Pistol

I have a framed original Sid & Nancy movie poster. It's a fantastic movie. I can't help but judge this series against it and it doesn't quite hold up but how could it? I need to temper my expectations.

I like this series but I am watching it more as entertainment than a historical documentary. I remember enough of that time to be cognizant of the fact that there's a lot of fiction here.

I'm not all the way through the episodes but I am enjoying it well enough (see addendum at bottom). I don't have a problem with the actors, and some are quite good. The costumes and etc are spot on. The actor playing Rotten seems a bit over the top, and Malcom keeps reminding me of Doogie Howser MD.

I like that they try to place the story in its historical context. Things were messed up in England and punk was an outgrowth. I think this is what interests me the most and maybe what I really want is to know more about that macro context than the micro stories of the personalities involved. The characters do start to bore me a bit... and as I admitted I am about half way through.

That being said, the storyline about Chrissie Hynde was news to me! Wow! Bonus points that the actress that plays her is fantastic.

The music is excellent. There's an effort to have a wide range of contemporary music and it adds a lot. Also as mentioned previously there are some stunning visuals.

I am mindful there's a lot of controversy about this series. I acknowledge that but as I said, I think of this as entertainment. There's enough horror in life right now (mass shootings, Ukraine, inflation, etc) to let this series disrupt my existence further.

So, it's entertaining enough. I don't have any problem recommending it and if you find yourself not enjoying it, you can always skip it.

And if you haven't seen Sid & Nancy, look for it.

PS I did watch all the episodes. Nothing I saw really changes what I already wrote. The conclusion does leave you feeling sort of empty... I don't know if I should have expected anything different. It is Steve's story and thus the title is "Pistol" and not "Pistols", although the last two episodes have much to do about Sid.

I don't know why Lyndon is upset. I think he comes out looking better than anyone.

I just want a season 2 called 'Pretender' that continues Chrissie Hyndes' story.

John Lydon is angry with Danny Boyle and the show's existence, so it is doing something right! The story is intoxicating, some of it true, some of it Apocryphal and some of it whole cloth fabricated.

It is well cast with a young ensemble blending unknowns with some more established actors. The raw anti-establishment energy shines through and there is some good chemistry albeit some of it brilliantly contrarian and negative.

The soundtrack is superb, naturally a lot is Pistols, but there is a liberal scattering of other classic music from the era. Costume and location are up to scratch and some of the dialogue is exceptional, with many memorable lines.

Stranger than fiction, nonetheless enjoyable, engaging and entertaining, though it is difficult to disentangle nostalgia from the show itself.

Let's start with the elephant in the room.

John Lydon wasn't involved in this mini series which is a monumental missed opportunity. His exclusion depends on which story you believe - Disney & Boyle are adamant Lydon wanted no part of it. Lydon insists he was never asked and excluded from the outset. Either way, it's a shame.

However, for the most part, Pistol, which is based on Steve Jone's biography, is a triumph and captures the chaos, destruction, humour and self destruction of the destroyers of rock n roll.

Although focusing for the most part on Steve Jones, his damaged upbringing and his relationships, especially with Chrissie Hynde, Pistol brings to life the rebellious, anti-establishment, punk rock movement of 70's Britain.

In particular, Anson Boon as Rotten is superb with his acerbic barbs directed indiscriminately at anyone and everyone. And ironically, despite Lydons non-involvment in the series, the character is portrayed sensitively although I doubt Lydon will ever admit he likes it.

While acted brilliantly, Thomas Brodie-Sangster seems miss cast as McLaren, coming across more as a baby faced assassin rather than the weird and wacky provocateur. However, Sydney Chandler as Hynde is top drawer.

In music history, there have been a few occurrences of the 'perfect storm' where the music world has changed forever, Nirvana being one such example. But none more dramatic or explosive as the Pistols and Boyle's mini series captures much of the mood and madness, perfectly.

There is much deviation from actual events for presumably artistic reasons. And I'm sure Lydon will dispute much of Jones's recollection of events. But as an entertainment set-piece it all works surprisingly well.

So I watched Pistol, the story of the Sex Pistols ( from the accounts and biography of Steve Jones ).

This was a very well made, interesting and entertaining show. A great visualisation of a product of society haplessly finding their way to super stardom in an entirely messy and damaging way.

The attention to detail was impressive, the atmosphere was dark and grimy but at times also fun and joyful.

I do know John Lydon was not consulted about this project and had to go through a court case regarding the music for the show while dealing with his wife's illness which I do not like.

This is typical of Disney mega corp bullying and its lawyers steamrolling through due process with all the elegance of Sid Viceous on stage with a knife.

I don't think there would be any situation where John Lydon would love the idea of a pistols docudrama but I'm sure after watching it he will certainly love to hate it.

When all is said and done Lydon comes out on top and through the madness, his own quirkiness and anger, he is eventually depicted as a thoughtful and caring lad with a lot of nous.

The story of the Sex Pistols is a fascinating one and its a miracle they got to where they did. Malcolm McLaren's vision was precise and almost contrived, princes of chaos but not a rock band. An extended work of art....

To be built up like a piece of long winded and majestic artwork only to be torn down to prove a point all along is the biggest story here.

It could be said if not for Steve Jones reckless ambition there wouldn't be a band. Without Malcolm there would not have been a band. Without Johns there wouldn't be this TV show.

As John Lydon has recently said "Anarchy is a terrible idea".... but its certainly useful.... As are most idelogies.