Irish crime drama ‘Taken Down’ exposes those who prey on the vulnerable

From the director of award-winning ‘Peaky Blinders’ and creators of ‘Love/Hate’, ‘Taken Down’ is gripping viewing.

Taken Down, Aïssa Maïga

Aïssa Maïga as refugee Abeni in ‘Taken Down’. Source: SBS

The murder of an asylum seeker sets off a chain of secrets and a complicated search for answers, in the riveting new Irish crime thriller, Taken Down

Continuing on from their success with Love/Hate, creators Jo Spain and Stuart Carolan focus the action on Direct Provision, a centre housing new refugee arrivals into Dublin, managed by the bumbling Wayne (Brian Gleeson).

The story is set when Nigerian girl Esme is found dead at a bus stop. Enter, Inspector Jen Rooney (Lynn Rafferty), a tough as nails woman who breeds confidence in her bringing forward justice. But initially, no one will speak to her or her team, either afraid to speak up or unwilling to help.

Widowed mother Abeni (Aïssa Maïga, Paris Je T’aime) emerges as knowing more than she’s let on, and along with Inspector Rooney forms the formidable female duo spearheading the show. When another girl, Flora, is reported missing, investigations ramp up to save her from the same fate as Esme.

It conspires a gang is targeting the young refugees for their people-trafficking and prostitution ring, and it seems no one involved will be left entirely innocent. This six-part series exposes the city’s squirming underbelly, high-pressure hose at the ready. 

Season 1 of  is now streaming at SBS On Demand:

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2 min read
Published 6 April 2020 1:23pm
Updated 8 June 2021 11:31am
By SBS Guide
Source: SBS

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