Collateral criticised for being “too PC” – and for showing violence against women
Some viewers have complained that the BBC drama is full of "PC stereotypes"
While Billie Piper’s pizza mistreatment got Collateral’s audience talking last week, the most recent episode of the BBC drama sparked serious discussions about the portrayal of women on TV.
That’s because last night’s instalment saw Sandrine Shaw (Jeany Spark) facing harassment from her army boss Major Tim Dyson (Robert Portal) – a man who went on to blackmail her for sex.
- Jeany Spark on the “traumatic” past of key Collateral character Sandrine Shaw
- Everything you need to know about the cast and characters of Collateral
And some viewers at home saw this turn as not only a cliché, but a harmful depiction of women…
Yet, at the same time, other viewers addressed what they saw as another – completely opposing – TV trope: political correctness. Referring to the show’s diverse cast and plot points relating to illegal immigration, sexual abuse, racism and classicism, Twitter users said the show was full of “PC stereotypes”…
However, many didn’t see a problem, claiming David Hare's drama was engaging in legitimate modern issues.
So, will the next episode court more PC controversy? Or will we go back to the good old days of unified anger about the quattro formaggio getting thrown on the floor? We can only hope.
Collateral is on Monday at 9pm on BBC2
Try 12 issues for £1
Join thousands of happy subscribers and start your Radio Times weekly magazine subscription today for just £1