Broken

This, so far, is excellent drama. In my opinion, it is important drama. This is the stuff of real life, of the deeply messy confusion of being human, where at best, and in spite of our best efforts, sometimes even because of our best efforts, we are constantly 'off- target'. For the central character in this story, the bullseye is Christ-like love. For others, it is family, children, the job, being able to tell the truth, and not least, being able to survive and navigate one's own conscience, or otherwise becoming a part of the 'banality of evil' by embracing dishonesty. Quite often, if our conscience still has life, we are torn and in pain, as 'we do what we must do', because someone's going to get hurt no matter how we choose. Or we die as we sleep; the sleep that is sleep because we refuse to feel pain, especially the pain of failure. But we all fail, as we are all broken.

This show encapsulates that difficult truth very well. The acting and cinematography is top-shelf (Sean Bean possibly had the wrong calling to become an actor, whilst of course, his priestly portrayal is so good because he is such a great actor) There has been some very provocative writing and some of it will set Catholic teeth on edge. My teeth have so far been far more put on edge by what I strongly feel is the over-use of violin in scenes which could stand well alone without it. And a few small continuity issues. Other than that, I look forward to the next episode of such an excellent, even spiritually provoking drama. Which will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea. but it is certainly mine thus far.

I'm a Protestant Evangelical Pastor and was quite simply gripped by the reality of the pain and emotion woven through this series; from a pastoral perspective it was a master-piece, challenging to any man seeking to serve God..... could hardly watch the final episode at times and that final scene had in me tears

Not a Catholic, but that matters not a whit. Everything in this series is just so absorbing that its direct spirituality (Catholicism) is, because of it, surprisingly inclusive: there is something for everyone. So impressed with Jimmy McGovern, the writing, the acting, and I assume all others who had a hand in this finished work. A BBC keeper.

I'm gonna be honest and shallow here. Then get deeper. Shallow bit. I started watching this, because Anna Friel was in it, and I fancy the pants off her. Always have. Always will. Even when she plays a hopeless down and out mother of three kids. The lack of a father figure doesn't belittle her situation, whatever some critics say. Deeper bit. This drama just gets better and better with every episode. It really shouldn't matter what your creed or colour or politics are, this drama encapsulates all that is so troubled with humanity right now, with right and wrong, justice and injustice, fairness and unfairness, and political correctness. I'm not anymore a Christian, far less a Catholic. But that doesn't mean that I don't respect those views. In his role, Sean Bean, IMHO, portrays our human and humane struggles to perfection, irrespective of our religious beliefs. And if you disagree, that is because you are religiously or politically biased. IMHO. # Tolerance

Firstly I'd just like to start by thanking Jimmy MGovern, for giving us this drama, six parts of compulsive viewing, each episode gives a scarily realistic snapshot of real life. We get cover ups, gambling debts, fraud, bitterness, love and hope. I loved the format, six different episodes, with parallel stories running all the way. Gritty, realistic and heartbreaking, you are attached to every single character and their everyday battles.

Every single episode had me gripped, but I must give a special mention to Episode 2, Andrew, not since Line of Duty have I sat glued to my seat for sixty minutes captivated by what was in front of me. Mark Stanley stood out, but the entire cast were mesmerising. Drama doesn't come much better.

I've always been a massive fan of Sean Bean, I just don't think I'd realised he was THIS good, let's be honest, he was a revelation in this, and if awards don't follow I'll be majorly surprised.

I can find no faults whatsoever, I just wanted more.

Arguably the drama series of 2017. Series 2 has to follow.

10/10.