David Tennant's 3-Part Crime Thriller Series Debuts With Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Strong scores, limited ratings
Time season 3 has an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. That figure is based on fewer than 50 user-submitted ratings and may change as more viewers watch the series.
Critics have given the season a 100% score, based on eight reviews. Viewers praising the show point to its performances, realistic storytelling and emotionally intense subject matter, while some say its bleakness makes the characters difficult to connect with.
Conflicts inside the institution
Tennant plays Bobby Bailey, a custodial manager at a young offenders institution. Siobhan Finneran returns as prison chaplain Marie-Louise O’Dell, who begins work at the facility and experiences a crisis of faith.
After a tragedy, Marie-Louise and Bobby come into direct conflict. Bobby also faces a crisis of conscience, with guilt taking a growing hold on him.
Young offenders and family ties
The season also follows teenage offenders James and Peter as they struggle with incarceration. James must consider whether he can face his parents after an act of violence, while Peter confronts questions about an innocent person’s death and family loyalty.
Their friendship is a major focus of the drama. Jimmy McGovern, the series creator, wrote the season with Samuel Bailey; Paul Whittington directed it, and the cast includes Daniel Ryan, Jo Joyner, Vinette Robinson, Louis McCartney, Ollie McNulty and Chukwubuikem Molokwu.
Key points
- Time season 3 has an 88% audience score from fewer than 50 Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
- The season has a 100% critics’ score based on eight reviews.
- David Tennant plays custodial manager Bobby Bailey, opposite returning cast member Siobhan Finneran.
- The three episodes explore guilt, faith, incarceration and family loyalty.