Jake's Progress

This is one of the best mini-series I have ever seen. Dark, funny, sexy, disturbing... you name it, it is here. The actors were superb! Especially Barclay Wright, who plays Jake... Haley Joel Osment(The Sixth Sense) is good, but... Barclay Wright is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated young actors ever. The plot twists and suspense in this mini-series were almost more than I could stand, having to wait each week for the next episode. And although I was sorry to see the series end, what an ending! So shocking and yet so PERFECT! If you see this series in your TV listings, program the VCR! It is definitely worth it.

After a 5 years delay, I've seen the show. It's the first Bleasdale show I've seen and I believe this is one of the deepest, touching (not to mention dark) and original works ever produced for T.V. It made me go back in my memory to my childhood and discover hidden spaces in the human soul. All thanks to the incredible use of language and human observation by Alan Bleasdale (and of course, all the cast), who for me, is the greatest living screenwriter today, together with Jimmy Mcgovern.

High praise indeed, but it's not unwarranted. Bleasdale's script elicits dread, fury, revulsion, pity, tenderness, and roaring laughter. Even when you're pretty sure you know what's going to happen, Bleasdale can deliver the expected with a twist that rips either your heart or your guts out. And the acting? Bleasdale's ensemble of Robert Lindsay, Julie Walters, and Lindsay Duncan are unequalled -- and Dorothy Tutin deserves raves as Walter's mother. This one is aces all round. Give an A+ to the director also, for excellent pacing.

A very dark comedy with outstanding contributions from all cast members and ferociously well-written. Having watched it again for the first time in years (knowing how it ends) I noticed many many clever moments; lines, motifs and parallels between character circumstances. It gets better with each watching. One of my favourite series' ever - I'm surprised more people aren't aware of it.

This mini series is currently being run for the 3rd time on Australian TV, and despite air-time being after midnight, I'm stilled glued to it, in awe of the writing and the performances.

Nothing works without excellent writing, and Alan Bleasdale delivered a ripper with `Jake's Progress'. Robert Lindsay as the irresponsible, forever adolescent Jamie, Julie Walters (always brilliant in my view) as the harrassed Julie, Dorothy Tutin as the frightened and bewildered Nanna, and of course, Barclay Wright as Jake, contribute so much to this magnificent and unique TV series. (My early 20's son couldn't watch it - `There's that scary kid again', was his comment whenever Barclay Wright came on the screen!)

See it, or you may never know how incredible a TV series can be!