Breathtaking

I sat down to watch all 3 episodes one after the other. That quickly became an impossibility, with me making an excuse to make a hot beverage between episodes. Just to take a moment to reflect and process it all.

I knew this was based on the book by Dr Rachel Clarke but I hadn't taken the time to read it (at this point but plan to). I also know the realities of how Drama can over-embellish elements. This didn't feel like drama though, it felt far too raw and real for that. It came across as nothing less than a perspective of a reality, most of us hadn't witnessed or been a part of.

Some may squirm at the politics involved. From hospital management to public health England. Of course, the Government would also get its moment in the limelight. Squirm you may, but that's the reality of this. Decisions had to come from somewhere, and ignoring that, and removing that responsibility is only ignorance. I don't think this portrayal had any plans to be ignorant of that reality. Even then, the politics which includes clips of press conferences and interviews was tasteful and presented as to not be the main focal point.

While anger was certainly a prevalent feeling while watching, it was most certainly not the only emotion that bubbled to the surface. A deep sense of respect for the unsung heroes within our healthcare system. Shame at repeated calls for additional resources ignored. Sorrow for those who lost their lives. Pride from seeing those stand up and speak out.

People will make their assessment of the events of COVID. That does not take away from this assessment. I like many am thankful to all our amazing healthcare staff. Grateful for their dedication and proud of everything they do to help others. This was a stark reminder of why.

Highly recommended.

That people are reviewing this in a negative way depresses me beyond belief. Unless they were working for the NHS on the frontline thier opinion is worthless.

This is possibly the hardest-hitting series I've ever watched. The performances from the entire cast are superb; Joanne Froggatt is phenomenal -I don't think ANYONE could have played this role better than her.

It brought me to tears time and time again. I was SO angry watching it. The lies by Johnson, the contempt by Hancock, the dismissal of the situation in favour of the economy by Sunak... these people should NEVER be forgotten, NEVER be forgiven. Hunt, who ran down the NHS on his watch, was another.

Comfort yourselves with your whacko conspiracies if it makes you feel better, but you couldn't have been there if you believe this is propaganda. I feel sorry for you and pray that you never need the people you are in such contempt of.

Doctor Abbey Henderson and her team prepare for the incoming COVID 19 pandemic, only they're short on PPE, oxygen, beds and more. One thing was certain, The country wasn't prepared.

Having been penned by Jed Mercurio, I was expecting something very harrowing and hard hitting, I didn't think that was the case in the first episode, I didn't think it went far enough, I thought the second part however, did get that message through.

At times very sad and very moving, I did question this drama coming out so soon after The Pandemic.

I was hospitalised in the first wave, and I can assure some of the users that I'm no actor, and I got to see first hand exactly how horrendous it was. What I would say, is that whatever your thoughts on the virus, the vaccines, the origins etc, one thing that's clear, NHS staff went through hell.

Well acted, Joanne Froggatt as always is a very safe pair of hands, she did a good job.

I thought Davina's story stood out particularly well, that was very moving.

Seeing the news clips or Johnson and Hancock, made my blood boil.

What I would say, I hope to balance this out, that a drama is commissioned showing the other side of the coin, the effects on those that lived in isolation, those that lost out on education, those that suffered financially, a balanced view needs to be shown.

7/10.

Excellent drama, that tackled all sides, Covid, The NHS, The idiots in charge, the other idiots that try to run the country, oh, and the conspiracy nutters, but my main action to undertake after watching this drama was to read the reviews, and in doing so they have covered the drama all over again. Whether you believe it or not, over this period, people of all ages died, and others who were sick, have to this day not recovered. The reason why we will always fail in this country, is we do not know how to stick together, and the people in power will always use this to their advantage. Watch it!!

From my experience both personal and professional this drama is spot on accurate. I worked in the front line NHS, was ill and lost family to the virus before we got vaccines. I still carry the emotional and physical scars of covid. When I walked into a covid side ward to say goodbye to dad I knew the risks and was cautious. When I walked into work at A & E, it was full of people who refused to wear masks because they were mislead and lied to. I am still dismayed that there are still people out there that double down on the "plandemic hoax" viewpoint. At least I find 'Breathtaking' cathartic, when I see such an accurate portrayal of the events, the disinformation, the characters, and the failing of politicians that abounded at the time I hope we can learn for the future.