"Boiling Point "

As the new year dawns, I am set to embark on a thrilling new journey: assuming the prestigious position of head chef at the renowned Claridge's. This dream opportunity has materialized as the culmination of what I dare say is the most exhaustive culinary training regimen in the world, and believe it or not, it involves one of our favorite pastimes – watching television. With unshakable confidence, I am prepared to sear venison, create parsnip mousse, and master the art of crème brûlée. My culinary repertoire owes its depth and diversity to a diverse menu of shows, ranging from the intense competitions of MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen to the delectable drama of Sweetbitter and The Bear.

Now, as the final seasoning in my – and perhaps your, and indeed our collective – training, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of BBC One's Boiling Point, a riveting four-part thriller that unfolds within the bustling, high-pressure setting of a trendy London kitchen.

Meet Carly (played by Vinette Robinson), the talented chef at Point North, an upscale establishment known for its Northern-inspired cuisine. They serve a range of delectable dishes like hogget, squab, and lobscouse (definitely devoid of lobster!). Carly's kitchen brigade comprises a colorful cast of characters, including the temperamental sous-chef Freeman (portrayed by Ray Panthaki), the outspoken Chef de Partie Bolton (brought to life by Shaun Fagan), the delicate pastry chef Jamie (skillfully portrayed by Stephen McMillan), and his guardian angel, Emily (superbly played by Hannah Walters). Rounding out the team is the front-of-house crew, led by manager Dean (embodied by Gary Lamont). Into this culinary maelstrom arrives Johnny (the talented Stephen Odubola), a novice cook in need of a paycheck, thrown into the scorching crucible like a blanched potato plunged into sizzling oil.

The series reunites several key creatives from the acclaimed 2021 feature film Boiling Point. Stephen Graham's character, Andy, who was the turbulent epicenter of the film, continues to loom large over the narrative. His protégé, Carly, has absconded with half of his team to launch her own restaurant, leaving Andy to drown his sorrows in canned beverages and microwave meals. The bitterness in his voice is palpable as he laments, "She wants to talk to me, she knows where I am. Maybe if it weren't for her, I'd still have my own f***ing restaurant." Yet, Andy's wounded ego is just a fraction of the issues plaguing this kitchen; the simmering cauldron reveals dark undercurrents of self-harm, alcoholism, racism, and sexual harassment, showcasing that the kitchen is a microcosm reflecting the broader ills of society.

Kitchens possess a peculiar allure. They blend the relentless, minute-by-minute intensity of high finance, politics, or professional sports with the ability to create transient moments of culinary transcendence. They transform food into art, plated with the precision of engineers tunneling beneath cityscapes. While the film version of Boiling Point was characterized by its single-take approach, with the camera weaving through the kitchen like a free-spirited bird, the series adaptation maintains a relentless energy, often employing rapid cuts. In terms of tone and substance, it shares similarities with Disney+'s The Bear. Both shows revel in the high-stakes drama of restaurant life (even though Carly's mom dismisses it as "just a bit of dinner"), but where The Bear adds a layer of comedy, Boiling Point delves deep into the realm of trauma.

Admittedly, this series can be emotionally taxing at times, with the intensity sometimes veering dangerously close to melodrama. However, it's the caliber of acting, from the kitchen stations to the bartenders and waitstaff, that elevates Boiling Point above the fray. The writing, skillfully penned by Philip Barantini and James Cummings (who also co-wrote the film), strikes the right balance, avoiding over-the-top dramatics and preachiness. The cinematography by Matt Lewis adds a visual dynamism that keeps viewers riveted. It's a fine line to walk, but Boiling Point walks it with skill and finesse, delivering a compelling narrative that leaves an indelible mark.