Last Tango in Halifax

This is one of the series i liked the most. It is profound, comprehensive, extraordinary, unpredictable and the acting is super. The variation in the character cast is magnificent . The authentic roll play sublime. It is one of the examples why I highly admire the British series. It could be well a real life example of ordinary people with all their usual daily problems and emotions. Nicola is my best favorite actress, I have seen her in River too. But nothing less to all the other actors without exception they are all of a very high class.

I (me Dutch) have learned a lot from the slang that used in the series. Although English subtitles are highly appreciated for me. I can't wait for the next series to come out.

After the first four episodes and I am gob-smacked. It has been a long time since I have been so excited by a BBC drama & so refreshing to have it set in the present. No costumes, and no history lessons needed to be able to appreciate the emotions coursing through the characters as they cope with the manic plot twists. I say manic, but they remain believable nonetheless as plausible drama's we could all have happen in our lives. More surprising is that the rate of storytelling. Every second and every facial expression is made to count, but this never intrudes on the - real life time feel of the piece. If I have made Last Tango in Halifax sound mundane- it is not it is bonkers. For me the 'what on earth is going to happen next' factor is the biggest draw. But each scene on its own is already a mini stand alone story. If that is down to the quality of the acting the scene play or the production I cannot say. Last Tango is utterly absorbing and I cannot wait for more. (vote 9 in stead of 10 because of the spoiling spoilers at the end of the episode)

Thank you Netflix, for introducing us to the work of Sally Wainwright (and to actors like Sarah Lancashire!). This has to be one of the sweetest, nicest, most absorbing series I have seen in years - so much better than the usual run of the mill North American stuff. It takes its time to introduce you to the lives and thoughts of its cast, and in doing so, it captures you completely. You fall in love with haughty Caroline and mixed up, do anything for love Gillian. Even the less sympathetic characters - John and Judith - are fun to be with as you wait to see them plunge into their next disaster. As for the two lovebirds, Alan and Celia, they are just so believable and such a delight to spend time with. After watching this, I've discovered Scott & Bailey, also by Sally Wainwright and can't believe the same person wrote such two very different series. I've also watched Happy Valley with Sarah Lancashire and she is incredible. The contrast with her character in Last Tango is stunning. So once again, thank you Netflix. Thank you Sally Wainwright!

I didn't watch the first series on TV, but happened across it on DVD rentals, and became enthralled and enslaved. I really enjoy the leading couple, and their 'daughters' , my how Raquel has grown up! Some of the story lines are a bit far-fetched, and I can't help thinking that perhaps Gillian would have benefited from a stronger chastisement occasionally when she was younger and hormonal, but they are what they are. I love that she is always up to her armpits in dung when she gets company or a phone call - I hope they pay her enough. I hope it doesn't get too silly, but some families do lurch from crisis to disaster, so if they can balance the humour, then it will be realistic. The production team have done a grand job, the acting is splendid. Love it.

The first episode itself captivates you as soon as the lead protagonists meet for the first time after over 60 years. Very rarely do you see such insightful and delightful stories involving septuagenarians. It has both its thrilling and heartwarming moments, right from the beginning. It has a lot of heart, and the first episode itself draws me into their lives; it was the same way I felt about Downton Abbey. And as Downton, it has a mesmerizing and entrancing opening score which sets the appropriate and stirring mood for the episodes.

The things people wonder about, remain angry or sad about, imagining the reason behind certain events... all those things are treated quite beautifully in the series. Over the episodes, the lead couple and close kin go through many ups and downs, much like normal life. The supporting characters, mainly the close kin of the lead couple, form quite intriguing and fascinating characters. The way our lives and actions affect the people close to us, and vice-versa, is shown masterfully in this season. I liked how they handled the realization of Caroline's new exploration of sexuality (in her middle ages, after her divorce), and how her family reacts to it.

The acting by the entire cast, especially the 70-something leads, Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid, and Sarah Lancashire, is top notch. The screenplay and editing is brilliant, the appropriate timings of events and reactions draws you into the lives of these intriguing characters.

Quite an unusual and delightful romantic drama.