton skillfully crafts the character of Alison in a way that her Deafness isn’t her sole defining trait, recognizing that no individual, whether disabled or not, can be fully characterized by a single aspect. Moreover, she steers clear of portraying Alison’s disability as a source of inspiration or what is derisively called “inspiration porn”, a harmful trope that has been prevalent in stories featuring disabled characters for too long.

Portraying her as extraordinary or fascinating solely because she’s Deaf would overlook a significant portion of who she truly is and the various talents she offers. This action reinforces the stereotype that disabled individuals can’t live ordinary lives or accomplish much, so when they do achieve something remarkable, it becomes something to be amazed by rather than expected.

Here, you won’t encounter any contradictory statements about what’s portrayed. Instead, Moulton wholeheartedly accepts every aspect of Alison, including those that are unrelated to her Deafness and those deeply connected with it. However, this acceptance doesn’t compromise the creation of a gripping crime series, which makes the series even more remarkable.

In a television environment that unfortunately falls short in depicting characters with disabilities, Code of Silence serves as the model or guide.

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2025-05-18 11:35