ianlouisiana Review of Kiri

Kiri (2018)

Lawyers,Bankers,Politicians and Social Workers...what do they have in common

[9/10 · 11 January 2018]

.....they are all despised by the the Tabloid Press and a large percentage of its readers. As a result of several tragic high - profile cases in recent years,local government Childrens' Services have been vilified and individual Social Workers hounded out of their jobs and the sterling work that most of them do it is conveniently forgotten. "Kiri" starts off with a compassionate and well - meaning social worker making the decision to allow a young black girl about to be adopted by white parents visit her blood grandparents. When the child fails to return home and is rather quickly found murdered,Miriam (Miss S.Lancashire ,convincing dowdy - down but not out;hanging in there) is hung out to dry by her superiors,all keen to distance themselves from her. "99% of the time you're a brilliant social worker...." her boss says as she spears her in the back. Sporting a convincing Bristol accent,Miss Lancashire has no trouble sweeping "Kiri" along in her wake.Not since "Happy Valley" has British TV presented a female character so dominating. In this first episode most of the other characters are hastily sketched,leaving Miriam alone to be fleshed out as a real human being. This may change as the series continues,but right now we are looking at yet another triumph,another award - winning role for one of our best T.V actresses. She is in danger of giving Social Workers a good name.