55 Degrees North

2004, 60 minutes

North East Detective Series

Detective Sergeant Nicky Cole blows the whistle on a senior police officer guilty of corruption in London. Cole is thus shunted up North to avoid any difficulties or fallout, and ends up in Newcastle upon Tyne. To begin with, he finds himself on the night shift, and becomes increasingly frustrated at the inspector's desire to keep him there, despite the fact that his ability and motivation clearly exceed the demands of the job. However, after a series of events, he becomes part of the day team and is a key member of the police squad that deals with, over the two series, a wide variety of crimes. Whilst developing his police career, Cole must also find time to help support the family he has brought to the North with him. His uncle, Errol, and nephew, Matty, both at times cause problems, but it is made obvious that they are an integral part of Cole's life, and it is questionable whether his ability in the police field would suffer without this part of his family near him. Cole's relationship with CPS lawyer, Claire Maxwell, provides another side to the story, as she is juggling work with caring for a baby, and Cole is caught between a rock and a hard place in choosing between her, or the attractive Sergeant, or indeed one of Matty's school teachers. Another relationship developed is one between Cole and Sergeant Astel, who in the very first scene, smashes Cole's brake light after stopping him and not realising his status as a police officer. This awkward and somewhat corrupt start turns into a strange but strong friendship by the end. 55 Degrees North is a police drama at heart, but covers many different aspects of life, including love and relationships, and the importance of family. Many crimes committed are pertinent to the age, and complex issues such as genetic engineering are tackled.


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Steve Wraith
Actor
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