“Coma” on Channel 5 embodies the classic thriller archetype where an ordinary individual’s split-second decision spirals into calamitous outcomes. Effective dramas prompt viewers to ponder: Could I react similarly in that scenario?
Jason Watkins’ portrayal of Simon Henderson, a mild-mannered everyman pushed to extremes, solidifies this connection.
Watkins convincingly embodies Simon Henderson, a husband and father besieged by rampant antisocial behavior in his community.
The local gang’s activities, from menacing encounters outside the supermarket to littering the children’s playground with beer bottles, amplify the distress of law-abiding citizens.
Simon, grappling with recent unemployment and concerns for his family’s safety, finds himself ensnared in a harrowing confrontation with a prominent gang member.
In a moment that could be argued as self-defense by a defense attorney or characterized as a burst of rage by a prosecutor, Simon delivers a punch. The sound of the kid’s head hitting the pavement echoes sharply.
As the first police officer arrives, Simon faces a pivotal choice: disclose the truth and confront the repercussions, or fabricate a lie. He opts for the latter.
Detective Kayla Meikle, though possessing a laid-back demeanor, senses the unease in the situation.
The entry of the victim’s father, Paul Franklin, portrayed with menacing intensity by Jonas Armstrong, adds a new layer of tension. Simon nervously probes, “What is it you do?” to which Paul chillingly responds, “I’m a full-time gangster,” punctuated by a laugh that carries an uncertain undertone.
As Simon’s fabricated tale gains traction, so does the risk of exposure. Watkins expertly portrays Simon’s escalating anxiety as he becomes entangled in Franklin’s ominous world.
Writer Ben Edwards deftly underscores the fragile middle-class existence of Simon and his wife (played by Claire Skinner), teetering on the brink of financial ruin with each missed mortgage payment and every glass of wine in hand.
Despite its modest budget and non-UK filming location, Channel 5 productions, like this one, offer straightforward, no-frills suspense thrillers. While they may not match the grandeur of BBC or Netflix offerings, they deliver on their promise of entertainment.
Although certain details might warrant a suspension of disbelief (such as the plausibility of certain medical scenarios or the age appropriateness of actors portraying teenage gang members), the overall experience remains engaging.
The series’ culmination in its final episode, airing on Thursday, may veer into the realm of the absurd, as often seen in such productions. However, Watkins’ compelling performance ensures viewers will stay invested until the end.
