Critical Condition: Press

Press | Lightbox, from Wednesday

☆☆☆☆ “Mike Bartlett’s new drama gets more things right about newspapers than most, but this will still amuse or rankle with many journalists … I imagine this is how police and doctors feel watching cop or hospital dramas. Bartlett is, however, a very good writer, and I sense the drama will ramp up soon.” — The Times.

☆☆☆☆ “When I first heard the writer of Doctor Foster was turning his attention to a drama set in the world of national newspapers, my response was simple: Blimey, if the viewers thought the characters on Doctor Foster got through a lot of wine … If tonight’s opener was anything to go by, I’m pleased to report Mike Bartlett’s wine radar is very strong. Whether the rest of this drama is as true to life is open to debate.” — Mirror.

☆☆☆☆ “Although the dialogue creaked like an antique printing press, with exposition clumsily spouting from characters’ mouths, this soapy saga was irresistible. Neat plot twists and sparky exchanges ensured it was an enjoyable romp, populated by bruised-but-noble heroes and amorally sleazy villains.” — The Telegraph.

☆☆☆☆ “We do see journalists behaving badly here, but also journalists doing some important things … It also engages with some real stuff. Declining sales, desperate attempts to halt them, press regulation, the difference between public interest and of interest to the public, journalistic integrity, whether something becomes fair game just because it is in the public domain.” — The Guardian.

☆☆☆☆ “There are enough plot points and twists in episode one to see that the five remaining ones are going to have plenty going on, and almost all of it topical. It’s enough to have a heartless hack all misty-eyed. ” — Stuff.