The Responder kicked off on BBC1 last night, with fans tuning in to ex-police officer Tony Schumacher's gritty new drama series.
Martin Freeman plays Chris, a police officer who is trying to save his marriage and keep his head above water amid his incredibly stressful job. He is described as "a crisis-stricken, morally compromised, and unconventional" person, and the series focuses heavily on how he struggles to manage everyday life.
During the events of the series, Chris takes on a new rookie partner named Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo) which adds a whole new level of stress to his routine, and they have to learn to work together effectively.
The first episode alone shows us just how exasperated Chris is with certain parts of his job, especially when he keeps having to come back to the same house after a couple is seen having a loud domestic argument outside, causing disturbance to the local area.
Chris is very brutally honest with those in the community, with Martin Freeman delivering a disturbing performance where he openly reveals how much he's struggling and even threatens to kill someone for continuing to waste his time. Right from the get-go, it seems like he's about to snap, we're just not sure when.
Fans on Twitter were very impressed with Martin's performance especially, with some even calling for the star to be given a BAFTA for his work and calling it his "best performance in years".
Give Martin Freeman a BAFTA. Fantastic performance from him in this drama. #TheResponder pic.twitter.com/bOmvVx7W7cJanuary 24, 2022
really enjoyed #TheResponder, which is on BBC One tonight. probably the best performance from Martin Freeman I've seen in years, @tonyshoey's script really pushes him to new heights - definitely worth a look. here's my review for @NationalWorld https://t.co/9DzyKKKw9a pic.twitter.com/ToklXbsrOGJanuary 24, 2022
Omg ❤️😍 I’m in love with #TheResponder - I need way more than 5 episodes of this.😍❤️ This is one of the best series I’ve ever watched.And #MartinFreeman is terrific as Chris. pic.twitter.com/zfhRqkKlZnJanuary 24, 2022
The Responder on BBC 1 was brilliant. Great writing, acting and Direction. Gritty but laugh out loud funny in places. Outstanding performance from Martin Freeman. #TheResponder https://t.co/6nznksHka4January 24, 2022
Martin Freeman absolutely killing it in #TheResponderLooks like BBC have another cracker on their hands.January 24, 2022
#MartinFreeman is brilliant so far in #TheResponder yet another top notch drama from @BBCOne 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊 pic.twitter.com/jtxq8E2P9SJanuary 24, 2022
There are five episodes in total, so we're just getting started when it comes to Chris' complicated story, but things could turn from bad to worse if he's unable to properly balance work, home, and his own mental health.
Teasing Chris' fate further, Martin Freeman told us: "He's very intelligent, he's emotionally smart, but he's a copper. He finds it hard to be open at home and with his counselor and in his job it’s probably wise not to be open so he picks his moments when he can let off steam and talk to people.
"But those are few and far between and the number of plates he is spinning is frightening. So much so that if he drops even one of those plates he could wind up dead."
The Responder continues on BBC1 at 9 pm on Tuesday 25th January. Episodes are also available on BBC iPlayer.
