Marriage

I can only imagine the poor reviews are from people who haven't been in a long term relationship and can't understand the dynamic.

From the word go I was amazed by the subtlety of the acting and the reality of the writing. The argument on the plane was perfect and only made better when they held hands on takeoff.

Beautifully written and perfectly acted.

Ok, this show is watchable. Sean Bean is always great, but he has done better things. I did like this show, not much happens but I guess that is what a marriage is over a long time. Most characters are not likeable, which seems to be a thing now in British shows like this.

But I'm here for the theme song which has to be the most annoying thing ever produced! When it came on in first episode I'm like 'whats going on here?' What is that noise! Just in case you couldn't get enough at the start of the episode, it's there again at the end. Whoever put that together, just stop, get out of the music business now!

I can understand the initial negative reviews for this show. I've never seen a show like it. Nothing happens and there are long periods where there's no dialogue. Anyone expecting car chases will be disappointed.

It's the most realistic portrayal of marriage Ive ever seen.

Sean Bean and Nicola Walker are absolutely stunning, the best in their field. I join others in hating the theme. I thought it was appalling. You grow to like the characters and their flaws. Sean Bean plays a somewhat pathetic character.

This show deserves kudos for the brilliant acting and the fact that it's so different. For those who wanted action it was like watching paint dry. For those who appreciate brilliant acting it was a Masterclass.

Ian and Emma have a marriage like any other, the usual squabbles, demanding relatives, and all of the complexities that come with a marriage.

I didn't know what to expect, but all I can say is it wasn't this. Let's be honest, this isn't the show for everyone, and I understand the frustrations many felt.

Imagine, a camera following an ordinary family around, this had that kind of vibe, silences, awkward stares etc, the lot.

If you're after something gritty and fast paced,look away now, this probably will frustrate the life out of you, however if you're after something totally different, no murders, no frauds, no intrigue, just the complexities of family life, then give it a try. It gets better with each episode, part one left me scratching my head, wondering if it was for me, I'm glad I persevered.

The theme tune will genuinely drive you insane, it is awful, and will definitely have you reaching for that mute button.

The highlight, the acting, it's worth watching for that acting alone, you will not see better acting that what's presented here, Sean Bean and Nicola Walker are both outstanding, sublimely natural, believable and sincere, if the pair don't win awards, I will be astounded.

I enjoyed it for what it is, I'm not sure I'd want to watch it again, but I'll applaud it for being something different, 7/10.

This isn't a bad mini series, in fact its a great snapshot into the lives of an aging married couple who experience their ups and downs nestled in the relative quiet of middle class suburbia. However...

Cracks do appear in this show. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic at times. Whilst clearly intentional to showcase the awkward staleness of being around people or relatives you've nothing to say to, the times when the dialogue *should* flow, it still doesn't.

Additionally, the show also lacks emotional and situational closure. Particularly the moments with the family talking about sensitive past events between each other, the scenes felt undercooked and lacking in payoff. The times multiple times when the show needed another 2 minutes to properly round out a dialogue/plot point never came.

For a drama that is clearly supposed to be a slow burning thinker, the overall through line of what the show is about is never brought to fruition. Theres much social commentary to pick at here and there, but all we ever get is scraps. It left me longing for a more meaty look at one or two issues raised by the plot in more depth; but sadly they never came.

The show is worth watching, but it had more potential than it ends up delivering. The two leads, Sean Bean and Nicola Walker need to take a bow as they are fantastic throughout.

P. S - This has the most annoying credits theme tune I've ever heard.