Pistol

I almost didn't watch this. I was born in 1969 so I was a little kid during these years. But the music and punk movement endured into the 1980s so I was aware of it tho I didn't follow it. I just wasn't an angry teenager (tho I had reason to be) so it just didn't resonate with me, yet even then I knew something groundbreaking and important had happened. I learned so much watching this series. For starters I had no idea of the intersection of so many enduring greats that started out together at this time. Also? I learned a greater appreciation of punk than I've ever had before. The casting is perfect. The acting and directing and writing and production value are about as good and authentic as it gets. I was hooked early on and binge-watched it in one day. Now I'm sad it's over.

So I watched Pistol, the story of the Sex Pistols ( from the accounts and biography of Steve Jones ).

This was a very well made, interesting and entertaining show. A great visualisation of a product of society haplessly finding their way to super stardom in an entirely messy and damaging way.

The attention to detail was impressive, the atmosphere was dark and grimy but at times also fun and joyful.

I do know John Lydon was not consulted about this project and had to go through a court case regarding the music for the show while dealing with his wife's illness which I do not like.

This is typical of Disney mega corp bullying and its lawyers steamrolling through due process with all the elegance of Sid Viceous on stage with a knife.

I don't think there would be any situation where John Lydon would love the idea of a pistols docudrama but I'm sure after watching it he will certainly love to hate it.

When all is said and done Lydon comes out on top and through the madness, his own quirkiness and anger, he is eventually depicted as a thoughtful and caring lad with a lot of nous.

The story of the Sex Pistols is a fascinating one and its a miracle they got to where they did. Malcolm McLaren's vision was precise and almost contrived, princes of chaos but not a rock band. An extended work of art....

To be built up like a piece of long winded and majestic artwork only to be torn down to prove a point all along is the biggest story here.

It could be said if not for Steve Jones reckless ambition there wouldn't be a band. Without Malcolm there would not have been a band. Without Johns there wouldn't be this TV show.

As John Lydon has recently said "Anarchy is a terrible idea".... but its certainly useful.... As are most idelogies.

Let's start with the elephant in the room.

John Lydon wasn't involved in this mini series which is a monumental missed opportunity. His exclusion depends on which story you believe - Disney & Boyle are adamant Lydon wanted no part of it. Lydon insists he was never asked and excluded from the outset. Either way, it's a shame.

However, for the most part, Pistol, which is based on Steve Jone's biography, is a triumph and captures the chaos, destruction, humour and self destruction of the destroyers of rock n roll.

Although focusing for the most part on Steve Jones, his damaged upbringing and his relationships, especially with Chrissie Hynde, Pistol brings to life the rebellious, anti-establishment, punk rock movement of 70's Britain.

In particular, Anson Boon as Rotten is superb with his acerbic barbs directed indiscriminately at anyone and everyone. And ironically, despite Lydons non-involvment in the series, the character is portrayed sensitively although I doubt Lydon will ever admit he likes it.

While acted brilliantly, Thomas Brodie-Sangster seems miss cast as McLaren, coming across more as a baby faced assassin rather than the weird and wacky provocateur. However, Sydney Chandler as Hynde is top drawer.

In music history, there have been a few occurrences of the 'perfect storm' where the music world has changed forever, Nirvana being one such example. But none more dramatic or explosive as the Pistols and Boyle's mini series captures much of the mood and madness, perfectly.

There is much deviation from actual events for presumably artistic reasons. And I'm sure Lydon will dispute much of Jones's recollection of events. But as an entertainment set-piece it all works surprisingly well.

Have been looking forward to watching this. I was 16 in '77 and The Pistols were a major force in forming the musical tastes that i still have today. 'Pistol' was not quite what i had expected, a mixture of fact and fiction and some mis cast actors let it down a little. However, if you weren't around when punk smashed its way into mid 70's youth culture, i would imagine you would enjoy this more than us that were around at the time and can find holes in the storyline. That said, it was fun to watch, was nice to see original news footage from the time mixed in and had a great soundtrack of assorted genres. A great little series that is worth a watch.

I don't know why Lyndon is upset. I think he comes out looking better than anyone.

I just want a season 2 called 'Pretender' that continues Chrissie Hyndes' story.