Netflix’s latest crime drama Legends showcases Call the Midwife favorite Charlotte Ritchie in a striking new role. All six episodes launched recently and quickly climbed to the top of the platform’s most-watched charts.
Plot and Setting
Inspired by Guy Stanton’s book The Betrayer, Legends follows HM Customs officers who go undercover to dismantle ruthless drug gangs. Set in the 1990s during the final days of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership, the series depicts a team facing intense political pressure. They employ bold tactics to combat the surging illegal drug trade.
Steve Coogan leads as Don, the determined head of operations who builds the undercover unit. Charlotte Ritchie transforms into Sophie, a customs officer at Heathrow Airport and wife to central figure Guy, portrayed by Tom Burke. Together, they plunge into the dangers of 1990s gangland Britain.
Star-Studded Cast
The ensemble includes Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake), Tom Hughes (Victoria), Aml Ameen (Rustin), Jasmine Blackborow (The Gentleman), Douglas Hodge, Johnny Harris, Gerald Kyd, Numan Acar, Joshua Samuels, Kem Hassan, and Thomas Coombes.
Viewer Reactions
Audience feedback pours in positively. One IMDB reviewer calls it an “awesome watch,” praising the show and Coogan’s performance. Another declares it “outstanding” and a “good watch,” while fans describe the thriller as “gripping.”
Charlotte Ritchie’s Journey from Call the Midwife
Charlotte Ritchie joined Call the Midwife in 2015 as Nurse Barbara Hereward, staying for four seasons. Her character’s storyline culminated in tragedy during series seven. After returning to Poplar from Birmingham with husband Reverend Tom Hereward (Jack Ashton), Barbara caught a cold that led to meningitis and blood poisoning. Despite hospital treatment by Doctor Turner (Stephen McGann), septicemia caused irreversible damage, ending her midwifery career. She passed away surrounded by Tom and Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett).
Recent Roles and Projects
Post-Call the Midwife, Ritchie has thrived in diverse parts. She played Lin in Doctor Who (2019), Iris Shepherd in Death in Paradise, Matilda in Drifters, DS Irene Ross in McDonald & Dodds, and DS Francis in Code of Silence. From 2022 to 2024, she starred as Bonnie in Grantchester and Alison Cooper in Ghosts (2019-2023). She also appeared as Barbara in the film Wonka with Timothée Chalamet.
Legends streams now on Netflix.
