Sherwood

With one of the greatest TV casts put together since State of Play, this series promised to be interesting. But the first episode has surpassed my hopes -- the essential background to this drama is brilliantly sketched as we are introduced to the large range of characters, and it is beautifully written, shot and performed. It was so gripping I watched it twice, not wanting to let it go, and counting down the hours to tomorrow night. If it is half as good, the week between episodes 2 and 3 will seem an eternity.

We need much, much more drama like this.

Set in a small mining village of Annesley adjacent to Sherwood Forest near Nottingham, this series partially recreates the true story of the unusual cross bow murder of local retired miner Keith "Froggy" Frogson although depicted as fictitious Gary Jackson (Alun Armstrong). Set against the backdrop of the hugely divisive 1984 miners' strike, the village was home to many local miners who broke from the National Union of Mineworkers' famous protracted and often violent fight with Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government, hellbent on breaking the power of dominant trade unions, by crossing picket lines and working the local mines. Striking local miners never forgave the "scabs" in their midst and tensions still simmered beneath the surface decades later.

The series features a veritable 'Who's Who' of fabulous British acting talent and contains many flashbacks to 1984 to various incidents between then young police officers and striking families with complex relationships 40 years on now strained by the investigation. The suspected murderer terrorizes the village with random arrow attacks whilst hiding out in the very forest made famous by Robin Hood lending a compellingly surreal mythological backdrop to the extensive manhunt.

The acting across the board is of universally excellent quality and the plot, character development and pace are fantastic with a gripping and compelling pace that makes for great binge worthy viewing.

The absolute A-team of British actors can be found in this crime series which is based on historical events in the mid-80s. Quality pays off!

The story shows us a rich gallery of characters in a former mining town, where what happened 30 years ago still simmers beneath the surface. The calm and seemingly harmonious surface hides both hatred and unresolved events. This culminates in a murder, and soon we are drawn into a very exciting investigation, with several side stories that give insight into the various characters. I found this to be both entertaining, engaging and exciting.

BBC drama at its brilliant best. A stellar cast of top notch actors and a story line that always keeps you guessing with some real jaw dropping moments. This is definitely one of the best series of the year. Not to be missed.

The first season starts off iffy; the yelling and screaming drown out much of the fine acting (Lesley Manville!) and directing. It rescues itself with a finely-tuned plot, breezy direction and adroit editing. The second season is a bust. The characters become caricatures, acting irrationally, I laugh out loud more than once. Episode three is especially hilarious, with plot holes so big you could drive a truck through.

Throughout, the antagonists control everyone. The whole concept of not grassing on another is true enough but season two takes it to a frustratingly manipulative degree. It becomes over-the-top, spoiling the obvious other strengths of the series. Writer James Graham gets lazy and presents us with characters and situations that stretch of bounds of disbelief beyond reason. He seems to have run out of ideas, settling for too-convenient plot situations and characters, manipulating both, literally losing the plot. Second season is a cheat. If there is a season three, I hope there is a new, fresh, talented writer to take over.