Common as Muck

A fun first series although a bit too short

Could have done with the first part being 8 episodes

A fun series following bin men and their camaraderie

The second series strayed too far from the first, although I liked the second it wasn't a patch on the first and at times feels like the second series was a different show but with the boys as the characters

This was a truly excellent series. It followed the lives of a group of binmen and their adventures in trying to carry on whilst their jobs are privatised and they are being hounded by their boss who wants them out. I got into this show as I had myself worked for the local council and this showed it in a quite realistic light. Being a binman is a dirty, tiring job, but the bond between workers was strong, (at least as I experienced it), and Common As Muck reflected this.

Best described as a Comedy-Drama, this show has some very unsettling moments of violence (see when Ken attacks Sunil when he thinks Sunil and his wife are having an affair), coupled with genuinely funny scenes. I defy anyone to not feel for all of the guys after a few shows, even Ken - superbly played by Neil Dudgeon.

The second series sees the lads moving on and is not quite as good, but still better than much on TV before or since. I strongly recommend viewing this show. I would dearly like to see it released on DVD.

Common As Muck has a great deal in common with Auf Weidershen Pet. Both deal with the interesting situation of throwing together a riff-raff of different characters into one melting pot then standing back and watching the whole lot go off.

We are introduced to a group of very different men who are thrown together by their common trade, they are binmen. Their developing friendship, loves and various intertwined lives are followed closely as they bumble along. The cast read like a who's who of well established British actors. Edward Woodward, the comedian Roy Hudd, June Whitfield and Tim Healy of Auf Weidershen Pet fame. The tone is realistic, gritty, yet poignant and funny. Written and acted to high standard as you would expect of the BBC's recent northern dramas, it ran for two series and stands as another example of real everyday peoples lives and jobs being as interesting and funny as gritty and realistic.

I enjoyed both series but the first was easily the best. There was more intrigue and better stories. I was particularly amused by the painting of the church ceiling in the second series but I cannot remember much about the rest. The first series was fresh with vibrant storylines and needless to say an excellent cast.

I really miss common as Muck-Noticeably the first series was much better than the second. I am really trying to find a full copy of all the programmes of the first and ideally the second series. I believe UK TV Australia is running the series-i'm just waiting for UK gold to do so over here? I really enjoyed Corrie recently when Bernard's character was featured in it. The music was made by the other 2 which I have purchased the album of-it contains a song with the opening credits are sampled from. The rest of the songs on the album are OK. The second series also I believe featured June Whitfield who also featured in Absolutely fabulous as the mum. If any 1 has the full series (1 or 2) let us know :-)