Mix Tape

I found this tv drama emotionally engaging - it had me hooked right to the end - despite it containing a few flaws. I am of an age to remember compiling cassettes made up of my favourite songs - so I could relate to both time periods (many of the songs chosen were quite obscure, though). I did find it irritating that, despite Alison and Daniel both being professional writers, they are amazingly inarticulate at explaining their actions, or expressing their feelings. It does enable the series to create and prolong misunderstandings, so has dramatic value, but does seem rather contrived. Also, their partners are portrayed as being self-centred and insensitive, which helps justify the betrayals of Alison and Dan, but one wonders how the relationships have survived so long with these attitudes. Finally, the actresses who play the younger and older versions of Alison, whilst good in themselves, bear no likeness to each other, which stretches credibility. One reviewer on this site made the interesting suggestion that Lily James would have been a better match for the older Alison (presumably she was either unavailable, or too expensive).

Well, I'm a man in my 50's and this resonated on every level with me and was thoroughly heartbreaking from start to finish.. I thought that the two younger actors were amazing and really bought to life working class England of the late 80's - which they would have had no idea about , so hat's off to the writers & creators. The adult characters were well portrayed too and all in all it was, at times, verging on too agonising mainly with what was left unsaid and unresolved.. Sometimes in these pieces the switch between timelines can be a bit harsh, but not here - as every move between them was summoned in by a classic 80's tune - whose lyrics set us up for the switch - I found this aspect to be seamless. Talk about a ride, my wife and I watched all 4 hours on a rainy Sunday evening.

Just wanted to review this amazing new drama series. I have had to binge watch it because I couldnt stop watching it.

This is one of the best series I've watched in a while. It got me hooked and my husband has loved it too.

Throughout it, I've felt quite emotional, it's just so good and so well produced and directed and well acted. The 4 main actors are really good.

Living near to Sheffield, it brings the city in the late 80s back to life .

Fantastic amazing tearjerking series.

LOVE IT LOVE IT !!!!

Its got a great soundtrack too.

I really cant recommend it enough. Just wanted to give it as many stars as I could.

We knew nothing about this going in, other than 'you never forget the boy who makes you your first mixtape'. Enjoyed the short series so much, perfect weekend watch. The songs are perhaps more suited to UK watchers, but they were well chosen and took us back. Great casting! The young actors had us believing they were smitten, and the chemistry carried across to the adult counterparts. Only one actor seemed like he was acting, otherwise the characters were believable and a little relatable. Gen X watchers should enjoy this.

Not sure why there are a smattering of low ratings, but most romances have them, not sure if someone is making them watch against their will, but if you've watched the ad, you should know what you're in for, and it's some high quality, well scripted, well acted entertainment. It's not going to change your life, but it will make you smile and hum along, and entertain you for four hours. Might even watch again!

I came across this as it was starting on the BBC, knowing nothing about it. Watched the first episode and then was hooked.

It reflects the period in the 80's well, recreating Sheffield. Varying accuracy of accents aside, it does it well.

The two central characters, as kids, are excellent, as are their adult counterparts.

Theres various issues of the time to deal with, social pressures, dysfunctional family, seemingly loving family, school life, friendship, love, all set to a fairly good soundtrack of 80's indie (ish) music. Nice to see someone with those horrible orange foam headphones on permanently! Theres even a pantomime villain character, scheming away.

I found it refreshing and lovely and was glued to it.