Rain Dogs

I was so excited after watching the pilot: it felt like the freshest thing I'd seen in years. A novel and stimulating subject (the relationship between an upper class gay guy and an asbo single mother). It had enough 'trashiness' to keep things interesting despite the underlying sentimentality. The script was tight and punchy, the acting was mostly good (though I must say Daisy Cooper already lacked range).

Ep. 2 was not as good but I still had hopes. By Ep. 3 it was quite clear the writers first came up with the characters, and that the story was an afterthought. I've just watched Ep. 4 and it's only getting worse: or rather, getting nowhere. Bogged down with unnecessary sidekicks, the main characters fail to acquire complexity and are merely pushed further and further in the direction established in the pilot. Their relation is also rather flat and dialogues lack finesse. It's all around disappointing.

The series was marketed as a 'punk-rock romance' and I think it's quite an apposite description. There are two 'punk rock' areas in London: Camden and Hoxton. The first is full of has been tourists and a few crusties, the second is full of bankers and art school hipsters. Rain Dogs is 'punk rock' the Hoxton way: it's filled with intriguing and colourful character, but ultimately it's all navel-gazing passing itself as rebellion.

The show is a dark comedy that does not shy away from the harsh realities of poverty, prejudice and social injustice. It also explores the themes of motherhood, friendship, sexuality and identity with honesty and humor. The show has a punky and energetic style that matches the personality of its protagonist, who is always ready to fight for what she believes in.

The show also benefits from the excellent performances of its cast, especially Cooper, who delivers a charismatic and nuanced portrayal of Costello. She makes us laugh, cry and root for her character, who is flawed but lovable. Tashjian is also impressive as Iris, who has a sharp wit and a big heart. Farthing adds some charm and contrast as Hugo, who has his own struggles with his family and his sexuality.

Rain Dogs is a refreshing and original series that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of people who are often ignored or marginalized by society. It is also a moving and inspiring story of love and survival that will make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next.

I didn't expect much from this series and watched the first two episodes inattentively and without much interest. However, starting with the third episode, I was already much more concerned about the plot. Now I think this series is brilliant in its own way.

First of all, there are few movies where the theme of codependency and toxic relationships is shown realistically: there is neither an ideal and helpless victim, nor a ruthless abuser. There are only people who try, love and try again. And then, what dialogues! My special thanks to the scenarists.

Of course, I would like to see something more holistic in the plot and more aesthetic in terms of framing and directing, but since the author's vision is like that, I accept this product as it is.

And for sure I can't wait to see main characters' new ups and downs.

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.

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.