Peak Practice

Not a bad series, though the fact that no one EVER found happiness, no wedding EVER went well, no marriage EVER worked out, no family in town seemed happy together.

The series finale was shocking, but also a lazy way out for the writers. Incredibly disappointing.

I've been watching 'Peak Practice' for quite a while now and make it a point to never miss it. What I like most about this serial is its realistic and sensitive probing into the psyche of the doctors and the patients..It portrays life in all its ups and downs, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes cruel..The performances are first rate..Adrian Lukis is absolutely charming and Saskia Wickham is excellent as Errika Matthews, you can't help identifying with her character -she evokes a lot of empathy. What I like most about the serial is the balance the director has achieved in portraying life from both the doctor's and patient's perspective. The plight of the patients in each of the episodes is conveyed realistically. Though a tearjerker, 'Peak Practice' is one of the most touching serials I've seen..With it's beautiful country setting(the serial is set in Derbyshire) it makes a statement for the bitter-sweet life in a very English coutryside...but with stories that are universal and emotions common to all humanity... Check it out

The first ten years were compelling despite the ever changing cast. Unfortunately the final 2 years was comparable to watching a soap opera trying to jump the shark. What a letdown.

Peak Practice was a good series but they never recaptured the Beth / Jack magic of the early seasons, which was essential to balance the tragedies / darker topics. I like that the show doesn't shy away from death but it was too much doom and gloom as the years went by. Like Midsomer Murders, having a deeply bonded and some warm/romantic humour made the sad storylines bearable. I watched this show as a teen and it is weird but good to watch it again now that I am older than the doctors - 30 years on, the storylines are still so relevant, esp the work/community struggle as I've had that in my own career.

Ironically the next episode on my Morse playlist is S2.3 which stars Kevin (regular) and Amanda (guest) before they filmed Peak Practice.

Horrible and disappointing finish to an otherwise wonderful series. Does no one ever find happiness in the Dales?