BBC Series 'Nightsleeper' Critiqued for Predictable Plot and Flat Characters

A new BBC thriller series titled 'Nightsleeper' has premiered, featuring a night train hijacked by hackers. The six-episode show follows twelve passengers trapped aboard a train traveling uncontrollably from Glasgow to London. Former police officer Joe Roag, played by Joe Cole, attempts to rescue the group while communicating via satellite phone with cyber expert Abby Aysgarth, portrayed by Alexandra Roach. Abby leads a team trying to stop the train remotely. The plot begins with a distraction theft before departure, revealing a larger hacking scheme that severs all external communication. While the series offers entertainment value, critics note predictable plot twists and stereotypical characters. A ransom demand in Bitcoin emerges, alongside suspicions that one passenger may be involved with the kidnappers. The show is available for streaming on ARD Mediathek and airs on German channel Das Erste. Screenwriter Nick Leather created the series, which includes familiar thriller tropes like an annoying journalist, an alcoholic, and an offshore oil rig worker conveniently carrying a satellite phone. Despite tense moments, character development and dialogue are described as flat and unconvincing.