First up, we have Stephen Graham as DCI John Corbett. He swaggers in like that new bloke at work who brings in fancy doughnuts, but you just know he’s also the one who “borrows” your stapler and never returns it. Graham is so good, he makes you almost root for the bad guy, which is like cheering for the traffic warden who just gave you a ticket. His accent and quiet menace are the best kind of uncomfortable—like wearing wet socks to a meeting.
Corbett is the undercover boss from hell, but honestly, he’s also the only one who seems to be having a crackin’ time. You watch him and think, “Mate, you’re literally risking your life for a pension, and the office fruit is still gone by 10 a.m.” That’s the magic—Graham makes a bent cop feel like a tragic hero you’d buy a pint for, right before he nicks your wallet.
The Old Mates and Their Baggage
Then there’s the core trio: Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, and Adrian Dunbar. They are the friends you’ve kept since uni, even though one of them (looking at you, Hastings) still uses a flip phone. Steve Arnott (Compston) is like your mate who obsesses over the gym and his protein intake, but you know he’s secretly a softie. In Series 5, he’s nursing a bad back and a worse love life—basically, the human equivalent of a Monday morning.
Kate Fleming (McClure) is the pal who can drive a van, handle a gun, and still have time to judge your outfit. She’s the one you call at 2 a.m. to help bury a body (theoretically, of course). In this series, she’s suspicious of everyone, which is exhausting but also accurate—like scrolling through a dodgy group chat. And Hastings (Dunbar)? He’s the uncle who lectures you about “the acronym of the law” while accidentally breaking it. His catchphrase “Now we’re suckin’ diesel” is the most optimistically clueless thing you’ll hear, like a dad trying to use slang at a barbecue.
BBC One Sets March Premiere Date For 'Line of Duty' Season 5 | TV News
