Hollington Drive

I enjoyed this little series. I liked how bland and cold it all was. The houses, the schools, the streets, the people, shops, atmosphere. It all had an empty and cold feeling to it, which I believe was the intention. It looked beautiful and had a dark and good story, I just think it was executed poorly.

The live of sisters Theresa and Helen, and their families are turned upside down when a young boy, Alex is found dead.

It's a slow burner it's fair to say, it improves as it goes on, and ends with a cracking episode, unfortunately episode one is a real clunker. You wouldn't be blamed for switching it off after fifteen minutes, the opener is painful.

It's very well made, smart looking, and features some wonderful acting, Anna Maxwell Martin and Rachel Stirling give amazing performances, particularly in Part four.

It's a clever murder mystery, a whodunnit, you'll guess and wonder, I'm not sure you'll get it, I certainly didn't.

This would have been better over two nights. It's a slow burner, but ultimately rewarding in the end.

Overall, pretty good, 7/10.

Found the series quite good and I have seen virtually all British murder series there is. I don't know why this series got so many bad reviews, usually I agree, and it sort of ruined it for me, watching the series. Was really intrigued with who committed the murder and if it was a murder. The plot was really good I believe.

Many of the poor reviews here, were posted before the final episode aired.

That frequently makes for an unreliable review.

I recorded all 4 episodes and watched them over two evenings. (It's easier to follow the characters that way). I normally make a decision as to whether to continue viewing a 4-5 episode show by mid episode 2. In this case I chose to stick with it to the end ..... and I'm glad I did!

It has an unpredictable outcome that on reflection, I should have seen coming. Watch carefully - there are clues as well as red herrings.

For those who don't appreciate this drama or give it a chance, look up Brecht or 'verfremdungseffekt'. It is slow moving and the characters are unlikeable - set against a stepford housewives backdrop - but I think this is deliberate. You are supposed to be forming a moral judgement about the characters, their behaviours and role in the story. It is a snapshot of modern middle-class living from the writer/ director - presenting their viewpoint/ opinion.