’Informer’

Coerced into working as an informer, Raza Shar is exposed to a very different East London to the one he thinks he knows.

Living at home in a Council-flat with his parents and devoted younger brother Nasir (Reiss Jeram), a cool Raza (Nabhaan Rizwan) drifts through life with his dead-end job paying for nights out at bars and occasional recreational drugs. But one night out leads to his arrest and into the clutches of Gabe Waters (Paddy Considine), an officer at the official Counter-Terrorism Unit. His life will never be the same.

Interweaving personal stories of key characters involved in all sides of the narrative, Informer, over its six episode season, creates a wholly engaging patchwork of life in Muslim East London and those policing it. From the non-religious, close knit Shar family through to those the Counter-Terrorism Unit are watching very closely – and with a lot in-between – the story builds to its crescendo and reveal of the identity (and names of victims) of the shooter that opens the miniseries. The hunt for an active terrorist cell may be the motivation and focal point of the main narrative but those opening scenes of an (unidentified) gunman letting loose in a Docklands cafe remain relevant and pertinent.

If that’s not enough, Waters is haunted throughout by the trauma of his five years undercover working among violent right-wing extremists in northern England. Unable to let go (and with the tattoos as a constant reminder), the result is Waters’ home life with wife Emily (Jessica Raine) and young daughter is seriously compromised – as is, on occasions, his professional judgements, much to the concern of new, straight-talking partner, Holly (Bel Powley).

It’s complex, character-driven storytelling. Central is the tumultuous to’ing and fro’ing relationship between Waters and Raza. The informer is unquestionably and understandably fearful of his predicament: Waters is using his source and would burn him if necessary. But he also believes Raza is a ‘natural’. Counterpoised is the officer’s rocky relationships with both his wife and work partner.

Generally avoiding terrorism tropes, Informer approaches its subject from a fresh and welcome perspective , helped without question by the relatable and extremely likeable Raza Shar. Strong performances and a tight script add to the quality of the series.

Rating: 75%