TOP SEVEN COOLEST MOMENTS | THE CREWS
by Joe Gibson

The Crews is a Glasgow based drama, centering on two families - the Turners and the Grangers. Tommy Granger has tried to distance himself from the life but finds himself being dragged back in. Mick Turner is out for one last big score but the biggest stumbling block may be his wayward son, Stevie.

Initially created as a feature length pilot, it was broken up into the 6 episodes available online. They are a great example of what you can achieve with talent and perseverance, regardless of the budget. At Flicker Magazine we love that. There are so many cool moments that I felt I had to share some of my favourites.

1. Cabaret and Bullets

Episode 1 has one of the best openings I have seen. Paddy (David Hayman) is on stage, singing about how he "belongs to Glasgow". As the scene progresses, we realise that nothing is as it seems...

2. Stevie "Fucking" Turner vs. Stacey

While the patriarchs of the families embroil themselves in deals and political maneuverings, Stevie (erstwhile son of Mick) tries to set himself apart. His introduction is an insight to the man - he will not take any shite from anybody.

3. Tommy the Negotiator

Tommy persuades a young man to come down off the edge of a bridge. He's not happy about it though.

4. The Amsterdam Connection

Mick is doing some big business for the last job to fund his retirement. He's going international with this one. He uses a courier to ship a sample over and he's delighted with the quality of the goods. Will the Dutch play fair?

5. Multi Strand Writing

There's a lot packed into these 6 short episodes. From pregnancies to rogue cops to deals being set up. Remember - these were created as a feature length pilot for a continuing series. There are so many hints as to what is to come I'm tempted to kidnap Colin and Kolin and force them to tell me how everything turns out. Just when you think you've worked out the characters and where things are going, a huge curveball is thrown at you in the final episode. Damn it. Where did I put my kidnap kit?

6. Production Value

Glasgow looks amazing, especially in the night scenes with their deep shadows, alleyways and blazing lights. There are directorial flourishes that highlight the ability that Colin has (witness the sublime Amsterdam introduction or the tracking shot through Mick's club). Sound is so important and often overlooked on low/no budget projects but not here (barring a little ADR). Robert Harrison and Jim Sweeney are superb as the patriachs of the Crews but there are also some great performances from supporting actors, such as Joy McAvoy (as snooker club manager Dawn), Stephen McCole (a cheeky ex member of Tommy's Crew) and not forgetting Andrew McIntosh (the sublime Stevie Turner). If you hadn't guessed yet, I like Stevie. Wouldn't want to meet him in an alleyway though.

7. Not All Doom and Gloom

Drug deals, police investigations, settling scores, shootings. It can be a bit of a grim time in The Crews. Yet there's also humour in amongst all the swearing and violence. Hell, sometimes the humour is a result of the swearing and violence! It would be a very drab affair if there wasn't something to alleviate the dark mood and Stevie's entertaining of what he thinks are some VIPs is perfect.

Have some of your own favourite moments in The Crews? Let us know in the comments. You can watch the crews at www.youtube.com/officialcrews.

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