He kept viewers on the edge of their seats with smash hit show Line Of Duty, and creator Jed Mercurio looks set for similar success with Trigger Point, his follow-up anti-terrorist police drama which premiered on ITV last night.
In enthusiastic tweets and social media, viewers deemed the premiere episode “a must-watch”, “brilliant” and “simply outstanding”. TV critics Christopher Stevens (Daily Mail) gave it five-star ratings.
Mercurio’s fans loved the ending of episode – one of his most memorable plot twists. They were also delighted to see Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure return on screen as a tough police officer and explosives operator Lana Washington.
The first episode of ITV’s Trigger Point was praised by viewers in enthusiastic tweets. Television critics like Christopher Stevens from the Daily Mail have also given it five stars. Photo: Star Vicky McClure
Mercurio fans loved the ending of this episode. Vicky McClure, Line Of Duty’s star and no-nonsense cop officer was back in action as Lana Washington.
Viewers claimed that the twist at the finale of the episode left them on the edge.
One user tweeted, “OMFG #TriggerPoint brilliant. Must-watch. Vicky McClure as a royal and Jed Mercurio brilliantly starring in it are both must-sees. This is a powerful, raw televisual experience. Britain used terror. We’re more powerful than them. They won’t beat us.
Another added: ‘ #TriggerPoint I was waiting for it! When it finally happened, I believe the entire street heard me. Bravo @Vicky_McClure, I loved it!
Another commenter said: “Wow, that was so intense. This is a must-see. Incredible #TriggerPoint.
Washington “Wash” and Joel Nutkins, her “Expo” partner (Adrian Lester), rushed into the bomb factory of a terrorist cell to rescue a mother-and-daughter who were being held hostage at gunpoint.
Tensions arose from the outset, as the police officers tried to manage the situation and create a perimeter around the flat.
Wash and Nut discovered a bomb in the toilet and were in danger. Wash accidentally touched the trigger switch by accident, and placed her hand on it.
The episode was lauded by viewers and they are looking forward to the next one.
The team discovered a suspicious explosive device under a car. Wash was able to perform a terrifying manual check after the exploratory robotic broke down.
In the boot was found a hostage with a hood covering his head and a bomb attached to his chest.
Wash shouted at Wash, as she rushed towards Wash. Wash commanded, “Remove your hood as slow as possible.”
In order to remove the bomb and rescue the victim, she placed herself in great danger. After confirming that the scene was safe, the explosives officers lifted the cordon.
However, in the closing moments of the episode, the bomb in the back seat of a van is detonated. This caused a large explosion.
Wash McClure, pictured here, decided to take it upon herself dismantle the bomb that was stuck on the robot. She saved the lives of the victim.
Wash managed to escape the disaster but Nut, her partner lost his arm and, presumably, his life in the blast.
One viewer tweeted: “I was sure there would be an explosion, but it wasn’t for me. That made me leap #TriggerPoint.”
However, viewers were disappointed by the series’ twists and turns. Many criticized the show as disappointing and not worth the hype.
One posted: ‘Watched that new itv drama last night “Trigger Point”. Did anyone else find it disappointing? #TriggerPoint.’
Another said: “Well, that was disappointing. I should have known it was rubbish. Turning on light was a challenge!” Do not ignore the orders and check your car’s doors before you do so. When approaching a suicide bomber, take your helmet off! oh and the “matey banter” #TriggerPoint.’
A second tweet said: “Disappointing after #TriggerPoint hype in my opinion.” I hope it gets better. Although I am not a bomb disposal expert but can flick on lights almost. Seems amateurish.’
Explosive Episode: This episode was explosive and may have cost Joel Nutkins his life.
The program’s twists, turns and surprises did not impress everyone. Many viewers branded it ‘disappointing and not worth the hype.
Wow! Vicky McClure had a great time in the line-of-duty: CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews ITV Police Drama Trigger Point
Trigger Point ITV, last night
Rating: 
It was a shocker. Trigger Point (ITV), was gripping for the first hour.
We should have been expecting it – this anti-terrorist police drama is produced by Jed Mercurio, the writer who had Call The Midwife’s Jessica Raine pushed out of a window in her first (and last) episode of Line Of Duty.
Mercurio excels at plot twists. For those who haven’t yet seen the series, there are no spoilers. However, episode 1 ends with an incredible surprise.
Following a string of intense set pieces, police ‘Expo explosives officers had already left me dripping in nervous sweat.
Mercurio states that “The art is making unexpected twists possible,” and that no one can do it better.
As officers tried to control the crowd and prevent the unrest from spreading, a strong undercurrent of tension kept everyone on edge. The crowd hurled water bottles at officers like grenades during a heatwave in inner cities.
McClure is best known as Line Of Duty’s DI Kate Fleming. She’s far more cool than an anti-corruption investigator. Her face is covered in make-up, and she has her hair pulled up to a ponytail. She rocks her rockstar style with her sunglasses. She turns on the car radio to listen to heavy metal, just moments from all the action.
Joel Nutkins, Wash’s former Army comrade is less experienced than Wash. It’s Wash who almost blows them to kingdom come by reaching for a light switch in the bomb-maker’s tower block flat – and it’s Wash who discards her helmet before stepping forward to deal with a suspected car bomb.
Amazingly, this detail comes from real life. McClure was advised by a bomb squad expert to throw out the headgear. Expo told me it would impair my vision and could cause damage if the device is lost.
Joel and Lana develop a close friendship. She teases her that his bosses won’t let him do the job alone, and he carries them her “lucky wirecutters”.
After one miraculous escape, she blurts, ‘I love you,’ and he retorts, ‘I love you too, mate – just not to bits.’
He is separating from his wife in their private life. Mark Stanley plays the role of a senior officer. Mercurio drama cops often call their mates’mate.’ This is not a lie. Unanswered is the big question of whether Wash or Nut were ever to sleep together.
Washer and Nut… surely these names hint at the physical proximity of Daniel Brierley. It’s not hard to see how he could make this more evident without calling the two ‘Screws’ or ‘Drivers’.