Criminal Record Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Possession with Intent

June’s son gets caught in the crossfire of her clash with Hegarty on Criminal Record Season 1 Episode 5, “Possession with Intent.”

After dropping any pretense about working together at the end of Criminal Record Season 1 Episode 4, “Protected,” things escalate quickly on “Possession with Intent.” June learns that Tony Gilfoyle, one of Hegarty’s boys, was part of a neo-Nazi group before joining the force. 

She confronts him, for which DS Kim Cardwell, Hegarty’s other main conspirator, retaliates. He gets two other cops to plant meth on June’s son. They arrest and process him in one of the episode’s most devastating sequences. 

The scene of Jacob’s arrest and the fallout from that are some of the best moments of an episode that is a mixed bag. There are some terrific scenes throughout the episode, and a few intriguing reveals.

However, between the high points, the episode loses some momentum and feels flat. Much like Criminal Record Season 1 Episode 3, “Boy in the Park” did. If anything, “Possession with Intent” highlights what the series does best and where it continues to struggle. 

The series is at its best when it focuses on the dynamic between Hegarty and June, giving Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi a chance to tangle on screen. On “Possession with Intent,” for example, the scene of June confronting Hagerty after she arrests his drug dealer is excellent.

The way that Hagerty turns everything around on June trying to gaslight her is maddening. You can feel the frustration from June coming off the screen. The investment in seeing her finally get the upper hand on him at some point in the series grows every time he speaks. 

This is also a fantastic scene for Cush Jumbo. Cush is always at her most riveting in the scenes where June feels cornered or undermined. Another scene like that, which gives Jumbo a chance to shine, is June’s fight with her husband after Jacob’s arrest. 

In addition to Jumbo’s performance, that scene is another instance of Criminal Record exploring race and systemic racism. Seeing June’s husband do an about-face after he seemed to fully support her on “Protected” is admittedly frustrating.

Still, the way she calls him out about who he gives the benefit of the doubt to and who he doesn’t is great. It perfectly articulates what has been one of the strongest themes of the series.

What makes it land even harder are ways June is being hit on all sides because of these subtle and not-so-subtle biases that saturate culture. Bad actors like Hegarty use those dynamics to their advantage to wield power and protect themselves.

At the same time, people who should be helping her can’t see past their blindspots and help Hegarty discredit June when she speaks out. Scenes that explore those themes have been some of the series’ best moments. 

Unfortunately, the series continues to suffer from a lack of clarity and focus. There are just too many threads to invest in all of them. It makes a lot of scenes outside of those related to Jacob’s arrest and Hegarty and June’s confrontation feel like white noise. 

No matter how good the good scenes are, it’s difficult to love a show when your attention wanes between standout moments. 

What did you think of this episode of Criminal Record? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of Criminal Record stream Wednesdays on Apple TV+.

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