Boundless

Boundless is a plucky and ambitious series self-penned by star Katy Jordan which has gone on an impressive journey from a 7-minute stage performance, to a sprawling multi-series crime drama. It outperforms its limits impressively with committed performances from its cast, but still suffers from clunky dialogue and a story which begins to become convoluted as it progresses.

The series follows a pair of best friends, Danielle (Jordan) and Julie (Kirsty Peacock) who are victims of a break-in. When Julie kills the thief, the pair are thrust into the middle of a shocking conspiracy which delves deep into the past. Assisted by police detective Greg Millar (John Paul McGilvary), Danielle realises there is far more to the story – and that the pair’s involvement is no coincidence.

Boundless is very clearly a freshman project. The series’ rough edges are there to see, and imperfections do stand out. However, the series does have moments where it shines, and nails down some of the basics better than far more expensively-financed counterparts.

The premise of the show is engaging, and the central mystery one which will keep viewers intrigued for the most part. The questions surrounding the break-in are explored consistently and are paced well throughout episodes. These do begin to wilt a little as the series goes on however, and the lack of production value cheapens some of the bigger revelations, which lack some of the impact a curated score could provide for instance. As the plot becomes more complex, audiences will have to keep track of many moving pieces in order to feel the real significance of the plot twists, which fail to really stick the landing too often.

Performances are generally of good quality – particularly from Katy Jordan and Kirsty Peacock. Their chemistry as best friends Danielle and Julie is derived from their real-life bond, which translates effectively into their roles. Jordan’s chemistry with John Paul McGilvary also drives a growing love angle between the pair as they go about uncovering the truth of Danielle’s life. It’s a shame however that these performances don’t always match up with characterisation. Moments in which the lead pair do not share key information with one another comes across as strange given their supposed trust. Other characters appearing later in the series are lazy classic Scottish gangster stereotypes, pulled from the blandest ITV dramas you can imagine. It feels like the series ran out of steam with some of these personalities.

There are some other notable flaws such as poor lighting in certain scenes, and the camerawork never really tells the story in any imaginative way. However, for all of these, the series does impressively stay focused on its premise and the directors choose to allow interactions between the cast to drive the plot – a wise choice given that the acting is one of the series’ stronger elements. Given that the series ends with a cliff-hanger, it also is difficult to judge the plot without knowing its ending. Hints in the finale suggest some major developments – which leaves the series we are presented with as something of an enigma.

Boundless is flawed, and clearly suffers in parts due to its lower budget. However, with what she has accomplished with such restricted terms, promising creator Katy Jordan deserves the chance to continue this story – and with some crucial experience under her best – to iron out the kinks.