Mercurio did do his homework. He chatted with actual cops to get the lingo right. But he also admitted he exaggerates for drama. Real police corruption is often boring—think lost paperwork, not dead bodies in car boots.
So the show is inspired by reality, not a documentary. Think of it like a funhouse mirror. It shows a twisted, amplified version of the truth.
Why Does It Feel So Real?
It’s the details. The ugly gray interview rooms. The endless cups of tea. The maddening “no comment” loops. These small, gritty touches trick your brain into thinking it’s real.
Plus, the actors play it stone-cold serious. No one winks at the camera. They commit to the bit, and we buy it. It’s almost like method acting for a fake scandal.
