© GettyWritten by Anthony Horowitz – the mastermind behind hit mystery dramas Magpie Murders and Midsomer Murders – the 2009 series follows detective John Tolin as he investigates a catastrophic road accident that unravels into a dark web of embezzlement, cover-ups, and murder.
What is Collision about?
A devastating six-car pile-up on the motorway leaves behind a trail of fatalities and shattered lives, bringing estranged lovers and fellow detectives John Tolin and Ann Stallwood back together as they investigate the tragedy.
What first appears to be a routine case involving a fatal accident soon spirals into something far more complex as they uncover a web of dangerous secrets.
The synopsis reads: “On the face of it, a major road accident is nothing more than a moment of total chaos bringing together a group of people who have never met before but who now share a defining moment that will change all their lives.
“Beyond the crumpled cars and beleaguered emergency services are the invisible dramas, and when DI John Tolin begins his investigation, he finds himself drawn into many different and dangerous worlds, including government cover-ups, smuggling, fractured relationships and murder.”
What have viewers and critics said about the show?
The series received a warm reception from viewers upon its release, with fans praising it as a “thoroughly gripping” and “fantastic story.” IMDb reviewers highlighted the drama’s “good writing,” “intriguing multi-strand storyline,” and “masterfully interwoven” plot.
However, some viewers felt the series left too many questions unanswered, with several critics noting that the drama “leaves too much unresolved.”
© Jon Furniss/WireImageMeanwhile, the series received mixed reviews from critics. While The Guardian praised the drama as “totally gripping,” Variety felt that although the premise was “interesting,” it was “ultimately not compelling enough to draw the audience into its individual stories.”
Who stars in the show?
The series boasts an impressive cast, led by Douglas Henshall (Shetland) as DI John Tolin and Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead) as Inspector Ann Stallwood.
They’re joined by Christopher Fulford (Whitechapel) as DCI Stephen Maitland, Jo Woodcock (Torn) as Jodie Tolin, Dean Lennox Kelly (Jamestown) as Danny Rampton, Zoe Telford (Litvinenko) as Sandra Rampton, Craig Kelly (Trick or Treat) as Jeffrey Rampton, Phil Davis (Trying) as Brian Edwards, Jan Francis (Stay Lucky) as Christine Edwards, Lucy Griffiths (True Blood) as Jane Tarrant and Paul McGann (Holby City) as Richard Reeve.
Collision is available to stream on ITVX.