Last Tango in Halifax

This series is one of the best television shows I have ever seen. It hits a lot of hot buttons with its fantasy romance between the two stars, and a variety of sub-plots involving failed marriages, same sex love, alcohol, rivalry, lust, anger, etc. We see bonding that bridges the generations, and distrusts that become solid friendships. Ordinary people from across the social spectrum interact in the two families of Celia (Anne Reid) and Alan (Derek Jacobi). The characters (other than Alan and Celia) can find themselves alternately partying or warring with each other, sometimes in humorous ways. It is the perfect soap opera but beyond that, the first two seasons of this outstanding series show the viewer the range of human behaviour, even within the same characters. The two leads, played by Anne Reid and Derek Jacobi, find one another sixty years after adolescence. Their embryonic relationship never reached fruition in their youth. Six decades later, it suddenly blossomed, much to their total surprise and delight. What followed is a complicated story that draws us into the lives of their family and extended relationships. I found the series very rewarding and addictive as I looked forward to each episode.

Stellar cast including the almost incomparable Sarah Lancashire. Beautiful rugged setting that makes you yearn for the English countryside. Storylines become a little far fetched as the series goes on and it should have maybe been wrapped up in two seasons.

Sally Wainwright does it again!! What a brilliant writer she is. Just look at the stuff she has written... all of it so clever, so entertaining, so observant. The characters, their awkward situations, their messed up lives are all so believable. I understand why some say the story-lines appear farcical but that is part of the fun, watching people of vastly different backgrounds interact and deal with their often self induced problems. Didn't have the time to watch the original transmission, so bought the DVD of series one and so glad I did. I watched all six episodes over two nights followed by series two over the next two nights.What a fabulous cast, fabulous direction and beautiful photography....what more can I say? What I will add, cautiously, is that series three may(?) be a series to many. I sincerely hope not! Thanks Sally, you are a genius.

The first episode itself captivates you as soon as the lead protagonists meet for the first time after over 60 years. Very rarely do you see such insightful and delightful stories involving septuagenarians. It has both its thrilling and heartwarming moments, right from the beginning. It has a lot of heart, and the first episode itself draws me into their lives; it was the same way I felt about Downton Abbey. And as Downton, it has a mesmerizing and entrancing opening score which sets the appropriate and stirring mood for the episodes.

The things people wonder about, remain angry or sad about, imagining the reason behind certain events... all those things are treated quite beautifully in the series. Over the episodes, the lead couple and close kin go through many ups and downs, much like normal life. The supporting characters, mainly the close kin of the lead couple, form quite intriguing and fascinating characters. The way our lives and actions affect the people close to us, and vice-versa, is shown masterfully in this season. I liked how they handled the realization of Caroline's new exploration of sexuality (in her middle ages, after her divorce), and how her family reacts to it.

The acting by the entire cast, especially the 70-something leads, Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid, and Sarah Lancashire, is top notch. The screenplay and editing is brilliant, the appropriate timings of events and reactions draws you into the lives of these intriguing characters.

Quite an unusual and delightful romantic drama.

Thank you Netflix, for introducing us to the work of Sally Wainwright (and to actors like Sarah Lancashire!). This has to be one of the sweetest, nicest, most absorbing series I have seen in years - so much better than the usual run of the mill North American stuff. It takes its time to introduce you to the lives and thoughts of its cast, and in doing so, it captures you completely. You fall in love with haughty Caroline and mixed up, do anything for love Gillian. Even the less sympathetic characters - John and Judith - are fun to be with as you wait to see them plunge into their next disaster. As for the two lovebirds, Alan and Celia, they are just so believable and such a delight to spend time with. After watching this, I've discovered Scott & Bailey, also by Sally Wainwright and can't believe the same person wrote such two very different series. I've also watched Happy Valley with Sarah Lancashire and she is incredible. The contrast with her character in Last Tango is stunning. So once again, thank you Netflix. Thank you Sally Wainwright!