Noughts + Crosses

Great story of a dystopian alternate reality , many similarities to apartheid south africa in here . As a white south africa growing up in apartheid, I saw so many similarities that I could relate to here. I find it odd that some reviewers on here give it a bad rating and then state that they just don't like the idea of the story and how offended they are by it, but then probably go off and are pretty happy to watch a show like "Man in the High castle" (an alternative reality where the Nazis rule the world). Clearly indicating their bias...

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.

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.

The story is over simplistic. Africa invaded Albion (England) 700 years ago, and whites are the oppressed and segregated. Throw in a mixed race love triangle with an aggressive bully. It's supposed to make you think, but is just a big cliche.

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.