Customer Reviews
A Twist at the End 
2008-08-04
This was an excellent TV series! It features some of my favorite British actors. Bill Nighy is excellent with his deadpan humor in his role as editor ~ but so are all the others. The script never drags along so the audience cannot lose interest. It has been produced for American television (condensed to two hours with a different setting and different stars) due out in April 2009. I don't see how one could improve on the original, however. It is well worth the time you will invest in watching. It truly does have an unexpected twist at the end!
Had my heart racing -- LITERALLY! 2008-07-16
WOW. This is one heck of a heart-pounding roller coaster ride. In some ways, it was like "All The President's Men" on speed.
Everything about this series was top notch: the writing (fast paced but believable); the acting (not a second rate performance in the bunch -- American tv would have cast a bunch of pretty boys and bimbos who lacked all sense of reality); the editing (quick cuts and innovative shots without getting all 'Blair Witchy" on us); complicated plot but one you could really follow.
And best of all, a few surprises that kept you wondering and guessing til the very end.
I'm an older woman whose tastes normally veer to the Golden Girls but this had me swallowing my stress pills and loving every minute of it.
WARNING: VIEW WITH CAUTION! 2008-07-14
When I watched "State of Play", I made a BIG mistake: I put it in my DVD player at 10:00pm, saying I would watch only one of its six episodes. Famous last words. When the sun rose the following morning, I was still watching, thoroughly enthralled. This is TV at its best, and Kevin Macdonald has a high bar to reach in his forthcoming film version, although he certainly has the skill to bring it off. But...don't wait for the film. See this splendid BBC mini-series today. You won't be sorry.
outstanding 2008-07-09
The Brits, who put us to shame when it comes to mysteries and complex characterization, hsve done it again with this brilliant miniseries. Cast is superb, although the Engish subtitles should be used to pick up the dialogue from the Scottish reporter. The multi-talented Bill Nighy stands apart as the wily editor. His sly mannerisms and droll humor are a hoot. Don't miss this exceptional DVD.
State of Play 2008-07-06
These Miniseries are excellent, if you like sophisticated scripts, good acting, intelligent ambiance, this is for you. No one can beat the British on this genre.
wonderful series. 2008-07-06
Stephen Collins is an ambitious politician. Cal McAffrey is a well-respected investigative journalist and Stephen's ex-campaign manager. En route to work one morning Stephen's research assistant mysteriously falls to her death on the London Underground. It's not long before revelations of their affair hit the headlines. Meanwhile a suspected teenage drug dealer is found shot dead. These (apparently unconnected) events expose a dangerous habit within modern government of dancing too closely with the corporate devil. Friendships are tested and lives are put on the line as an intricate web of lies unfolds.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/BBC UPC: 883929005932 Manufacturer No: 1000036405
A well done British Whodonit 2008-07-02
Very intriguing British mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed it but I must admit I had to use English subtitles since some of the accents were pretty heavy. I recommend it.
Another sterling BBC production 2008-06-30
Let's face it, the BBC puts American TV to absolute shame. While US TV continues to crank out a potpourri of lowest common denominator claptrap, the BBC produces quality, exciting, very well written and acted productions, such as State of Play. It's worth every penny! And while you're at it, check out The State Within too. Another fantastic effort from the BBC.
Great series! 2008-06-21
I loved it! Great actors, lot of suspense, well directed. Bill Nighy's performance alone is enough reason to see it! I agree with others that towards the end it looses a bit of grip, but to me it's still an excellent series and I enjoyed it immensely!
Brilliant political thriller from UK TV 2008-06-14
It's hard to invest six hours on a TV movie but I had no regrets after watching this accomplished story of a wayward British politician. As usual in a UK drama, people lacked the physical perfection (and general implausibility) of most American TV actors but more than made up for this with gritty, real-world characterizations. The dialogue is regional; American viewers may need captions to keep up with the dense plot, but please do that for full enjoyment. Bill Nighy ('NOTES ON A SCANDAL') gives an entertaining performance as a Ben Bradlee-type newspaper editor. David Morrissey (BASIC INSTINCT) is compelling as the tortured MP and John Simm is authentic as the world-weary journalist. Watch out for James McAvoy (ATONEMENT, KING OF SCOTLAND) in one of his early roles. Ask yourself: is this an emerging star, or what? I loved this show so much, I bought the two disc set for my mother-in-law! What more can I say?
