A rare example of what science fiction can achieve, with a subtlety in its thoughtful pacing that is rarer still. Almost certainly this was what failed to appeal to the mass market, since its languorous tempo will drive the mainstream attention-deficit audience out of their tiny minds.
Some well-worn and yet timeless themes are refreshed by gentle treatment.
Unspoken secrets (episode 1)
Jealousy (episode 2)
Conformity, Fear of responsibility / not wanting to grow up / peter pan syndrome? (episode 3)
Existentialism (episode 4)
Desire for control / overprotectiveness (episode 5)
Forbidden love / possessiveness and the pleasure of its unattainability (episode 6)
Guilt and Alienation (episode 7)
Grief, nostalgia and the death of innocence (episode 8)
Understated, powerful performances and sympathetic acting.
Inevitably a product of its times, and so occasionally lacking in subtlety plus somewhat heavy handed in its treatment of gender politics. And there are a couple of sex scenes that are unnecessary and were better left to the imagination, not least of all because the majority of the story is suggestive instead of explicit. Perhaps it is a matter of taste.
Supposedly the series was inspired by a painting, which under normal circumstance would not be a recommendation in its favour however for those that are able to work their way through it all, you may be able to appreciate the metaphor in terms of a backdrop for powerful yet restrained drama - as in a theatre where a small number of actors demand your concentration.
Superb.
The story-writers and production team deserve great praise, and whoever it was at Amazon that made the case to purchase the series or - it is almost unimaginable to contemplate - commissioned it rather than relying on The Market to spew it out: we can all hope you get more opportunities to exercise your talents.
