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Ultimate Force

(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Ross Kemp, Jamie Draven, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Where to watch: BBC America, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    British crime drama is too violent for most teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Soldiers often appear proud when they take out a criminal, and they always use violence as the means to their end, even when their subjects are subdued and unarmed. A main character struggles to come to terms with a troubled past and an abusive alcoholic father. The series focuses on counterterrorism efforts, so there's plenty of illegal activity (robberies, hostage situations, hijackings) within the plot.

  • Violence:

    Frequent, strong gun violence in confrontational scenes between officials and criminals. Killing is shown at close range, and graphic shots of corpses and wounded characters are common. Veteran soldiers proudly discuss the methods they use to hunt and kill terrorists -- including, in one case, the best way to kill with one shot.

  • Sex:

    Occasional mild flirting between adults, but it doesn't really lead anywhere.

  • Language:

    Strong expletives like "ass" and "s--t" (unbleeped) are common fare.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some supporting characters smoke occasionally.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ultimate Force

Parents need to know that this British military crime drama about a team of elite sharpshooters is too intense and violent for kids. Killing and other violent images are shown at close range, and scenes of bloodied, mangled corpses are common. Perhaps most disturbingly, the soldiers use violence as a first, last, and only resort, taking down even unarmed criminals that they've already subdued and appearing almost proud of their actions. Expect strong language (including unbleeped uses of "s--t") and occasional smoking, too.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about violence in the media. Do you think graphic violence is ever appropriate on TV? Why or why not? Do you think kids who watch violence on TV or in movies or video games are more likely to become violent themselves? (Get a few facts on the issue here.) Parents, talk with your kids about the difference between real life and fantasy. Point out that consequences exist.
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