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Murder Prevention Unit

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Conor Mullen, Mark Lewis Jones, Tom Brooke, Where to watch: BBC America)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Violent, thought-provoking British crime drama.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series raises questions about whether public safety concerns outweigh citizens' rights to safety. Officers engage in unethical tactics to gather information, like tricking people close to a suspect or breaking into and searching their homes without legal rights. The lone female in the unit is sometimes talked down to by the men.

  • Violence:

    Murder scenes are graphic, showing victims being attacked, beaten, and killed. In one scene, a woman is hit repeatedly by her male attacker -- the voice-over narration mentions that the man intends to rape her, and he strangles her with a rope. Discussion of all kinds of violent crimes.

  • Sex:

    Discussion sex-related crimes is common. No nudity.

  • Language:

    "S--t," "bitch," and "ass" are used. "F--k" is bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adult characters sometimes smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Murder Prevention Unit

Parents need to know that this London-set crime drama includes graphic scenes of murder (for example, a woman is beaten and strangled by a man) and allusions to sex acts, though nudity is rare. Strong language includes cursing as well as frank discussion of violent sexual assaults (some of which involve minors), and there's plenty of plot-driven suspense in each investigation. The series raises intriguing questions about whether the need for public safety outweighs citizens' privacy rights. It's definitely not for kids, but adults and mature teens may enjoy the show's unique approach to fighting crime.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the legal and ethical challenges of law enforcement. What kinds of evidence must police officers compile against a criminal? How subjective is the American court system? How does it compare to the British system? Is it possible to be truly impartial as a juror or a judge? Why is crucial evidence sometimes omitted from a trial? How would our justice system be affected if police were allowed to bend the rules to build a case against a suspect? What would be the negative result of such a change? Could it be a good thing? How could the system be abused? How does this show compare to American crime dramas?
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