Mix Tape

I found this tv drama emotionally engaging - it had me hooked right to the end - despite it containing a few flaws. I am of an age to remember compiling cassettes made up of my favourite songs - so I could relate to both time periods (many of the songs chosen were quite obscure, though). I did find it irritating that, despite Alison and Daniel both being professional writers, they are amazingly inarticulate at explaining their actions, or expressing their feelings. It does enable the series to create and prolong misunderstandings, so has dramatic value, but does seem rather contrived. Also, their partners are portrayed as being self-centred and insensitive, which helps justify the betrayals of Alison and Dan, but one wonders how the relationships have survived so long with these attitudes. Finally, the actresses who play the younger and older versions of Alison, whilst good in themselves, bear no likeness to each other, which stretches credibility. One reviewer on this site made the interesting suggestion that Lily James would have been a better match for the older Alison (presumably she was either unavailable, or too expensive).

We knew nothing about this going in, other than 'you never forget the boy who makes you your first mixtape'. Enjoyed the short series so much, perfect weekend watch. The songs are perhaps more suited to UK watchers, but they were well chosen and took us back. Great casting! The young actors had us believing they were smitten, and the chemistry carried across to the adult counterparts. Only one actor seemed like he was acting, otherwise the characters were believable and a little relatable. Gen X watchers should enjoy this.

Not sure why there are a smattering of low ratings, but most romances have them, not sure if someone is making them watch against their will, but if you've watched the ad, you should know what you're in for, and it's some high quality, well scripted, well acted entertainment. It's not going to change your life, but it will make you smile and hum along, and entertain you for four hours. Might even watch again!

I would highly recommend this series, it is well worth a watch. It is so sweet and beautiful. A lovely heart warming watch in a time when the world is so unbearable complicated. From the begining right to the end it had me hooked. I never once looked at my phone while watching. It pulled on every heart string and left me wanting more. I am devastated that I'm finished all 4 episodes. I wish I had spaced the episodes out so that I had it in my life for longer. The characters and their lives are relatable. The soundtrack is fantastic and if you are of a certain vintage will take you down memory lane.

This is the best limited series I have seen for many years. In fact it is a high quality movie presented in four parts. The story is interesting, but it's execution is what makes this show a 10.

The screenplay is superb. It's best moments are when the story is hinted at, not spoon fed to us - the writers treat the audience with respect.

The direction is also a standout, again using understatement to make greater emotional impact. The use of flashbacks and current timelines is fluid and never misses a beat. Again presented to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions & interpretations.

And the acting.....fantastic! Every role was so perfectly cast and they all delivered. In particular the young & old Daniel & Alison. All four were superb, but I must single out Florence Hunt who played the young Alison. To me her convincing performance set up the story so well.

And last but not least, the Music. Used to perfection and ensured my emotions bubbled over, especially in the last episode. Well done to all on a most memorable viewing experience. Thank you.

I came across this as it was starting on the BBC, knowing nothing about it. Watched the first episode and then was hooked.

It reflects the period in the 80's well, recreating Sheffield. Varying accuracy of accents aside, it does it well.

The two central characters, as kids, are excellent, as are their adult counterparts.

Theres various issues of the time to deal with, social pressures, dysfunctional family, seemingly loving family, school life, friendship, love, all set to a fairly good soundtrack of 80's indie (ish) music. Nice to see someone with those horrible orange foam headphones on permanently! Theres even a pantomime villain character, scheming away.

I found it refreshing and lovely and was glued to it.