Out There

Diving into the dark underbelly of county lines drug trafficking, Out There, set to premiere on ITV in January, follows the devastating toll this criminal enterprise takes on rural communities. Rooted in a harrowing and timely subject, and framed through the classic lens of a father-son relationship, the series balances gripping storytelling with seemingly routine occurrences. While its debut episode focuses on laying the groundwork, the trailer sets an ominous tone, culminating in the chilling declaration: “Sometimes you have to kill a healthy animal for the betterment of the herd.”

Out There is tightly paced and plot-driven, led by a standout performance from Martin Clunes as Nathan Williams, a man running an inherited farm on the border of Wales and England. His relentless grit and dynamic presence drive the narrative forward. From smashing through a barn door to prevent a farmer friend’s suicide, chasing a suspicious drone across his farmland in a whirlwind truck pursuit, to confronting teenage partygoers with a shotgun, Nathan is a whirlwind of action and determination. These intense moments paint him as a classic, no-nonsense protagonist from a bygone era, unflinching in the face of any obstacle, displaying equal toughness in confronting his community’s struggles while grappling with his own personal battles.

Contrasting Nathan’s unyielding presence, is the grounded, incredibly modern approach in its portrayal of teenagers caught in the grip of the county lines drug trade. Rhys (Gerran Howell), the troubled boy who pulls Johnny into this dangerous world, is rendered with poignant vulnerability. His lines, tinged with a childlike hope for his runaway father’s return, highlights both his innocence and his precarious living situation. This sensitive portrayal explains why Nathan may not have initially recognised the danger in his son’s association with Rhys.

Johnny (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), Nathan’s teenage son, provides a perspective that is both sheltered and insightful. Raised on the family farm, he has been shielded from much of the harshest realities, yet he is perceptive enough to voice his suspicions about drug involvement early on. Still mourning the loss of his mother two years prior, Johnny’s grief adds another layer of tension to his relationship with his father and their shared journey.

By contrasting the menace of the county lines drug trade with a raw, unvarnished depiction of contemporary rural life, Out There delves into uncharted territory, exposing the far-reaching impact of the drug trade and the deep vulnerabilities within these communities. Both captivating and thought-provoking, it stands as a bold and timely addition to ITV’s lineup.

Christina Yang

Out There is released on ITVX on 19^th January 2025.

Watch the trailer for Out There here: