Noughts + Crosses

This adaptation of the alternate-history YA series made big waves in 2020 with its contemporary soundtrack, bold afro-futurist designs and cool cameos (the legendary Stormzy shows up). The second series feels like a strangely sad and flaccid afterthought, reduced to only four episodes and clearly shot under restrictions so most scenes are tedious two-or-three person conversations in empty streets. The first series, although clunky at times, had some momentum and felt in comparison like a lost golden dream. The only real throughline here is the evergreen Paterson Joseph as the increasingly erratic and maniacal leader of Albion, pushing for independence to suit his own ends. There is some intriguing world-building here but sadly it seems like unfortunate circumstances and strange decisions have rather sunk the prospects of further visits to this dimension.

I was obsessed with the books growing up, I fell in love with the plot and how the story was told and how they used all the different perspectives. When I saw online they had the green light for a series I was excited.

I binged all 6 episodes on BBC iplayer back to back the weekend they were released. Whilst the show was amazing and addressed the issues well I do think it would be better as a stand alone drama rather than an adaptation of the series.

The show mostly focuses on the events of the latter half of the second book and the third. Where the cast were automatically aged up to 18/19 where the story on the first book focuses on their friendship and developing feelings as young teens. The third book which is what the series is mostly based on is a time jump where the social events is tearing them apart.

The time line of events in the show jumps around, which if they had stuck to the original order it may have been more gripping.

I stand by its an amazing show I just wish it was more true to the books.

Compelling characters in a terrifying situation that highlights the opposite terrifying situation still alive to a significant degree today :-( Shines an ugly light on racism, police brutality/bias, and segregation.

Firstly, the way the series set itself up was excellent, with scene setting and background to make the viewer understand that typical western race roles had been reversed through African conquest. However, the script-writers tried to shoehorn in too many lazy stereotypes that don't exist in the modern world. It would have made sense had this been set in 1900 London, as it would represent the equivalent reversal of 1900 colonialism. Set in the present day it felt like the writers were trying to make too many political points rather than a drama. Once one realises this it becomes more enjoyable, but it's so blatant that it spoils too many of the situations as they couldn't contain themselves. On a more positive note the main characters were well played, and the family dynamics of the two main parts also excellent.

A fantastic drama. Thought provoking and exciting. I'm a white guy who has no issue with seeing this alternate reality. We should never forget how we've treated others because of their race and how we continue to do so.

I do think people will find it uncomfortable to watch at times and it means it's highlighting something within. I especially love the subtle details they've written in. Fantastic. Brilliant.