Doors Open is a thrilling and complex crime drama series produced by Sprout Pictures. It is based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Ian Rankin. The show's story follows a group of friends who team up to steal valuable artworks from a Scottish bank's storage vault.
The series revolves around three main characters: Mike Mackenzie (Douglas Henshall), Professor Gissing (Stephen Fry), and Allan Cruickshank (Kenneth Collard). Mike is a wealthy art collector who is struggling with the loss of his father's love and his own financial troubles. Professor Gissing is a brilliant but eccentric academic who has lost his funding and is desperate to get back in the game. Allan is a mild-mannered bank employee who is eager to impress his girlfriend with his newfound criminal skills.
The trio bands together to plan the heist of the century, an ambitious scheme to steal expensive paintings worth millions of pounds. The paintings are stored in a state-of-the-art storage vault housed in a bank, which they plan to infiltrate using their unique skills and expertise. As they begin to execute their plan, they soon realize that they are not the only ones interested in the stolen artworks.
The series is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and features stunning shots of the city's architectural landmarks and breathtaking landscapes, making it a visual treat for viewers. The show's characters are intricately depicted, with their motives and actions carefully examined. The story is complex, with multiple subplots that are seamlessly woven together, adding to the show's depth.
The series boasts a talented cast, led by Douglas Henshall, who delivers a nuanced performance as the troubled Mike Mackenzie. He perfectly captures the character's emotional turmoil and inner conflict while maintaining his composed exterior. Stephen Fry brings his trademark wit and humor to the role of the eccentric academic, Professor Gissing, adding a touch of levity to the otherwise intense storyline. Kenneth Collard offers a convincing portrayal of Allan, the titular "everyman" character who evolves from a timid bank clerk to a competent heist planner.
The show's pacing is well-measured, with tension building steadily as the team prepares for the heist. The heist scenes themselves are thrilling and well-executed, with the characters facing unexpected obstacles and tense situations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series also delves into the world of art theft, exploring its intricacies and the many players involved.
Doors Open is a show that will keep viewers guessing until the very end, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the plot engaging. The series is not only a heist drama but also a character study that delves into themes of friendship, trust, and redemption. It is a well-crafted series that offers an insightful look into the world of art and crime, all while delivering thrilling entertainment.
Overall, Doors Open is a must-watch for fans of heist dramas and crime thrillers. Its complex characters, intriguing plot, stunning visuals, and talented cast make it a stand-out series. Sprout Pictures has created a gem of a show that is sure to leave viewers satisfied and clamoring for more.
Doors Open is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between December 26, 2012 and on Sprout Pictures
