Rain Dogs

It's like a jigsaw puzzle where all the emotional pieces don't go together yet somehow fit. Thus the overall picture has uneven, rough edges and a lack of symmetry.

Jack Farthing plays a brilliant but vile version of Hugh Grant complimented by Daisy May hiding her First in English Lit under her pebbledash exterior. Although at times it may seem to be writhing in the dysfunctional and lacking emotional empathy, it is real as a bag of mouldy potatoes. Drugs, gambling, cheating, lying, and glorious food banks are the norm, not romance, candlelit dinners or happy endings.

Take Ade Edmondson as the Lenny the perv. He epitomises disgusting and most would avoid writing his character like the bubonic. No hankies needed, just all be prepared like a good Boy Scout to be shocked.

Not nice but true.

As "Rain Dogs" (2023 release from the UK; 5 episodes of about 26-28 minutes each) opens, we are introduced to Costello, a single mom, and her 9 yo daughter Iris. They are being evicted from their apartment for lack of paying rent. In a parallel story, a Simon, who s gay, is released from prison that same day. What is the relationship between Simon and Costello? More urgently, Costello needs to figure out where she and Iris can take shelter for the next night... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this mini-series is the TV debut of British writer/creator Cash Carraway. Here she looks at the challenges facing many folks living at the margins in expensive cities like London (where this is set). Social and housing inequality is an actual problem that more and more people are encountering. This mini-series is billed as "black comedy" and for good reason. There are no "laugh out loud" moments, but quite a few scenes where I found myself chuckling, mostly at the quirky nature of this series. Daisy May Cooper (s Costello) takes the series on her shoulders in a frank yet moving performance. Bottom line: this is not for everyone, and certainly not for anyone looking for a "feel good" comedy.

"Rain Dogs" started airing on HBO in early March and is now available on HBO Max, where I caught it. I've seen 3 of the 5 episodes, with the last two remaining episodes to be released on the next 2 Mondays. If you are in the mood for something quirky and dark-ish that is most definitely also very British. I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

It's bleak, it's dark, it's engaging and me and the missus were hooked from the first episode. I thought the characters were well cast and haven't seen another series quite like it. Nice to see somehting original.

I may be biased as I've loved Daisy in everything else I've seen her in. I was really pleased to see her in a straight role and watch her not just doing another comedy role- I hope she gets more opportunities off the back of this.

Haven't finished the full series yet, so may still be dissapointed, but have enjoyed this so far and would suggest people make their own minds up. And don't get put off too much by the negative reviews.

Costello is a single mum, trying to do her best for her daughter Iris, her life is chaotic, and the major cause is her best friend Selby, a gay man from an immensely privileged background.

I've waited until I've got through the whole thing before reviewing the series in general, by episode five I still couldn't quite work out just what it was, by the end of it, I just couldn't care less, all I knew, is that it's a great series.

It's funny, it's sad, it's relevant, it goes on to deal with several taboo subjects, there is some material here that I don't think I've seen tackled in any show, Costello's story with her mum for example, that was quite something.

A real snapshot of life in 2023, how tough it is, and just how people will do whatever they can to survive. Costello's relatively with Selby, it's sort of a toxic story of love and friendship, it's so complex, but so interesting, how many of us have that love/hate thing going on with people, nothing truly is black and white.

Daisy May Cooper sends out a huge signal ahead of her Bond role, totally deserving, she is phenomenal, as an actor and a writer, I have a feeling she's due to be something of a national treasure. Jack Farthing, what a contrast to his role on Poldark, he is phenomenal as Selby.

An awesome supporting cast, Anna Chancellor, Ronke Adekoluejo, Ade Edmondson, Siobhan Redmond and even Karl Pilkington.

Don't let this one pass you by.

9/10.

Not sure after 3 amazing episodes how this is floating in the 6-7 range.

I give it 10 out 19 hooked. C'mon episode 4!!!

I hope to see at least 4-5 seasons with this amAzing cast. It keeps you so intrigued you want to know the next move and can't wait for the next episode. I really wish I was able to binge watch it.

There is not a better British show on tv right now and the fact this is on Crave is unreal. Please do at least 5 seasons with this main cast you could go to Hogwarts and it would still be so interesting. We are so in the dark and can't wait for Ruton Rixton or whatever Mate. Keep it up!!! Here in Canada we love it !