ITV's new crime drama The Blame, set to premiere on September 20, follows the investigation into the murder of a teenage skater. The six-part series, starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth, explores how the case intersects with deeper issues of misogyny within the fictional Wakestead police force. The show delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by detectives as they uncover systemic problems within their own department. The original opening scene of the series was so explicit that it had to be re-filmed. The creators decided to open with a scene highlighting casual misogyny among the police officers, including text messages from real officers obtained through whistleblowing investigations. These messages were described as "hideous" and "tough to watch" due to their offensive content. Douglas Booth, who plays DI Tom Radley, mentioned that there were several versions of the opening scene, with one being more explicit than the final version. He noted that the initial scene, while "on the nose," was intended to immerse viewers in the story's themes. Keegan added that the show explores various ways men interact with women, including inappropriate behavior and comments. The series begins with DI Emma Clare (Keegan) and DI Tom Radley discussing the day's events in a local pub before the murder is revealed. Other officers are also present, discussing how to approach an attractive woman at the bar, highlighting the ingrained social culture. More intense scenes begin around 10 minutes into the episode. Both Keegan and Booth emphasized that the show aims to address systemic issues within the police force without undermining the work they do. They noted that police officials understand the issues portrayed in the series, though they also acknowledge the challenges and dedication of police officers.