Review: Should You Stream or Skip ‘Nightsleeper’ on BritBox?

This month, BritBox premiered the thrilling series “Nightsleeper.” The show delves into a harrowing scenario involving a hacked overnight train running from Glasgow to London.

Nightsleeper Synopsis

The series begins with a musician playing a solitary note on a piano at Glasgow’s train station. Here, a man named Joe Roag, portrayed by Joe Cole, boards the Heart of Britain nightsleeper train. A crime unfolds when a man snatches a bag from a woman with a stroller. Joe, a detective with the Metropolitan Police, pursues the thief with the help of train conductors. Although they recover the bag, it’s clear that the snatching is part of a larger scheme.

As the train departs Glasgow, the head conductor discovers a device linked to the train’s electronics. With no means to halt the train or alert the driver, he turns to Joe, who realizes they can only communicate via a satellite phone belonging to a passenger.

Key Characters and Events

• Abby Aysgarth: An acting technical director at the UK’s National Cyber Security Center, played by Alexandra Roach. While at an airport, she learns of a potential cyber threat affecting critical systems.
• Saj Sidhu: Abby’s reliable second-in-command, played by Parth Thakerar.
• Mouse: A young boy hiding from his mother on the train, portrayed by Adam Mitchell.
• Fraser Warren: An older gentleman, played by James Cosmo, who has a background in railroading.
• Rachel Li: A lifestyle reporter, portrayed by Katie Leung, who finds herself in a career-defining moment.

Predicable Yet Engaging

Despite its intriguing premise, “Nightsleeper” offers predictable plot developments. The first episode lacks surprises, with viewers quickly deducing connections between characters involved in the bag snatch and those who stay on the train. Predictably, the bag snatcher had more than just theft in mind.

Throughout the episode, Abby receives troubling information about Joe. Tensions rise when the train doors lock as it begins to move away from the platform. Certain characters hint at their possible involvement in the overarching plot, which adds a layer of depth to an otherwise straightforward narrative.

Performances and Overall Impression

Alexandra Roach shines as Abby, capturing the character’s determination to assume greater responsibility. The interplay between Roach and Cole is a highlight, giving viewers reason to remain invested despite the predictability. While some elements suggest a routine plot, the performances maintain viewer engagement.

Ultimately, “Nightsleeper” presents a choice: stream it or skip it? While its first episode leans towards predictability, enough compelling elements warrant continued viewing. For those seeking a tense thrill ride, this series may just hit the spot.