Breathtaking

This drama is excellent. The writing is superb and it is evident that the script was penned by Medics at the front line during Covid. It is all too easy to forget the horrors that front line NHS saw and the sacrifices that they made to care for Covid patients. I am inspired to read the book that this drama series is based on. There are only 3 episodes in the series but each one is a powerful reminder of the pandemic and how it impacted on families and the health professionals who cared for them. The side of HMG and NHS England is told through news reel clips and that makes the drama all the more powerful.

In much the same vain as Mr Bates vs the Post Office, a blistering representation of the crass incompetence of a dead weight Johnson govt. The problems started several years before when Hunt mainly ignored the results of the pandemic test exercise, downgrading stock piles of PPE kit and reducing the beds per 1000 population to almost the lowest in the EU.

Then followed by the absolute shambles of the govt response given the early warning from the Italian experience. To have failed the public and all health workers all the way through the pandemic, to then shaft all staff in pay negotiations was completely and utterly disgusting.

Doctor Abbey Henderson and her team prepare for the incoming COVID 19 pandemic, only they're short on PPE, oxygen, beds and more. One thing was certain, The country wasn't prepared.

Having been penned by Jed Mercurio, I was expecting something very harrowing and hard hitting, I didn't think that was the case in the first episode, I didn't think it went far enough, I thought the second part however, did get that message through.

At times very sad and very moving, I did question this drama coming out so soon after The Pandemic.

I was hospitalised in the first wave, and I can assure some of the users that I'm no actor, and I got to see first hand exactly how horrendous it was. What I would say, is that whatever your thoughts on the virus, the vaccines, the origins etc, one thing that's clear, NHS staff went through hell.

Well acted, Joanne Froggatt as always is a very safe pair of hands, she did a good job.

I thought Davina's story stood out particularly well, that was very moving.

Seeing the news clips or Johnson and Hancock, made my blood boil.

What I would say, I hope to balance this out, that a drama is commissioned showing the other side of the coin, the effects on those that lived in isolation, those that lost out on education, those that suffered financially, a balanced view needs to be shown.

7/10.

Anyone who still thinks this was a lie might need proper help at this stage, the NHS was brought to its knees by a lying incompetent government led by a narcissistic womanizer whos entire cabinet were complacent in leading the U. K. through the worst avoidable catastrophe in its history.

Eat out to help, Christmas meet ups, late lockdowns, not enough ICU beds after advice ,elderly patients discharged into care homes, useless PPE, the list is endless and the jokers responsible still refuse to accept proper responsibility and just continue to blame each for the tragedy. I knew 4 people personally that died as a result of this, the youngest being 24 with no previous illness.....without the bravery of the NHS work force this catastrophe would have been even worse. The actors are marvelous along with the script.

I sat down to watch all 3 episodes one after the other. That quickly became an impossibility, with me making an excuse to make a hot beverage between episodes. Just to take a moment to reflect and process it all.

I knew this was based on the book by Dr Rachel Clarke but I hadn't taken the time to read it (at this point but plan to). I also know the realities of how Drama can over-embellish elements. This didn't feel like drama though, it felt far too raw and real for that. It came across as nothing less than a perspective of a reality, most of us hadn't witnessed or been a part of.

Some may squirm at the politics involved. From hospital management to public health England. Of course, the Government would also get its moment in the limelight. Squirm you may, but that's the reality of this. Decisions had to come from somewhere, and ignoring that, and removing that responsibility is only ignorance. I don't think this portrayal had any plans to be ignorant of that reality. Even then, the politics which includes clips of press conferences and interviews was tasteful and presented as to not be the main focal point.

While anger was certainly a prevalent feeling while watching, it was most certainly not the only emotion that bubbled to the surface. A deep sense of respect for the unsung heroes within our healthcare system. Shame at repeated calls for additional resources ignored. Sorrow for those who lost their lives. Pride from seeing those stand up and speak out.

People will make their assessment of the events of COVID. That does not take away from this assessment. I like many am thankful to all our amazing healthcare staff. Grateful for their dedication and proud of everything they do to help others. This was a stark reminder of why.

Highly recommended.