Back to Life

Nearly gave up on this one early on-- so glad I stuck with it. As the story unfolds the characters' motivations become more clear and, just as in real life, they become so much more human as we begin to see where they're coming from. Funny, biting dark humour helps keep it from becoming a soap opera. Definitely not for everyone but in the course of its three hour run it took me from a point of wondering why I was watching to being a fan of Daisy Haggard's talents. Give it a look if you're a fan of dark British comedy.

BACK TO LIFE bbc 3 uk.

Six part series-1 is a fine piece of work, emotionally pleasing and the best of 2019 English storytelling. The whole air of the series is faded , edge of nation , small town claustrophobia, with amusing lines and situations and characters. Evocative coastline views and the quiet mundane details of English small town life.

Perfect length, 6 half hour episodes to tell the simple story. Some annoyances like the hapless useless investigator. The flaw is that truth at the centre of the story is unlikely to have remained hidden for 18 years, but one must overlook that. Great performances by Daisy Haggard, Geraldine James, Richard Durden, Jo Martin.

Daisy Haggard is tremendous in this very unusual, bittersweet dramedy 'back to life,' talk about a different, unusual premise. How to make a woman convicted of a serious crime funny, sincere and likeable. Haggard manages to do all of those things, Miree has served her time, and wanting to get on with life, and rebuild, the trouble for her is that those around her won't let her get in with it.

I binge watched the whole series in one go, as I was so captivated by the character of Miree and her story. Some terrific characters, my favourite being Miree's wayward mother, beautifully played by Geraldine James.

It's like Fleabag in a sense, more drama then humour, but it is quite captivating.

Thoroughly enjoyed. 8/10

Tonally, I did struggle to nail this one down as the humour can be very subtle. That's my issue and not the fault of the writing.

This 6 part series is charming, moving, funny and at times quite bleak, but is never dull.

I really enjoyed this show and how the characters evolved. I hope there will be 3rd season as well. Well written and acted.