A Town Called Malice

There are so many clues that A Town Called Malice is a deliberate farce, the prime clues being the frequent scenes where the cast start singing to the backing music - true pastiche.

So the first thing we should be cognisant of is that this is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's designed to take the mickey out of the times and the situations, and it does so with some gusto.

Amongst all this is a one family crime wave arriving on the Costa del Sol chasing riches with little care for the imprudence of their actions. They leave a trail of destruction in their wake, and come up against some stiff opposition, but they also give way to the comedic imperatives of the show - so the bumbling clowns get off the hook when in reality they would more than likely have parted ways with their heads.

The music is terrific, the show is outrageous - good times.

Don't get me wrong, this show is not a BAFTA award winner. It's actually quite bad, but and it's a huge BUT, it's really enjoyable. The music, the terrible story & the acting are all part of its charm.

It's taken everything from terrible 80s shows, awful action films, thrown in a great soundtrack, neon lights and a comical story then stuck them all in a blender, and out comes this mess of an enjoyable show.

I found myself, zoning out and just going with it. Personally I think we have got so wrapped up in pioneering shows, that's sometimes a soap operaesque show, which is just entertaining is ok to admit to enjoying.

This isn't 10/10 or portraying reality. It's just something to zone out to after a stressful day.

I don't understand some of the bad reviews here. This series was great fun. It's supposed to be a caricature of criminal life in East London transplanted to the Costa. It's not aiming to be an accurate depiction. It takes inspiration from some real-life characters from the underworld, in 1980s London, and then makes them OTT to great effect.

The main characters are well-acted, particularly Ma and Cindy, and Jason Flemyng does his great scene-chewing piece. It's beautifully shot, with some great camera angles and use of natural light and colour. The recreation of the 80s, in the clothes, cars and gadgets is top notch.

And to opt it all off, the soundtrack is a fantastic tour through the great music of the 80s, with songs well-chosen for the scenes in which they're used. Having characters sing along with the lyrics is very funny too!

Well worth a watch. Accept it for what it is meant to be!

Didn't think I would like this having grown up in Bermondsey in the 70s and 80s but it is kind of fun the memories names clothing and music all from the Era bring back some happy memories.

Love the primrose yellow corniche that seems to be the family run about.

I didn't know any of the actors but they all seem to have a good list of shows under their belt.

The story and motives are finally revealed in episode 4 giving you an excuse to finish off watching the series the acting may not be top notch but it is watchable

Not for everyone but I'm enjoying it could there possibly be a 2nd series guess will have to see.

A watchable, quirky 80s crime show .. the plot has more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese but the soundtrack makes up for it. Solid performances from Jason Flemyng and Martha Plimpton, (a very good actress) especially the former with his portrayal of Albert Lord - his dance moves are none too shabby either. This show is not looking to be the next Line of Duty but is instead a slightly left field take on the well churned out gangster show mixed with some dark comedy. If you like 80s music and dont take it too seriously you will find yourself watching all 8 episodes and smiling despite yourself.