Firstly, the problem with critics is they seem to confuse their love of TV & film with actual knowledge of subject matter. Let's get this clear, they are NOT train engineers and do not understand the workings of the Rail Network - I daresay British Rail barely understand their own network. This leads me to my next point. Some jump to quick conclusions based on their limited knowledge. I am not going to make claims about any actual knowledge...I have none when it concerns rail travel.
With this in mind it is best to just watch Nightsleeper for the action and enjoy it. Is it a little contrived? Yes. Is the acting brilliant from all the characters? No. But it wasn't in Die Hard or Under Seige. This is just an action series piece of escapism that is fun to watch as well as annoying at times. The writers have included too many twists and mechanisms and it most certainly isn't realistic to life (none of our trains are this reliable with a driver let alone without one) but it is ultimately good predictable fun. Did anyone expect John McClane to die in Die Hard? No. It is just fun. This series is in that ilk, the accidental hero in the wrong place at the wrong time racing to right wrongs because that's the type of character the hero is.
My main criticism would be that the writers put too many situations together thinking they were giving characters depth but they definitely fail with this...it is a particularly unnecessary bit of overkill thrown in to keep the red herrings fed for each episode. That said, dismiss all requirements for TV to marry with actual reality and you might find yourself enjoying this short series.
