Trinity: Series 1

ITV2's Trinity initially makes a rather coarse impression of itself. Before the first ad break, we’re treated to an incestuous love scene plucked straight from Cruel Intentions, a chase sequence that attempts - and fails rather magnificently - to be Hitchcockian, and some utterly terrible acting from almost everyone present.

Fortunately, this turns out to be a criticism that can only really be levelled at the first episode, with it being entirely devoid of the mysterious aspect of a mystery/drama. But the plot kicks into gear towards the end of the episode, the majority of the actors seem to ‘get’ the joke - whatever it is - and both are at a gallop from that point forward. Each instalment ladles on a little bit more of the story, inciting questions that are slowly but surely answered. There is the base-level intrigue of will-they-won’t-they relationships and the resulting personal tensions, but thankfully it presents us with a variety of intriguing subplots, made interesting thanks to dialogue that hits its mark more often than not.

Perhaps the one major criticism that can be levelled at Trinity is that whilst the actors and writers seem to have cottoned on to the soap-opera sensibilities, the producers haven’t. What results is a real sense of unevenness, in tone, pacing and staging. Emphasis on a serious plot point in the midst of watching two freshers get paralysed, painted gold and set up as statues is an example of one of their poor decisions, as it makes it difficult to appreciate both the hilarity of said statue incident, and to appreciate the deepening mystery of the primary plot. The odd, rather literal mix of comedy and high concept drama doesn’t seem to do it any favours.

However, in terms of soap-opera indulgence, Trinity works very well. It's worth taking the time to look past the rather schizophrenic tone and the odd badly-written character, because what’s here is an entertaining piece of television, with some stand-out moments, some pleasingly outlandish plot twists and a heavy dollop of silliness thrown into the mix that will certainly make you smile - both with them, and at them.



Released on DVD on 9th November 2009 by Fremantle Home Entertainment.

Written by Ross Sweeney.