No Return

Poorly scripted plot with even dumber subplots and an ending that beggars belief. We watched it because it was shot in Spain but all we learned was that crappy shows can be made in Spain just as easily as anywhere else in the world.

You don't see Sheridan Smith on TV for ages then she's... yes back again (and on top form), starring in a new 4-parter about a family on holiday in Turkey dealing with the arrest of their 16 year old son for a serious crime.

Written by Danny Brocklehurst who penned the excellent Brassic the opening episode was a confident piece of drama. Production values were good all round, it was well cast the actors were on form and it had a clever score. Great cameo by the Turkish lawyer acting for the family.

It's not going to win awards but overall I really enjoyed the story, it tackles strong and important issues like consent, moral dilemmas and sexual identity, but at the same time it was a thoroughly entertaining drama.

I don't know why I forced myself to watch until the end, but hey no.

MORE, yet more Sheridan smith, are there no other actresses available for drama? That said, she plays the part well but it really wasn't great to watch.

Predictable and pedestrian, not one of ITV's better shows.

Sheridan Smith yet again putting in a powerful performance. A parents nightmare this story and it is worth watching and you won't be disappointed.. Everything Sheridan is doing at the moment is brilliant and she is an outstanding actress.

I feel I am being generous giving this 5, but it was just about watchable. Very serious flaws, though. Mainly the writing and direction. I find it hard to believe that Sheridan Smith would have willingly performed the role in the way she did. Her expressions in the courtroom scenes were especially poor. The mawkishness of the storylines steadily descended in to ever deeper cringe.

Having written all that, I'm asking myself whether it does really deserve the 5/10. I'd better sign off before I adjust it downwards.