Rain Dogs

I've given this a 10. Honestly, it's more an 8/9 but with only 783 reviews at time of writing, the 97 reviews who have given this 1 stars were not giving it anywhere near a fair appraisal. When so few vote overall, this brings the average down unfairly. I hope people don't get put off. This is a good well written gritty British drama comedy with strong performances from a great cast. It's shot well and the sound and soundtrack accompany the scenes well.

Yes, it's annoying how the narrative centres on Costello chasing a book deal; for some reason I find watching people chasing dreams unobtainable to most, tiring. But the relationships between the characters are interesting and relatable, Florian is an entertaining troubled soul. Len the pervert is also a good bit of eccentric fun. I loved the scene where Costello gifts one of his paintings and the recipient et al try to interpret it.

All in all a great British production. Thank you.

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.

It's like a jigsaw puzzle where all the emotional pieces don't go together yet somehow fit. Thus the overall picture has uneven, rough edges and a lack of symmetry.

Jack Farthing plays a brilliant but vile version of Hugh Grant complimented by Daisy May hiding her First in English Lit under her pebbledash exterior. Although at times it may seem to be writhing in the dysfunctional and lacking emotional empathy, it is real as a bag of mouldy potatoes. Drugs, gambling, cheating, lying, and glorious food banks are the norm, not romance, candlelit dinners or happy endings.

Take Ade Edmondson as the Lenny the perv. He epitomises disgusting and most would avoid writing his character like the bubonic. No hankies needed, just all be prepared like a good Boy Scout to be shocked.

Not nice but true.

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.

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.