kateliffeyfaherty I've never written a review before but I just found myself getting so annoyed as I watched the pilot episode of this show. I was willing to forgive it being an over-done, here-we-go-again crime show that edged between seriousness and humor as I figured it would be a bit of light viewing, not too taxing on the brain but with enough action to pass some time in a mildly entertaining way. What instantly began to grate on me were the obnoxious, unlikeable and (despite what I am assuming were their 'best' efforts) completely unfunny characters. This was not helped by the script which only served to re-hash ancient stereotypes and solidify my opinion that the characters involved were unworthy of my interest let alone my empathy. For example, the ONLY main female in the show has a 'witty' back and forth with the main 'loose cannon' character about the existence of PMS. Also, the 'psychopath' crime boss as it turns out is a simpleton, despite the fact that he has gotten away with murder and other various crimes, all it takes is a mild annoyance to bring him down, much to the smug satisfaction of the 3 main characters who at this point I would just like to smack. The story in general involves a jumble of stolen ideas, from other TV shows, movies and even real life. In an attempt to be clever a series of twists in a very Ocean's 11 style is presented at the end with the intent for the audience to go Ah-Ha at the brilliance of it all. What actually happened for me was confusion as the several twists involved relied on one another in order to make any kind of muddled sense, when a twist cannot be in any way predicted and adds nothing to a show's climax then in my mind it should not be included. My annoyance at this half-baked show which from concept to completion lacks any real redeeming features is only highlighted by the quality of TV programming which we have been treated to over the last few years, this pointless program doesn't even have the decency to make fun of itself.

Luke Rees Briefly, I'd like to say that I agree with lots of the points raised in more negative reviews; By Any Means reflects styles that we've seen before, much of the content is quite lightweight and there have definitely been higher spec productions. However, because I enjoy the program I tend to view those as positives.I've enjoyed some of the techniques previously seen elsewhere and hopefully if they opt for a second season they will refine them rather than overuse them. I think there is not just space but a continuing need for material that is lighter in tone within the TV schedule, to maintain a full range of options for people. Regarding the production quality, if you enjoy a program you make allowances at the same time as you suspend your disbelief and focus on the story; if I'd been forced to sit through the episode and had found it annoying from the off then every little thing would have compounded the frustration, but happily I enjoyed it.Less rambling. By Any Means has characterisation that is writ large, the nods to recent events are fairly unsubtle and you can rely on the twist. It is what it is, which is a police procedural with flavours from a number of family friendly programs (most obviously Hustle, I am also put in mind of the sense of adventure fun in the earlier seasons of Primeval and Robin Hood, although that may be influenced by certain actors!) Simplest way to work out if it is of interest would be to watch an episode. If you start feeling the urge to rant about licence fees part way through, or the state of the BBC, how the world was better when you were 12 and so forth, I'd stop part way through and have a cup of tea :)

Dr_Sagan This was the starting week for many series in USA and UK. Not any real diamond among them. Most of them are bad to mediocre but so far "By Any Means" is the worst.There are many problem with this TV-series.First and most important all the actors and actresses lack charisma. I don't know what they have done before B.A.M. but they are totally forgettable, performance wise, even their faces. The team of 3, have the usual snob/hype attitude, common in many series, but just doesn't suits them. No charisma at all.Second and equally important the plot. Is about a "special team" and blah-blah, blah-blah, one of them is a hacker (!), the girl is the ...locks expert, the last one is the street smart and blah-blah, blah-blah, *YAWN*. And they will catch the bad guy in a mildly smart way.Third the pace, editing, transitions between shots, photography, music and (obviously) directing are simply annoying. (If you now a things or two about editing there is something called "light spills" that is overused here.). To put it in 2 words: Poor execution.There is an arrest (in the pilot) that introduces (kind of) to the team stolen directly from an Al Pacino movie were the criminals think they are going to participate in some sort of Sports event. I saw it and keep asking my self: Are these people the Special team? That's how uncharismatic they are.Anyway this has nothing to do with other BBC series like "Sherlock" in terms of fun or intelligence and you can do perfectly well without it.Overall: Better to avoid it. (Or you will lose 57' of your life)

andy-leslie By Any Means Episode 1 Review: BBC TV Sunday, 9pm commencing 22 Sept Although initially publicised as an "edgy drama", "By Any Means" is actually a comedy drama relying upon reveals in the last few minutes to show "how it was done". This closely follows in the mould of "Hustle" and is produced by the same company, Red Planet Pictures, who also give us "Death In Paradise" which similarly relies upon comedy and late reveals to give body to the stories.The basic premise is that someone in the Police has set up a clandestine unit, existing in a grey area, dedicated to acting as vigilantes to "get" criminals otherwise untouchable by the Police and instructed in this by a mysterious female of middle years who seems to be a cross between M and an all-powerful Sandra Pullman (from New Tricks).The first episode of six was shown yesterday. One of the first suggestions on how to deal with the criminal mastermind is to shoot him. Since a) this is illegal and b) would make for a short programme, this option is discarded. Instead a convoluted plot line commences. Then, a quick con of a psychiatrist later, is followed by the heroes annoying the villain, singing to him and threatening his bodyguards with a gun.The denouement involves stealing evidence from another crime and then throwing it (it's £20 notes, lots of them) at the villain, who is then "caught" by a plethora of Coppers who turn up at the scene and ask no questions, accompanied by a number of reveals to show how it was done. In case you couldn't guess.Since this criminal mastermind has already gotten off at criminal trials three times, we are told, I have no doubt his Barrister will have him out in less than the time it takes to ask exactly what the case is, against him. That'd be a laff.Now, yes, it is funny. Although the lead Copper telling of his infidelity with his sister-in-law isn't as funny as the writers appear to believe. And I did laugh, a few times. But this formula is old and needs more to refresh it than this hodgepodge of poor writing, intermingled with actors hamming it up and having a wonderful time.Since all 6 episodes are in the can, I expect this to run its course and hopefully disappear without a trace.