Out of the Blue (1995 TV series)
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| Genre | Crime drama |
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| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 12 (list of episodes) |
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| Running time | 50 minutes |
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| Picture format | 4:3 |
| Original release | 23 May 1995 – 9 September 1996 |
Out of the Blue was a British police drama television series, set and filmed in Sheffield, and broadcast on BBC One between 23 May 1995, and 9 September 1996. A total of twelve episodes were broadcast across two series. Starring John Hannah and David Morrissey as the main protagonists in each respective series, the series ultimately received acclaim from critics, but did not pull in the expected viewing figures, and was subsequently axed after the second series.
The complete series is due for release on DVD on 17 October 2016, via Simply Media.
Out of the Blue follows a team of detectives at Brazen Gate CID through grisly murder cases, clashes with an already-divided community and through the dramas of their personal lives. Ambitious DS Frankie Drinkall (John Hannah)'s life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with epilepsy. His refusal to accept his condition leads him into a downward spiral and ultimately to his demise. DS Rebecca Bennett (Orla Brady) gives an ever-present emotional charge as she finds herself the subject of both PC Alex Holder (Stephen Billington)'s and DC Warren Allen (Darrell D'Silva)'s affections. DC Marty Brazil (Neil Dudgeon) is the joker of the group. The second season sees the arrival of troubled DS Jim Llewyn (David Morrissey), who seems to be working to his own agenda.
Out of the Blue was a billed as a "hard-hitting police drama", which was set and filmed in Sheffield. Series script editor Claire Elliot said of the series; "[Out of the Blue] is a contemporary, gritty, urban reality. Its tight script, fast-paced direction and strong cast make for powerful and compulsive viewing". The series was shot on entirely on film. At the time, the BBC described the series as "the British answer to Homicide: Life on the Street". The lack of viewers for the series, which lead to its untimely demise, was blamed on the fact that "viewers at the time seemed uncomfortable with the hand held camera work and bleak Yorkshire back drop." Writers Bill Gallagher and Peter Bowker said at the time that they were "more interested in character development than plot". However, the series was acclaimed for dealing with strong topics including male rape and euthanasia.
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