Viewpoint
MONDAY-FRIDAY / ITV
As you might expect from a multi-awardwinning actor, writer and director, Noel Clarke tells us waiting patiently, biding his time, is not one of his core skills, so playing a surveillance expert in this thriller was a stretch. That said, his performance is worth the wait…
No secret is safe in
Viewpoint, a new ITV crime drama about a surveillance operation on a Manchester street that unearths disturbing home truths about the residents.
Airing across five consecutive nights this week, the series stars Noel Clarke (star of Bulletproof, Doctor
Who and the recipient of BAFTA’S Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award for 2021) as DC Martin Young, a surveillance expert tasked with spying on restaurant owner Greg Sullivan (I May Destroy
You’s Fehinti Balogun), the prime suspect in the investigation into the disappearance of his girlfriend, local teacher Gemma (Silk’s Amy Wren).
The ideal vantage point is from a flat opposite that belongs to neighbour Zoe
(Sanditon’s Alexandra Roach), a lonely single mum who agrees to let Martin use her spare room.
As the operation unfolds, Martin is increasingly convinced that the case is not as simple as his bosses seem to think and, as he and Zoe grow closer, they soon must both face their own personal demons.
TV Times caught up with Noel, 45, and Alexandra, 33, for a virtual chat to find out more...
Noel, what was it like playing someone who is, for the most part, a silent observer?
NOEL Martin is so considered and so still, and I’m the least still person you’ll ever meet! So to try to inhabit someone I thought was the opposite of me was something I’ve never done. That’s what really made me want to do it.
I DON’T THINK ANYONE BELIEVED THAT I COULD PLAY THIS ROLE!
NOEL CLARKE
And, Alexandra, what more can you tell us about Zoe? ALEXANDRA
She’s a hardworking single mum, with a 10-yearold child, who feels she is missing excitement in her life. So when Martin and his surveillance kit turn up, she feels like she’s alive again.
How do you view the relationship between Martin and Zoe?
NOEL Martin would have done surveillance jobs like this loads of times in his career, and probably does not usually leave the room. But when he meets Zoe, she’s like a whirlwind to him, and draws him out of his shell.
ALEXANDRA I really enjoyed the complexities of their relationship. She’s flawed and messy, and that really contrasts with the energy he brings into her flat. It’s exciting to watch them suss each other out, because they’re so different.
How would you describe the different approaches Martin and Zoe have to life? ALEXANDRA
Martin plays everything by the rules, and is buttoned up so tightly he could pop! Zoe is quite relaxed, likes to let her hair down and have a drink. But they do start to become comfortable with each other and, although what’s going on in the investigation is horrible, she’s getting an insight into this whole world, and wants in on it!
The surveillance operation is a great premise for a drama. Is there scope for further series?
team NOEL watching Yes, you could anyone, have so that I think there’s lots of potential for more, if the desire is there.
Do you think the set-up of watching the world from your window chimes with the lockdown experience? ALEXANDRA We’ve all been sitting in our houses, more aware than ever of what our neighbours are up to. This brings that all together and encapsulates the loneliness and the need for connection that we’ve all felt.
Noel, we’re used to seeing you in all-action series such as Sky One’s cop drama Bulletproof. Were you surprised to be cast in this role?
NOEL I’ve never had an opportunity to play a role like this, as I don’t think anyone believed that I could do it, in all honesty! So it was a no-brainer for me. I even said Martin should talk less, because I was happy to just sit in the room and do nothing for five episodes!
Does the series tap into our natural curiosity about our neighbours? ALEXANDRA Yes, definitely! I think we’ve always had this strange fascination about what our neighbours are up to and we create narratives – well, I do – about what goes on behind closed doors…