Marriage

I can only imagine the poor reviews are from people who haven't been in a long term relationship and can't understand the dynamic.

From the word go I was amazed by the subtlety of the acting and the reality of the writing. The argument on the plane was perfect and only made better when they held hands on takeoff.

Beautifully written and perfectly acted.

I don't think it's as bad as everyone says. If you're of a certain age and have been in the same relationship for years you will absolutely "get it" but if you're younger than say 40 you probably think it's just a bit banal and slow. The one part I really hated (apart from the music what the blazes was that about?) was the totally unconvincing relationship they had with their step daughter they apparently adopted when she was about 5 I recollect. Every conversation was stilted like they were talking to a total stranger at a bus stop... weird.

This isn't a bad mini series, in fact its a great snapshot into the lives of an aging married couple who experience their ups and downs nestled in the relative quiet of middle class suburbia. However...

Cracks do appear in this show. The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic at times. Whilst clearly intentional to showcase the awkward staleness of being around people or relatives you've nothing to say to, the times when the dialogue *should* flow, it still doesn't.

Additionally, the show also lacks emotional and situational closure. Particularly the moments with the family talking about sensitive past events between each other, the scenes felt undercooked and lacking in payoff. The times multiple times when the show needed another 2 minutes to properly round out a dialogue/plot point never came.

For a drama that is clearly supposed to be a slow burning thinker, the overall through line of what the show is about is never brought to fruition. Theres much social commentary to pick at here and there, but all we ever get is scraps. It left me longing for a more meaty look at one or two issues raised by the plot in more depth; but sadly they never came.

The show is worth watching, but it had more potential than it ends up delivering. The two leads, Sean Bean and Nicola Walker need to take a bow as they are fantastic throughout.

P. S - This has the most annoying credits theme tune I've ever heard.

I can understand the initial negative reviews for this show. I've never seen a show like it. Nothing happens and there are long periods where there's no dialogue. Anyone expecting car chases will be disappointed.

It's the most realistic portrayal of marriage Ive ever seen.

Sean Bean and Nicola Walker are absolutely stunning, the best in their field. I join others in hating the theme. I thought it was appalling. You grow to like the characters and their flaws. Sean Bean plays a somewhat pathetic character.

This show deserves kudos for the brilliant acting and the fact that it's so different. For those who wanted action it was like watching paint dry. For those who appreciate brilliant acting it was a Masterclass.

Wonderfully observed banality of everyday life and love. Superb characters and actors pushing the boundaries of what goes for normality and the resulting paranoia leaves one feeling like a voyeur. Great stuff. Ignore those that can't see this and just get disappointed by a slow burn.