Meadowlands

I have to tell you this series has great possibilities. I love the look of the show. It reminds me of the "Prisioner" with a 21st century twist. The ladies are beautiful and the story is dark. Let's hope the plot thickens. British TV has always had a different twist compared to US shows. HBO being on another level of course. We were wondering if those homes are a real place or a set built or maybe some kind of CGI. What ever it is a beautiful setting and the colors are just beautiful. Thank you UK for all the entertainment you have given us over the years. I know you will find more to add to this already complicated mystery.

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.

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.

Can anyone tell me what the song title is that was featured in Episode 8 of Cape Wrath? (this is the episode where the Brogan's have their opening party for the new bar)

A song is playing in the background - it's a dance beat, female singer, very airy voice...some of the lyrics are

Twist and turn this way Broken dreams just fade Swallowed up my hate Hypnotise Me

The "hypnotise me" words repeat throughout, so I assume that is the title of the song. I have tried Google and every lyrics site - can't figure out this song! HELP!!!

"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.