Rain Dogs

It's like a jigsaw puzzle where all the emotional pieces don't go together yet somehow fit. Thus the overall picture has uneven, rough edges and a lack of symmetry.

Jack Farthing plays a brilliant but vile version of Hugh Grant complimented by Daisy May hiding her First in English Lit under her pebbledash exterior. Although at times it may seem to be writhing in the dysfunctional and lacking emotional empathy, it is real as a bag of mouldy potatoes. Drugs, gambling, cheating, lying, and glorious food banks are the norm, not romance, candlelit dinners or happy endings.

Take Ade Edmondson as the Lenny the perv. He epitomises disgusting and most would avoid writing his character like the bubonic. No hankies needed, just all be prepared like a good Boy Scout to be shocked.

Not nice but true.

The show is a dark comedy that does not shy away from the harsh realities of poverty, prejudice and social injustice. It also explores the themes of motherhood, friendship, sexuality and identity with honesty and humor. The show has a punky and energetic style that matches the personality of its protagonist, who is always ready to fight for what she believes in.

The show also benefits from the excellent performances of its cast, especially Cooper, who delivers a charismatic and nuanced portrayal of Costello. She makes us laugh, cry and root for her character, who is flawed but lovable. Tashjian is also impressive as Iris, who has a sharp wit and a big heart. Farthing adds some charm and contrast as Hugo, who has his own struggles with his family and his sexuality.

Rain Dogs is a refreshing and original series that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of people who are often ignored or marginalized by society. It is also a moving and inspiring story of love and survival that will make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next.

I've given this a 10. Honestly, it's more an 8/9 but with only 783 reviews at time of writing, the 97 reviews who have given this 1 stars were not giving it anywhere near a fair appraisal. When so few vote overall, this brings the average down unfairly. I hope people don't get put off. This is a good well written gritty British drama comedy with strong performances from a great cast. It's shot well and the sound and soundtrack accompany the scenes well.

Yes, it's annoying how the narrative centres on Costello chasing a book deal; for some reason I find watching people chasing dreams unobtainable to most, tiring. But the relationships between the characters are interesting and relatable, Florian is an entertaining troubled soul. Len the pervert is also a good bit of eccentric fun. I loved the scene where Costello gifts one of his paintings and the recipient et al try to interpret it.

All in all a great British production. Thank you.

It's bleak, it's dark, it's engaging and me and the missus were hooked from the first episode. I thought the characters were well cast and haven't seen another series quite like it. Nice to see somehting original.

I may be biased as I've loved Daisy in everything else I've seen her in. I was really pleased to see her in a straight role and watch her not just doing another comedy role- I hope she gets more opportunities off the back of this.

Haven't finished the full series yet, so may still be dissapointed, but have enjoyed this so far and would suggest people make their own minds up. And don't get put off too much by the negative reviews.

Costello is a single mum, trying to do her best for her daughter Iris, her life is chaotic, and the major cause is her best friend Selby, a gay man from an immensely privileged background.

I've waited until I've got through the whole thing before reviewing the series in general, by episode five I still couldn't quite work out just what it was, by the end of it, I just couldn't care less, all I knew, is that it's a great series.

It's funny, it's sad, it's relevant, it goes on to deal with several taboo subjects, there is some material here that I don't think I've seen tackled in any show, Costello's story with her mum for example, that was quite something.

A real snapshot of life in 2023, how tough it is, and just how people will do whatever they can to survive. Costello's relatively with Selby, it's sort of a toxic story of love and friendship, it's so complex, but so interesting, how many of us have that love/hate thing going on with people, nothing truly is black and white.

Daisy May Cooper sends out a huge signal ahead of her Bond role, totally deserving, she is phenomenal, as an actor and a writer, I have a feeling she's due to be something of a national treasure. Jack Farthing, what a contrast to his role on Poldark, he is phenomenal as Selby.

An awesome supporting cast, Anna Chancellor, Ronke Adekoluejo, Ade Edmondson, Siobhan Redmond and even Karl Pilkington.

Don't let this one pass you by.

9/10.