Run

The quality of the first three stories was about as good as I have seen for a miniseries.

I found them realistic and dark but in those three stories there was always the unifying theme that some sliver of human decency was struggling to prevail, even in the most inhospitable of environments. It didn't always win, but that struggle was what made the first three stories relatable and linked them together.

The fourth story is completely different. There is no moral struggle. The protagonist acts completely entitled and is even more unlikable than the two yobs at the beginning of the story. Worse, she is just reading the script - there is nothing real for us to see and no soul for us to care about.

Too bad - the first three story lines were very compelling but the ending was so weak and jolting that it ruins the entire effect.

Run is not the stereotypical television program that many might be used to, and rather than being something that viewers may enjoy, or necessarily be entertained by, it captures the attention of all with its raw, taunt, inescapable poignancy, alongside the authentic characters and environments.

Over the course of each forty three minute episode, the creators and actors alike are able to brilliantly capture the characters to an extent, that by the end, we, the audience, feel as though we have known them all our lives. Each episode tells the story of one particular individual, each story eventually leading into the following episode. Rather than viewing the lives of traditional characters, we encounter individuals stricken by financial woe, poverty and social intolerance. A homeless heroine addict, an illegal Chinese immigrant, a Polish woman forced into a hopeless situation, and a single mother, are the four individuals we are introduced to over the course of the story.

Actors, like the always amazing Lennie James (Line of Duty, The Next Three Days, Columbiana)in his portrayal of the addict Richard as he fights to remain clean is as fantastic as it is heart-breaking, while the outstandingly beautiful Katie Leung (Harry Potter) and her interpretation of Chinese immigrant Ying, is not only powerfully mature, but meaningfully heart-felt. BAFTA award winning actress Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur, Peep Show) as Carol and Katharina Schuttler (The Promise) as Kasia are equally magnificent in their roles, each of the actors commanding the screen with unflinching effectiveness.

Although on occasion I accurately guessed how an episode would conclude, I was never disappointed by the outcome, with every story remaining true to form. Even though characters are forced to occasionally commit unlawful acts, I never once stopped hoping for them. On more than one occasion I was positively bouncing as a miracle occurred in someone's life, while other times I found myself an inch from the screen, biting at my nails as I was swept up in the intensity of the situation.

With a musical score that fantastically conveys the brutality of the crushing moments the characters are forced to endure, Run reminds us that the concept of hope, is one of the most important, sought after emotions of all.

You don't need to agree with my observations, but I will say this; you, dear reader, will be doing yourself a great disservice if you do not watch this show. The writers of this program have developed something that is as rare as it is powerful; someone, please, buy these gentleman a beer; they certainly deserve it.

It isn't often that a drama manages to capture such a dark and tragic atmosphere, while still maintaining a deep emotional core. The series chronicles four different stories that tie in thematically and paint a gritty, but fundamentally compelling picture of those unseen tragedies that happen every day in our urban world.

The production was excellent, as was the acting. The entire cast did a great job in delivering gripping performances, but special mention must be made to Olivia Colman and Lennie James, who, as always, never cease to impress. This series is an emotional roller-coaster that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

This one will surprise you. It is gritty and actually sad assuming that it is a reflection of the dark side of the UK. Well acted. There is no happy ending just deep reflection on how some people just have bad luck. You are left with hoping for the best. Should have had a sequel.

I see reviews that aren't complimentary about this series and I get why, to appreciate the level of acting in this, from people such as Olivia Colman and Lenny James, you have to take it to the stripped back level of society, amongst criminal activity, survival and the depths where only the super talented can go. This makes the grit real, it creates empathy on a level that would usually be registered and the sliding door effect, creates the ripple. Great series for those who like actors at their best!