The Castaways

Sisters Lori and Erin enjoy a holiday of a lifetime, however a falling out sees Erin left behind as Lori boards a flight, a flight that disappears, crashing down on a remote island. Erin refused

This drama doesn't deserve the criticism it's been receiving, it's far from perfect, but if you want a couple of hours of escapism, excitement and intrigue, then this will definitely keep you entertained.

There's a mystery, there's tension, there are multiple scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, just know what you're getting, and don't expect reality.

At times it feels as though you're watching Lost, a group is individuals, who crash down on a remote island, but fortunately it runs for just five episodes long, not 100 plus.

I watched it for one reason, the presence of Sheridan Smith, and of course she's excellent, but I'm also going to applaud Celine Buckens, who's great as Erin.

7/10.

Episode 1 is nothing to write home about and if I'm honest, and it wasn't Easter, I would not have watched any further. As it is, I found myself starting to watch episode 2 in the hope that this would get better. I mean, who doesn't like a good old fashioned marooned on a desert island story, especially when it has characters who survive a plane crash! Background stories were vaguely interesting but didn't really add much to the plot. There are a few annoying scenes when one thinks for heavens sake, you're on an island and need to be in survival mode and not rock the boat the more you find out about your fellow survivors.

Anyway, it didn't get any better but I found myself watching it all.

If you have nothing better to do and appreciate Sheridan Smith (even though I did find her annoying in a couple of scenes, but overall, terrific actress), maybe you'll like it more than the 6 stars I gave it - which was being generous!

Lori (Sheridan Smith) and Erin Holme (Celine Buckens) are close-knitted sisters on vacation to Fuji. Erin does not make it on the plane after a fight. The plane goes missing. It's months later and everybody is assumed dead. The only one holding out hope is Erin. She is certain that they survived and are stranded somewhere. Nobody believes her. Then she finds evidence to support her view.

Ever since Lost, plane crash stories have become almost a genre to its own. This one puts a bit of a mystery spin to the concept within a limited series. It's an interesting idea and a lower level British show. Some of plot elements are rather outlandish and unfinished. I don't mind Celine Buckens and her obsessive pursuit. The island situation reminds me of many other Lost copies. What the island really needs is an opening murder to heighten the tension. I may have given this a better rating but the last episode really drags on and on. They could cut two thirds of that finale.

And you will not be dissapointed.

If however you would think it will show similar struggle to survive, you will be hugely dissapointed. There is almost nothing about this, how to settle on a deserted island with no human presence at all. From one part to another there are huts, they know how to fish, they have food and water, although complaining it is not sufficient.

Of course setting is fantastic, nature itself is worth watching.

The plot is very unrealistic and sometimes ridiculous, but the scale of it is not more, than in an average criminal story.

Acting is average and uneven. I am afraid Sheridan Smith is not convincing at all. The best of the cast is Lasarus Ratuere.

So, if it rains and you have already walked your dog, make yourself a nice cup of tea and relax watching this beautiful island.

Tbis popped up on boxing day and seemed intriguing. It started of ok then became a chick flick and lost all senses. A terrible show with plenty of plot holes and annoying acting by both main characters.

I can't understand how the director or author thought to proceed with such stupidity in the discovery of the whereabouts, there was nothing intelligent about this and it seems to underestimate the IQ of the audience.

The final scenes also dragged, I found myself forwarding a lot of it as I'd already committed, but they just became annoying and it turned from a thriller into a full on chick flick. I would not recommend this and encourage you to save your time.