I came across this show following Will McKenna's impressive turn in Queen of Oz, and expected fully for his character to be the one I identified most with. The performances of the main cast were so enthralling overall that it is nigh-on impossible not to find yourself relating to each one of them by the time the eight outings are up. A sign of a series with strong characterisation is one in which you can root for not just one but multiple characters and critique them for their flaws, helped by their being portrayed so convincingly. Kartanya Maynard in particular, who also featured in the brilliant Deadloch, shines brightly during the series and is destined for great things. Maggie Dence, as well, is exceptional. I found myself often rewinding the programme to fully bask the power of each cast member's portrayal and any nuances they injected into their characters that I may have missed, appreciating their committal to those they were responsible for inhabiting, and their dedication to delivering such compelling performances, more and more in the process.
Being so engrossed and enraptured by the series means its flaws are more frustrating than deserving of being pointed out maliciously or with any degree of mockery. The series' first and last few episodes are brilliant, with taut writing that ensures you keep watching (the second and sixth episodes, with special mention also going to the eighth, are some of the best pieces of television I've watched in some time). It's just a shame the drama, and the sheer intensity of it, that powers the series' first two episodes - and creates their urgent, 'must-watch' nature - dissipates as it approaches the halfway mark, and consequently the show finds itself in a position of unintentionally convincing viewers to lose the drive to continue with it; the third and fourth episodes feature stories that are comparatively less dramatic than the opening couple episodes - humdrum to the point of feeling like a midseason US drama with a constant air of 'this won't survive its run' - and therefore unhelpfully provide viewers with a sense the rest of the series won't live up to its captivatingly intense start.
Viewers are handsomely rewarded by sticking with it, though, and are quickly sucked back in as the series steps up a gear in its final half; however, the satisfaction that comes from the series' general narrative, and the lessons it wants those watching to take from it, coming into view is affected by the time it takes to get to that point - although I can appreciate if that was a deliberate attempt by the writers, as it also reflects how long it takes for the characters to learn those same lessons, accept how they need to change as a result, and ensure the series concludes satisfyingly. As the show is based on a novel intended for young adults (disclaimer: which I haven't read), it also leads to, on occasions, the show's intended message being delivered in a somewhat simplistic and reductionist manner - and causes it to drag or feel consistently underpowered in places, as if the show can't go full pelt in what it might want to do for fear of going beyond what may be appropriate for such an audience - but this is never achieved in a way that insults audients of any age.
While I'd welcome for more tales coming from the series, the disappointing ratings alone probably mean I shouldn't get my hopes up. I'm not sure it needs to continue - especially if there's no source material to draw from that means the story may not be open to or supportive of another series, and so may not live up to its first. The eight episodes given to us were, on the whole, great, both heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, life-affirming and imbued appreciated introspection in those who have experienced similar things to the characters; more would be desirable if I could be sure another go-around is as nuanced and engaging, as by the end I was already regretting the prospect of closing the door on these characters, and actually find myself missing spending time with them.
