…I wasn’t sure I would like this series. And I nearly didn’t get past the first episode; all that blood and guts, not expected for a programme broadcast before the nine o’clock watershed. But it is a sign of the maturity of the very best TV drama (and that almost always means the BBC) that reality doesn’t get left behind in the desire to ‘entertain’. Luckily, a friend encouraged me to keep with the series, and it has been rewarding in a number of ways.
The key to good drama is story, cast and direction. This has the lot. The (real) tale of NHS midwives in late ’50s East End London. A step into the past. The positives – that sense of community, of progress and hope, of friendships; the negatives – the overcrowding, the poverty, the filth. And I like the way we are constantly reminded of how far things had progressed with the advent of the National Health Service some years earlier (whilst some of us look on aghast as it is now being taken apart).
The casting is a dream. Jenny Agutter, surely one of the most versatile (and under-rated?) of actresses. Jessica Raine, almost child -like. And it was a stroke of genius to have Miranda Hart playing the lovely Chummy, bringing some light to balance the darker moments.
This may sound ridiculous, but there is a comparison here with Dad’s Army: a collection of interesting and likeable people doing good.
But it is also quite moving, a rare thing indeed.
No wonder this has been such a surprise hit.
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This must be one of the best researched and actuated TV dramas for the last decade. Apart from the perhaps unavoidable cleanliness of the sets and clothing (cleanest washing – ready ironed it seems hanging on those street-strung washing lines) it shouts mid 20th century: the accents and real portrayals of social mores haven’t been ‘bought up to date’ at the expense of truth (as has the rather delightful if predictable Downtown Abbey). Can’t fault ‘Midwives’ otherwise and I’m one of those nitpickers that goes ‘hamsters being known about in the Downtown Abbey’s 1910s servant’s hall??? – pah!’
Call the Midwife is an excellent, excellent series, that reminds us old-timers just what dire health issues the NHS set out correcting, and hopefully, what a jewel it still is, before it gets dismantled piecemeal as a step towards the majority of us reverting to those living conditions.
Pleased to read a second series is commissioned. This is not a watch-once programme, but a treasure! Well written, well produced, well directed and well acted, with ultimate 50s girl Miranda Hart a touch of casting genius. To see Roy Hudd tonight gives it the last touch of wonderful.
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I will update this review as the series continues but felt I needed to say something after the first episode last night. I haven’t read the books so can’t compare them but I have just ordered them so we will see, the programme itself though was fantastic, just my kind of thing, I love period drama’s and though this is set much later than what I usually go for, I loved it. I found the subject of midwifery and family life in the east end in the 1950’s very interesting and along with a great cast, the detail of knowledge made this riveting viewing . After just one of the six episodes I have pre-ordered the Dvd , something I would never normally do , hopefully the first class drama continues. *UPDATE* Episode 2 had a slightly different feel to the first but new character Chummy Browne (Miranda Hart) was a great addition and there were some good storylines, particularly the prostitution/adoption one which was heartbreaking. Episode 3 wasn’t as good as the first two but there was alot more development of individual characters and the two main storylines were quite emotional. I can’t wait until next sunday, I just wish there were more than six episodes. Episode 4 and 5 were the best yet as the series hits it’s stride and all the characters have had their introductions, it’s a shame there’s only one more to go, the good news is, there is to be a second series. The series finished with a great episode which tied up some loose ends but left room for the next series. This really was a fantastic programme, just up my street .
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Speaking as a man…,
…I wasn’t sure I would like this series. And I nearly didn’t get past the first episode; all that blood and guts, not expected for a programme broadcast before the nine o’clock watershed. But it is a sign of the maturity of the very best TV drama (and that almost always means the BBC) that reality doesn’t get left behind in the desire to ‘entertain’. Luckily, a friend encouraged me to keep with the series, and it has been rewarding in a number of ways.
The key to good drama is story, cast and direction. This has the lot. The (real) tale of NHS midwives in late ’50s East End London. A step into the past. The positives – that sense of community, of progress and hope, of friendships; the negatives – the overcrowding, the poverty, the filth. And I like the way we are constantly reminded of how far things had progressed with the advent of the National Health Service some years earlier (whilst some of us look on aghast as it is now being taken apart).
The casting is a dream. Jenny Agutter, surely one of the most versatile (and under-rated?) of actresses. Jessica Raine, almost child -like. And it was a stroke of genius to have Miranda Hart playing the lovely Chummy, bringing some light to balance the darker moments.
This may sound ridiculous, but there is a comparison here with Dad’s Army: a collection of interesting and likeable people doing good.
But it is also quite moving, a rare thing indeed.
No wonder this has been such a surprise hit.
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|Fantastic Wonderful Glorious,
This must be one of the best researched and actuated TV dramas for the last decade. Apart from the perhaps unavoidable cleanliness of the sets and clothing (cleanest washing – ready ironed it seems hanging on those street-strung washing lines) it shouts mid 20th century: the accents and real portrayals of social mores haven’t been ‘bought up to date’ at the expense of truth (as has the rather delightful if predictable Downtown Abbey). Can’t fault ‘Midwives’ otherwise and I’m one of those nitpickers that goes ‘hamsters being known about in the Downtown Abbey’s 1910s servant’s hall??? – pah!’
Call the Midwife is an excellent, excellent series, that reminds us old-timers just what dire health issues the NHS set out correcting, and hopefully, what a jewel it still is, before it gets dismantled piecemeal as a step towards the majority of us reverting to those living conditions.
Pleased to read a second series is commissioned. This is not a watch-once programme, but a treasure! Well written, well produced, well directed and well acted, with ultimate 50s girl Miranda Hart a touch of casting genius. To see Roy Hudd tonight gives it the last touch of wonderful.
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|First impressions , it’s fantastic !,
I will update this review as the series continues but felt I needed to say something after the first episode last night.
I haven’t read the books so can’t compare them but I have just ordered them so we will see, the programme itself though was fantastic, just my kind of thing, I love period drama’s and though this is set much later than what I usually go for, I loved it.
I found the subject of midwifery and family life in the east end in the 1950’s very interesting and along with a great cast, the detail of knowledge made this riveting viewing .
After just one of the six episodes I have pre-ordered the Dvd , something I would never normally do , hopefully the first class drama continues.
*UPDATE* Episode 2 had a slightly different feel to the first but new character Chummy Browne (Miranda Hart) was a great addition and there were some good storylines, particularly the prostitution/adoption one which was heartbreaking.
Episode 3 wasn’t as good as the first two but there was alot more development of individual characters and the two main storylines were quite emotional.
I can’t wait until next sunday, I just wish there were more than six episodes.
Episode 4 and 5 were the best yet as the series hits it’s stride and all the characters have had their introductions, it’s a shame there’s only one more to go, the good news is, there is to be a second series.
The series finished with a great episode which tied up some loose ends but left room for the next series. This really was a fantastic programme, just up my street .
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