Just watched series 1 episode 1 of this drama. This episode right off the bat commenced in a furious argument, (or row as the Brits call it) between husband and wife while the young children are listening in the background frightened. Without giving the plot away the story contained scenes of adultery and violence with some f bombs thrown in. The violence is graphic , you cringe and can almost feel the punches yourself as you are watching. There is no way this show would make it past American censors. I was drawn in quickly from the first scene until the conclusion. A tragic occurrence caused by one of the characters happens about 15 minutes into the episode. After the tragedy each character swings back and forth from blaming someone else to blaming themselves. They all have feeling of anger. Sadness , and guilt. The director does a magnificent job showing close ups of the guilt ridden angry and sad faces of each character. The actors were all superb, each one did a great job portraying their angst delivering their lines and in their facial expressions. There were no wasted scenes throughout the entire hour long episode. I was very moved by this episode and it compelled me to do some research into the program. First of all I enjoyed the outdoor scenes of the gritty titled street of the show. I would not exactly call it a slum. But it looks like the type of street that has seen its share of late night boozy brawls. This street is inhabited by tough, hard nosed working class Brits. No Little Lord Fauntleroys or Lady Chatterleys live here. Evidently there were many well known stars of British cinema and telly that starred in some episodes. I recognized the lead from the one I watched as Jane Horrocks the ditzy blonde from AbFab. She did a great job in her lead dramatic role. One of my all time favorite British actors Bob Hoskins is in another one. Can't wait to see that!
