Netflix's 'Legends' Recounts 1990s Undercover Customs Operation

Key facts

• The series 'Legends' dramatizes a 1990s undercover operation by British customs officers.
• Steve Coogan portrays Don, the investigation head who assembled the team.
• Tom Burke plays Guy, an officer tasked with infiltrating a London-based heroin gang.
• Hayley Squires features as a former anti-pornography snoop investigating the drug network.
• Jasmine Blackborow plays Erin, a data analyst supporting the undercover team.
• The show is written by Neil Forsyth, known for 'The Gold'.
• The series highlights the creation and use of 'legends' or fake backstories for undercover work.
• The plot involves Turkish overlords aiming to expand heroin imports into the UK.

Undercover in the Rave Era

Netflix's 'Legends' plunges viewers into the murky world of early 1990s Britain, chronicling a remarkable true story of customs and excise officers going deep undercover to dismantle powerful heroin-smuggling gangs. The series, set against the backdrop of rave-era culture, aims to imbue the often unglamorous work of customs officials with a sense of thrilling drama. This is a far cry from Steve Coogan's previous on-screen persona as a meek Mick McCarthy in a football walkout film. Here, Coogan finds more solid ground, taking on the role of Don, the gruff investigation head who masterfully, if reluctantly, assembles a team of recruits for this perilous mission. His portrayal captures the weight of responsibility as he sends his new crew into the lion's den, fully aware of the personal toll such an undertaking can exact. The drama is suffused with the strobe lights and pounding house music of the period, offering a vivid, if stylized, glimpse into a Britain grappling with a significant influx of illicit drugs. It sets itself the ambitious task of making the lives of customs officers appear both moody and glamorous, a challenge it largely succeeds in meeting.

Assembling the 'Legends'

The series, penned by Neil Forsyth, draws a compelling parallel between a covert customs operation and the iconic 'A-Team,' but with a decidedly more British and bureaucratic flavour. Instead of wrongfully convicted soldiers, the protagonists are dissatisfied baggage searchers and VAT investigators who trade their ties for fake identities. Steve Coogan stars as Don Clarke, a former undercover officer who is tasked by the home secretary and the director of investigations, Angus Blake, to put this unconventional team together. Despite a seeming lack of financial or logistical support from the authorities, Don is driven to confront the drug trade that was flooding the UK with heroin, a situation exacerbated by a series of high-profile drug-related deaths. This initiative was reportedly spurred by direct intervention from Margaret Thatcher, who, as Prime Minister, took a notably firm stance against drug dealers. Her involvement was crucial in authorising customs officers to go undercover, a measure taken in response to the escalating crisis.

Infiltration and Deception

At the heart of the operation is Guy, portrayed by Tom Burke, a customs official tasked with infiltrating a major London gang controlling a significant portion of the heroin trade. Don identifies Guy as a 'lone wolf' and sends him to the capital with stern warnings about maintaining his 'legend'—the fabricated backstory essential for survival. Guy's mission is to pose as a drug importer and gain access to the vast operation run by Turkish overlords. These figures were seeking to expand their profits beyond the limited gains achievable through human mules, signalling an escalation in the scale of smuggling. His undercover work requires him to adopt an entirely new persona, a fraught undertaking made more complex by the absence of the internet, which would later make such deceptions far more difficult to sustain. The 'legend' must be believed not only by the criminals but also by the operative themselves, lest a slip-up reveal their true identity to dangerous individuals.

Supporting Roles and High Stakes

Hayley Squires brings to life a former anti-pornography investigator who takes on the challenge of penetrating the heroin network from the north of England. Her character's background in uncovering illicit activities provides a unique perspective as she navigates the complexities of the drug trade. Meanwhile, Jasmine Blackborow plays Erin, a gifted backroom data analyst. Her role is crucial in sniffing out evidence trails and providing the undercover operatives with the intelligence needed to stay one step ahead of the increasingly dangerous criminals surrounding them. The series ratchets up the tension with constant threats of corrupt police officers, last-minute adjustments to the operatives' cover stories, minor errors, and internal gangland power struggles. These elements ensure that viewer nerves remain on edge throughout the unfolding narrative.

The Nature of the 'Legend'

The concept of the 'legend' is central to the series' premise. Don stresses to his recruits that this fabricated identity is not merely a disguise but a persona they must internalise to protect themselves. The darkness of this new life, and the potential for the 'legend' to consume them, is a constant threat. Guy's departure leaves behind a supportive wife, Sophie, played by Charlotte Ritchie, who herself had a brief investigatory stint and understands the allure and inherent risks of such work. Her understanding is vital as Guy immerses himself in a world of crime. The series explores the psychological toll of maintaining a false identity, the imperative to believe in the 'legend' as wholeheartedly as possible to avoid detection, and the ultimate danger of being caught telling 'porky pies' to individuals involved in serious criminal enterprises.

A Critical Reception

The narrative presents a compelling story of underdogs risking their lives for noble ideals—a drug-free country and the protection of vulnerable citizens. This is set against a backdrop where the establishment is poised to claim credit for any successes. Neil Forsyth's choice to dramatise this story is understandable, given his previous work on 'The Gold,' which explored the aftermath of the Brink’s-Mat robbery and touched upon similar state-of-the-nation themes. The subject matter offers fertile ground for exploring societal issues and the complexities of law enforcement. However, some critics note that the energy spent on maintaining a serious tone prevents the series from truly catching fire. The constant effort to keep the drama grounded may inadvertently create a gulf where credulity is tested, especially with Coogan's presence, leaving viewers with a lingering suspicion that his comedic talents might erupt and alter the show's trajectory.

The bottom line

• 'Legends' dramatizes the true story of a 1990s British customs operation that sent officers undercover to combat heroin trafficking.
• Steve Coogan plays Don, the head of investigations who recruits and manages the undercover team.
• The series explores the critical importance of creating and maintaining convincing 'legends' or fake backstories for undercover operatives.
• Tom Burke stars as an officer infiltrating a powerful Turkish-led heroin smuggling ring in London.
• The show highlights the challenges and psychological toll faced by those involved in deep undercover work.
• Written by Neil Forsyth, 'Legends' is set against the vibrant and sometimes chaotic backdrop of the 1990s rave era.