Imagine a scenario reminiscent of The A-Team, but instead of a group of wrongly convicted military personnel turned mercenaries, envision a team of frustrated customs officers and tax investigators who have shed their formal attire. Intrigued? You should be! Legends is a six-part thriller crafted by Neil Forsyth, inspired by the real events of the early 1990s when a selection of ordinary employees from Her Majesty’s Customs were enlisted, provided with a mere three weeks of training, and deployed undercover to dismantle two significant drug cartels responsible for flooding the UK with heroin—an issue that particularly vexed then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a staunch advocate for law and order.
Steve Coogan, perhaps seeking a change from his usual portrayal of downtrodden characters or infamous villains, takes on the role of Don Clarke, a former undercover officer. He assembles his team at the behest of the Home Secretary (played by Alex Jennings) and Angus Blake, the director of investigations at HMC (Douglas Hodge), despite neither providing substantial funding or support for the initiative.
The narrative kicks off with a humorous yet somewhat absurd depiction of the recruitment process. Candidates who inquire about overtime or the legal implications of their assignments are quickly dismissed, while only those willing to excel in lockpicking are deemed suitable. With his team in place, Don moves the story forward.
Guy, portrayed by Tom Burke, is identified by Don as a “lone wolf” operator. Don cautions his protégé about the importance of maintaining his “legend”—the fabricated identity assigned to each recruit—which is crucial for their safety. Guy is tasked with infiltrating a drug operation run by Turkish traffickers looking to expand their profits beyond traditional smuggling methods. He leaves behind his daughter and a supportive wife, Sophie (Charlotte Ritchie), who previously worked in investigations and understands the dangers involved.
Additionally, two other recruits are introduced: the fierce and impulsive Kate (Hayley Squires), who is weary of pursuing sexual offenders and their illicit materials, and the more contemplative Bailey (Aml Ameen), who shares her frustration over tracking down tax evaders. They are dispatched to Liverpool to gather intelligence on the local drug syndicate.
Also joining the team is Erin (Jasmine Blackborow), a skilled data analyst dedicated to uncovering evidence and assisting the recruits in staying ahead of the increasingly perilous individuals surrounding them. The series keeps viewers on edge with elements such as corrupt law enforcement, last-minute story alterations, minor blunders, and gang rivalries.
This compelling narrative showcases determined underdogs risking their lives for a greater cause—namely, a drug-free society and the protection of vulnerable communities—while nefarious adversaries await any missteps. It’s easy to see why Forsyth, known for his work on The Gold, which explored the Brink’s-Mat heist and its broader implications, was drawn to this story. He skillfully navigates the potential pitfalls associated with the premise of customs officers taking on a major drug operation, which could easily veer into absurdity. Lines such as “Do you really think a few customs officers can confront the largest drug gang in Britain?” could easily belong in a comedy. The tension between seriousness and absurdity is palpable, especially with Coogan’s reputation for comedy lingering in the background.
While the effort to maintain a serious tone may hinder the series from fully igniting, it nonetheless presents a captivating story, effectively told.
Legends is available for streaming on Netflix.
