Noughts + Crosses

Great story of a dystopian alternate reality , many similarities to apartheid south africa in here . As a white south africa growing up in apartheid, I saw so many similarities that I could relate to here. I find it odd that some reviewers on here give it a bad rating and then state that they just don't like the idea of the story and how offended they are by it, but then probably go off and are pretty happy to watch a show like "Man in the High castle" (an alternative reality where the Nazis rule the world). Clearly indicating their bias...

What an intriguing plot - a world where whites are the underclass. It's set in modern times, but without the civil rights movement. So there's an interesting mix of then and now issues, flipped on their head.

The characters are like-able and believable. Until they aren't. Characters are complicated. You can't just have them do whatever you want because you need it for the plot. These characters change so fundamentally from episode five to six, it really pulls you out of the story. This is a Dany-season-eight-of-Game-of-Thrones level change.

I did finish the season, may or may not continue, but the writing just didn't hold up to the end.

This adaptation of the alternate-history YA series made big waves in 2020 with its contemporary soundtrack, bold afro-futurist designs and cool cameos (the legendary Stormzy shows up). The second series feels like a strangely sad and flaccid afterthought, reduced to only four episodes and clearly shot under restrictions so most scenes are tedious two-or-three person conversations in empty streets. The first series, although clunky at times, had some momentum and felt in comparison like a lost golden dream. The only real throughline here is the evergreen Paterson Joseph as the increasingly erratic and maniacal leader of Albion, pushing for independence to suit his own ends. There is some intriguing world-building here but sadly it seems like unfortunate circumstances and strange decisions have rather sunk the prospects of further visits to this dimension.

A fantastic drama. Thought provoking and exciting. I'm a white guy who has no issue with seeing this alternate reality. We should never forget how we've treated others because of their race and how we continue to do so.

I do think people will find it uncomfortable to watch at times and it means it's highlighting something within. I especially love the subtle details they've written in. Fantastic. Brilliant.

The story is over simplistic. Africa invaded Albion (England) 700 years ago, and whites are the oppressed and segregated. Throw in a mixed race love triangle with an aggressive bully. It's supposed to make you think, but is just a big cliche.