Moving On

I saw this on Brit-Box, a real experience. A series that contains lifetimes' worth of experience. Moving, unvarnished, no holds barred, no sugar-coating. Superb writing and acting, so real you often feel as though you're there. I'm a psychologist and family therapist and I'm amazed at how everyone's perspective is presented, the wisdom condensed into every episode. Not preachy, not necessarily even talky- often subtle, usually following the dictum to "show not tell". Honest, absolutely nothing gratuitous, and usually profound. Often makes sticky, troubling issues, even initially incomprehensible ones, come to life. One of those rare shows that you're better off, wiser for having seen, and yet it's not preachy, quite a feat. At the end of each show someone moves on, in one way or another; inspiring. The full spectrum, the depth and breadth of human experience. One of the best shows, perhaps THE best show I've ever seen. Not for binge-watching.

I could scream hearing the piano playing far too loud and repeating those same notes over and over, to the point I couldn't hear the actors.

I found this series because I'd thoroughly enjoyed Jimmy McGovern's "The Street," which was excellent, and unlike "Moving On" portrayed human drama in a much less mawkish, soapy way. I'd also watched "Broken" and found that to be excellent. So I looked up other series written or created by Jimmy McGovern. Sadly, Moving On is a real disappointment. It is true, as other reviewers have pointed out, that it features many well-known British actors, but even their impressive skills can't uplift the "poor me" storytelling. Perhaps I should have skipped Season 1. After the first three episodes, the repetitive, cloying, tinkling piano score became literally painful to hear. I did skip ahead to Season 9 and was relieved to NOT hear that music. But the stories were no less sadsack with exasperatingly victim-y or angry characters who blame other people or circumstances for their desperate, sad situations, or worse yet, go looking for reasons to feel angry, sad, and sorry for themselves. I'm mystified as to the "10" ratings reviewers have given. This is no better than any other melodramatic, sentimental soap opera. Ugh. No thanks.

I came to this series quite late and would love more episodes to be available online. I have recently caught up on a lot of this series of Drama's and love the interesting way that they are written to be clever complete stories contained in 45 minutes. The writing easily allows you to connect quickly with the characters. Each one a distinct story with a message for the viewer. I look forward to many more and particularly liked the episode with Lisa Riley. It demonstrates that sometimes simple stories are the best to depict human nature and the repercussions of decisions made. Keep them coming. With series 8 due to come out I look forward to seeing more interesting stories to add.

I'm only getting through the second series, and I feel it's one of the best modern dramas that I have seen. Superb casts and well thought out portrayal of social issues, I highly recommend this series.