Screw

I quite enjoyed this TV series as the central premise is a novel one, prison dramas from the perspective of prisoners have been done before but not really from the perspective of prison guards. This progression in ideas is similar to how programmes like 'Grange Hill' and 'Byker Grove' led to 'Teachers' and 'Waterloo Road' and I expect several similar dramas about prison guards will now follow. Another plus is that it stars Nina Sosanya and the upcoming starlet that is Derry Girl's Jamie-Lee O'Connell who are both great actresses, in fact all the cast acts well. The problem is this show doesn't know whether it's meant to be a comedy or a drama and it relies on implausible behaviour by its often unlikeable and unremarkable characters to move the story forward, not only that but the viewer is often expected to find these things plausible and the characters likeable and relatable. I'd say it could be a 10 but the writing brings the score down a couple of points to a still respectable 8.

I can fully understand why people aren't liking this but there is something I find quite enjoyable about it. I wish it was more of a serious drama without the forced unfunny comedy bits in though.

Strong head character. Unusual work environment. POV from the newbie's first day on the job learning the ropes. Complex relationships with the surrounding co-workers. A fresh take on a very cliche premise.

It's got its moments. The cast are great. But the script teeters between out and out comedy and dark prison crime drama. It doesn't all hold together and the dramatic twists can be seen a mile off. Would've been better if it had stuck to being a comedy. The central idea and characters could have been the basis for a brilliant cult comedy. As it stands it's all so predictably done, it becomes hard to recommend. A bit forgettable and derivative. A missed opportunity.

Im enjoying it! People need to stop expecting to see a "prison break style" show when something is based in a prison!

I wouldn't say its like wentworth, bad girls or any of those UK prison movies.. its waterloo road set in a prison and its a cool take on the dilemmas and problems prisoners and the CO's face on a daily basis!