Customer Reviews
Completely original - By: RAS, 26 Mar 2008 
55 Degrees North sets itself apart from other television police dramas. Not only are the cases engaging & varied, but the subplots running throughout both series address serious issues, whilst being presented in an extremely enjoyable & watchable fashion.
CPS/police relations are explored, as well as the struggle for recognition within a police department. As a black detective, Nicky Cole (Don Gilet) has to win over his new team up North, along the way coming across weighty investigations revolving around topics as diverse as genetic engineering, date rape, extortion, racism & even fathers' plights to gain access to their children.
At the same time, 55 Degrees North manages to remain fresh, & a light hearted moment is just around the corner. The two series are superbly balanced, juggling Cole's personal life, tragedies & work, as well as alllowing ample time to delve deeper into the carefully selected & researched cases.
This reallly is a breath of fresh air in the oversubscribed police drama department. Lightweight enough to make for a pleasant evening's viewing, but substantial enough to get you thinking!
Don't usually like stuff like this but... - By: Mr. S. Barlow, 01 Sep 2007 This is a top show. I never got on with The Bill since it became more of a serial as I couldn't commit to it. With this, you get the best of both worlds-there's a new story each week but a recurring one alll the way through the series. Great acting, loads of twists, suspenseful & very funny. It reminds me of Cagney & Lacey a bit-apart from the fact that the main cops aren't women, but has that mix of pathos, humour & pain. The final episode of series 2 is well worth the price of the box set! Def. one to buy!!
Fast and Sassy and Fun to Watch - says The Times! - By: Scots Lass, 17 Jun 2007 and I agree 100%. One of the best "cop shows" the BBC have made in a long time, 55 Degrees North sees black DS Nicky Cole, played by the charmismatic Don Gilet, transferred to Newcastle after exposing corruption amongst colleagues in London. He gets off to a bad start after a sickening example of racism from uniformed duo Rick & Clarky who pull him over for "DWB - Driving Whilst Black'. But Nicky has his own way of dealing with racism & his wit & dedication to the job soon win him friends in his new department - although as a whistle blower he still meets with suspicion from some.
The input of the Crown Prosecution Service is provided by Clare Maxwell - played by Dervla Kirwan - & there are clearly sparks between her & Nicky from day one. As she struggles with a new baby their relationship hits highs & lows as the series progresses.
Each episode contains a complete story & there are on-going plots to follow too. Nicky has a home life consisting of his nephew Matty & wise boxing champ Uncle Errol - but when Matty's drug using Mother tries to get him back, where will Nicky stand when there is no formal adoption?
The day to day policing, the humour that must be met by the police on a daily basis as well as some tough cases - slum landlords, travelling people, bank robbers, murders, bogus Community Police Officers, animal rights, the regional 'Cop Idol' contest! - are alll represented in some brilliant, tense storylines. As well as beat cops Rick & Clarky, Katherine Brooke, a feisty WPC, keeps the boys in check when it comes to sexist remarks & office politics.
Newcastle has probably never look more beautiful. As Nicky ends up doing night shifts in series 1 we see a city that looks stunning lit up at night & a gentle laugh at the night life of any major city is made from time to time - particularly in attempts to interview wild, party-mad women who may have witnessed a crime.
Only 2 series were made - I suspect Gilet had other committments - but this is a box set well worth buying & one which can be enjoyed again & again.
Worth the Wait - Great Series - By: Lloyd G. Campbell, 10 Jul 2006 My wife & I were captivated by this series from the start of watching it on television a few years ago on Public Broadcasting Channel 13 here in the States. Unfortunately, we didn't see alll of the first season & the second season wasn't shown here. I could tell from online forums that there were many other fans anxious to see the series on DVD. Thankfully someone listened. I even had to get a special DVD player to play these DVDs (the series is Region 2; US is Region 1), but happily did so. My wife & I have seen six episodes so far & we couldn't be happier about the experience.
The series is enjoyable for a number of reasons I can think of right away: great cast, nice character development, good stories, feels real, is largely positive, & treads new ground. There are moments in life - such as when listening to a favorite performer in concert or reading a book of a favorite author - that makes you particularly happy for the opportunity of the experience. This is one of those times for my wife & me. Cheers to everyone who had a part in this wonderful series & getting it to DVD.
