River City

As someone born in Aberdeen, Scotland, raised in The Republic of Ireland from the age of 4 & then England, & now back in Aberdeen & married to a local, I think River City is superb. The one liners - "Do you think my heid buttons up the back?" & "Did you get a lumber, Mister Henderson?" tickle my funny bone to this day. It's no better, & no worse, than many of the longer established soaps on TV. I have had some wonderful times in Glasgow in recent years - I just wish River City was filmed in the city's streets, rather than on a set, so that one could visit the location. My experience of Glasgow's citizens has always been positive, & it is a beautiful city, so I hope that this programme will encourage people to visit & immerse themselves in the culture of this "dear, green place".

Like all soaps, you can love them or hate them, but River City has become I believe the most diverse soap on the box. From gangland activity to marriage issues, gay relationships to local community and of course the local boozer. Not only a home grown soap based around Glasgow, but one which takes you into the lives of every character, be it the local hairdresser Robbie, or gangster Lennie Murdoch, who can be ruthless, but also has a compassionate side when it comes to looking after his own. This is an hour out of reality once a week and if born/living or just love Scotland, then this soap's for you. BUT for all those who condemn it for whatever their reasons...hey turn the channel on your TV. and watch some American rubbish instead..

Okay so it's hardly Dallas but don't dismiss it because it's Scottish and you've 'heard' its mince. It's actually a very good watch, with story lines just as credible as other soaps shown through the Uk. With story lines such as explosions, drug addictions, the comeuppance of a notorious gangster involving a stabbing, hostage situation and a confrontation at the docks - to name but a few (see link below for screen caps) http://www.bbc.co.uk/Scotland/TV/rivercity/gallery/docks/index.shtml You feel for the characters as much as you would in any other soap, its not only dramatic it's funny some of the one liners are fantastic and have you in stitches.

A weak starter but has really come into it's own over the last few years receiving all most as many ratings as the national soaps on occasion.

Don't listen to people who say it's rubbish and don't just take my word for it, watch it - see for yourself - you won't regret it.

A lot was said about this soap when it first hit our screens. It wasn't realistic, the plots where very poor and the acting was woeful. And they where absolutely right.

But something like this would always have taken time and with the amount of money that was spent to create it, it wasn't going to be dropped quickly.

As time progressed the story's have became better, deeper and more life like (well as life like as a soup can allow) and any weak links in the acting where slowly replaced by new faces, and older faces already well known for their acting.

I can see it becoming stronger and stronger and with things such as Eastenders (which has be slammed in the press for stealing some of River City's original ideas) becoming basically silly it will be interesting to see if it could go national.

River City was launched to a shaky start, but in recent months has become compelling viewing. A charicature of life in the west of Scotland, it is funny, diverse and somewhat addictive. This programme is not without its critics, but the viewing figures have been steadily increasing; this programme has become a surprise success for BBC Scotland.

Ideally, River City should be watched with an open mind and a sense of humour. It's great. Enjoy!