Cape Wrath

I have to say that I'm American and I LOVED Meadowlands (AKA Cape Wrath). It came on Showtime this year and it sucks to find out there wont be anymore episodes. So what was the point of them bringing it here if they aren't going to continue it. That's the 1 peeve I have about BBC programs, they cancel them (like HEX, which I also LOVED) and tease us with the leftovers a year later. At least Jekyll wrapped itself up in 6 episodes even though they left the door open to continue the series. That was great too. The Brits are definitely putting out better entertainment these days. I just wish we could get them at the same time. Also I hope Torchwood isn't over after the first 13 episodes. I like that too - and I guess I'll get sucked in and let down on that one too. At least Dr. Who's still around.

I just watched the first episode, as that's all we have had in the UK so far. I like it a lot. Interesting premise, and appears original.

Anyway, with only 8 episodes it is certainly worth viewing.

If the quality of the remaining episodes is as good, I hope they commission a second series.

To answer someone's question, it is not a set. It is filmed in Kent, in two close by areas called Leybourne Lakes (the multi coloured houses) and Kings Hill (the white houses and "town square" and pub). It's also filmed round the back of my house at the golf course (again Kings Hill).

FOLLOWING COMMENTS ADDED AFTER VIEWING THE REST OF THE SERIES:

I rated this a 10 after the first episode. Unfortunately the rest of the series did not live up to the promise shown. It's fairly original yes, but it's also overlong and gets tedious. I'd rate it a 6.5 or perhaps slightly better. I'd be surprised to see a second series.

To the person who insinuated Americans don't want to watch a movie that makes them think, I'm American and I do want to watch a story that unfolds slowly taking time to develop characters and plot.

I guess that's why I almost exclusively watch British programs.

I will rewatch a British series or movie before I will watch American shows.

Once I started watching British shows I couldn't go back. The stories are so compelling I find myself staying up till the wee hours watching more.

To be fair there are a few American shows that surprise me and are good but not very often.

I love a good story and I feel like I'm stuck in America with people who can't tell one. It's depressing.

I am so happy I can stream channels like BBC, Acorn, and PBS or I would just shrivel up and die without some kind of real art that I get from British Programing.

Meadowland was one who of those series, it hooked me and kept me coming back. The actors were talented and the series was engaging and well written.

Released puzzlingly as "Cape Wrath" in the UK (the US title was the more appropriate "Meadowlands"), this British production has David Morrissey and his improbably photogenic family moving to a mysterious town under new identities. It's not long before the family encounter violence, sexual tension and oodles of weirdness.

I remain unconvinced of Morrissey's performance in this drama but the beautiful Lucy Cohu is mesmerising as his wife, Evelyn. Cohu drips sensuality and the later scenes in the first episode are thick with sexual tension.

Harry Treadaway is convincing as the shell-shocked son and Felicity Jones delivers a memorable performance as teenage temptress, Zoe.

The gritty element of the script is provided early-on by bad-boy Jack Donnelly, played by Tom Hardy. Hardy is the animalistic handyman whose activities go way beyond fitting broken shelves.

Not a patch on US drama, the series starts well but falters towards an anti-climatic ending. In the end, "Cape Wrath" outstays its welcome.

"Meadowlands is a sunny place!"

The words would give you an expectancy of a drab, happy little suburban drama - comedy but in truth it is so much more.

The characters are very well portrayed, the storyline well thought through and written.

The darkness of Meadowlands/Cape Wrath will draw you in and keep you watching, wanting to find out why all the people are as they are.

It's a very good watch, but go in prepared for some spine-chilling surprises.

There is never a moment where you aren't in suspense, or worried for a characters personal safety, you feel empathy for them, but at the same time, are wary of the darkness you can feel in their natures.

Meadowlands/Cape Wrath is a top watch for someone looking to be intrigued.