Strangers

If ever a series got huge advertising, this was it, Cinema, TV, online, wherever you looked, it was visible. For good reason, it was clearly big budget drama.

It starts off well, the first few episodes are intriguing, good characters, and a deep level of intrigue. Sadly, because it's an eight part serial, there comes a midpoint lull, and it does suffer from being padded. Plenty of scenes of Jonah walking through the streets of Hong Kong doing very little.

Fortunately from episode six onwards, the show gains real momentum, and truly delivers some excellent moments.

I love the Hong Kong setting, the buildings are incredible, and it's nice to see something a little different. John Simm is superb throughout, supported well by Tim McInnerny, Emilia Fox, and Anthony Hayes in particular.

In summary, great location work, plenty of intrigue, but it does suffer from being too long. 8/10

John Simm is such a good actor because like all really good actors his acting is invisible. Without him this might not have been so satisfying. (Emilia Fox is easy on the eye but let's face it her acting is barely passable.) Many other reviews complain about the lack of pace but I found it just fine and the plotting and overall writing was good. The series captured the claustrophobia of Hong Kong, Kowloon and Macau very well which gave the series lots of atmosphere. Because I'd skimmed a couple of reviews prior to watching the series I expected the last episode to be a disappointment but to the contrary I found the wrap up to be totally satisfying. And it's all worth it for John Simm.

Would highly recommend this show. Good story that's gets more and more interesting as it happens. It will tug at your heart strings and give you the necessary escape that we all need during this lockdown. Enjoy, you will not be disappointed.

Don't be put off by the negative reviews. Lots of surprising twists and turns and solid entertainment.

Life does not unfold in 98 minutes, the length of a movie on average. This drama takes its time and allows you to absorb the story and the city of Hong Kong.

Having been there recently I especially liked the difficulty they had with taxi drivers. Everyone does and gives up and uses the fine public transportation system.

Made prior to today's weekend protests one can see that there is great distrust with the government and police. It is in the series and it is true.

Take the time. The acting is top notch. The story takes unusual turns. Get patience with your entertainment and give it a chance. You will not regret it.