Mayflies

Tully asks his long term friend Jimmy for help, a request that would test the tightest of friendships.

First of all, I would start by saying it was quite a strange scheduling choice, putting this out just after we've had the turkey and tinsel, not a criticism, just a curiosity.

You won't be able to watch this with dry eyes, this is one of the most moving things I have seen for years, it isn't what I expected, but it really is the most powerful drama.

A real story of love and friendship, early on Tully asks Jimmy a question, and the rest of the drama is spent explaining why he was in a position to ask such a huge request, what gives him the right, it's an amazing friendship.

Good drama makes takes you away, great drama makes you think about real life situations, in this case euthanasia.

Tony Curran is the only actor to make me shed a year in Doctor Who, his performances in Vincent and The Doctor was astonishing, he brings me to tears here once, what a tremendous actor, both he and Compston are awesome here, as is Jensen.

Please don't be deterred by the opening ten minutes, or the plot, this is a very moving, sometimes funny drama, that is well worth your time.

Quite wonderful, 9/10.

Death comes to us all in the end, often in a slow, painful and undiginfied manner. Some people, faced with a terminal diagnosis, prefer to check out early, which is illegal in Britain (unless it is done unaided) but is allowed in some other countries. To do so is, of course, a horrifically enormous decision. 'Mayflies' tells one such story, but, as its title suggests, it also encourages us to reflect on the briefness of life, and how we might end up facing our own deaths when our youths seem barely to have passed. It's a warm and affectionate piece, avoiding over-sentimentality (though some is necessarily in order). It does choose to give us a character the severity of whose illness is mostly hidden from us in off-camera visits to the toilet; our protagonist still presents as very much alive throughout the drama, which allows him full mental responsibility, but which also makes his choice seem somewhat premature. Not much happens that isn't obviously telegraphed from the outset; but it's an intelligent dramatisation of the realities of death and the ways we might choose to face it.

Fantastic acting and story of compassion in the face to adversity that leads to one of the major discourses that I feel we need to address in our society. Nobody understands how important it is unless they have been touched by someone who's passing could have been made so much more dignified by having a choice.

This series really touches upon the most important points and that is one of personal choice, many people are against someone having this choice on grounds of religion or lack of understanding of the suffering, but who is right to impose their opinion on others, however, currently in the UK it is the law and this is where the change needs to happen to match the more progressive societies which have already approved a change to allow dignity in dying.

I enjoyed the fact that rather than everyone getting on a plane in harmony, the internal battles of the three main characters are followed all the way to the end. I dropped one point as I think an important part of the issue is also how those that are left are affected.

The younger 80s back story was very interesting and important part of the character development and fairly well acted but the main lead was the standout for me, Tom Curren just went above and beyond for me and should be an award winning performance..

This is story telling perfection.

I think it might be the most moving drama I have ever watched.

It was so unassuming, but so perfectly executed.

I fell in love with Tony Curran's Tully immediatley. And Ashley Jensen further solidifies herself as British acting royalty. She is so good, I do not know how to describe her.

Martin Compston is reliably brilliant also.

But mostly you will just love Tully.

Mayflies is nostalgia, friendship, love, pride and death (in short, humanity) all in one sorry story that rings too true.

I cannot wait to read the book (I know I probably would have more fault to pick if Id read it first so Im glad to do it this way round.)

The ending is brilliantly sad and refreshing because it is not the norm for a TV drama.

I cannot recommend it enough, that is... if you need a good cry and to clear out the emotional cobwebs. Amazing work.

Perfectly written and perfectly acted. Tony Curran is one of my favourite actors anyway and in this he again shows the skill he has of brilliantly bringing a character completely to life. The whole cast was simply sublime and the story heartbreakingly simple and true. It captures the flavour of being young and the intensity of friendship which carries on through the years. I cried and genuinely smiled. Being Scottish and of the same era it was so relatable and real but this will connect with anyone from anywhere. Get a box of tissues and watch it on your own so you can ugly cry. Captivating TV.