Viewers of ITV's crime thriller "Code of Silence" took to social media to express their frustrations following Sunday night's third episode.
The six-part series, created by Hijack's Catherine Moulton, stars Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis in the lead role of Alison Woods, a deaf worker in a police canteen.
The show, which aired its latest instalment on May 25, has been praised for its representation of deafness in primetime drama, with Ayling-Ellis's character's hearing loss being central to the storyline.
The premise of the show follows Alison's journey as her exceptional lip-reading abilities catch the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Richie) and DI James Marsh (Andrew Buchan).
The premise of the show follows Alison's journey as her exceptional lip-reading abilities catch the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis
ITV
The detectives subsequently recruit her for a covert operation to monitor a dangerous gang plotting a high-stakes heist.
In the third episode, viewers watched as Alison grew closer to Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), one of the main suspects in the case, and defied police instructions by following him to a gang meeting.
However, it was Alison's surveillance techniques that drew criticism from viewers on X.
Fans pointed out how obvious her monitoring methods were, with one writing: "She makes it so bloody obvious. She has to stop staring at him then texting near him. Aaargh!!"
Another viewer complained: "This is getting so stupid and far fetched. She is going to get caught out very soon. Staring at people and sending texts. #CodeOfSilence."
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In the third episode, viewers watched as Alison grew closer to Liam Barlow
ITV
A third echoed these concerns: "#CodeOfSilence She's gonna make them suspicious staring at them."
Beyond criticisms of Alison's surveillance methods, viewers also expressed broader concerns about the plot's direction.
One viewer stated: "This is a frustrating watch," while another admitted: "I'm on tenterhooks over here. What's she playing at?"
Some feared for the character's safety, with one commenting: "Alison doesn't known what she's getting herself into."
The show received mixed reviews overall, with one viewer confessing: "I've really tried but I'm just not feeling it... next."
Despite the mixed reactions, "Code of Silence" continues to generate significant discussion among viewers
ITV
Another summed up their conflicted feelings: "It's both great and totally f***ing ridiculous at the same time."
Despite the mixed reactions, "Code of Silence" continues to generate significant discussion among viewers for its portrayal of a deaf protagonist in a mainstream crime thriller.
The series highlights Rose Ayling-Ellis's talents beyond her Strictly Come Dancing success, bringing deaf representation to primetime television.
All episodes of "Code of Silence" are currently available to stream on ITVX.
