Press

I have just finished watching the first episode of this new BBC drama. As a former journalist who gave up the trade due to corporate media pressure (though I was never a scribbler for the "tabloids") I understand that -in addition to feeling such corporate media pressure- the writers employed by these outlets do or die by the entertainment appeal of their articles. So far, and judging by the first episode, I must say: "Well done!" For I found the writing quite compelling and the acting superb even by the minor characters. And because, as the episode ended, I felt it had reached a crescendo that has left me wanting for more. Hopefully, my expectations will be matched by future deliveries. Oh! On not such a surprising note, "Kudos to the Brits!"

Riley and Chaplin were riveting in this wonderfully crafted, intelligent script about the dog-eat-dog business of the newspaper business. I think this story was a take on the British tabloid versus "good journalism" competitors in the UK, but it was also an interesting story about human nature.

The acting was superb. Chaplin and Riley should get awards for their terrific work in this series. They were the heart and soul of the story. I couldn't wait to see what happened from one episode to the next. The ending was a little soft, but the points were made about greed, ambition, and the counterweights of altruism and truth.

There is so much drivel out there. So many tv series are poorly scripted, poorly acted and lack realistic plots. This was the exact opposite. The two central characters played by Charlotte Riley and Ben Chaplin are a master class in acting, perfectly matched and utterly believable. The story lines interesting and reflect what we see say to say in the British press. I can't understand why there is only one series??! Baffling. There is so much more scope for character and story development with the incredible ensemble cast of Al Weaver, Paapa Essiedu and Ellie Kendrick. What a waste!

I discovered this on a plane ride and devoured the whole series then and there. It's well written and the two main characters are extremely well played.

Surprised at the amount of negative reviews this show has garnered so far. I've only watched the first episode but complaints that the characters are two-dimensional seem unfair without allowing the show to build those characters past the first episode. Of course this is assuming they are laying groundwork for substantive growth of character, which they might not be doing. My point is simply that it has the potential to be a good show, and at a time when the way we get our news is rapidly evolving seemingly without deliberation I'm for even superficial examinations of that process. Anything to kickstart a real conversation.