The Lovers

I saw the advertising for this and thought it looked interesting. It had two actors which I love, Johnny Flynn and Alice Eve, and was set in Belfast which having studied global uprisings and conflicts as well have having visited I always love watching f shows where you can see the familiar streets and images. So I settled in for a light rom-com series that I knew I would be pleased with. BUT, it offered so much more than first intended!

The leads had great chemistry and the ability to skirt serious issues in early episodes as if they are simply background details yet revisit them as huge issues was amazing. I don't know if I read more into the lovers than was meant but to me it felt very much like a message about what happens when you ignore conflicting ideas. These two people have no business being together but are perfectly suited.

I blew through this series in one sitting and I definitely will revisit it. It will be interesting to watch back knowing what I know now.

The only criticism I have is the ending felt a little rushed but it didn't ruin it for me. I just felt more time could have been dedicated to the closing moments.

Despite the title and the poster it's not super romantic, traditionally. Less cute romcom, more chaotic romcom. Generally speaking, it gets better as it goes, especially once you get acquainted with the characters. The main character, in particular, takes a while to warm up to, even now that I've finished the season. However, he does feel like a genuinely relatable person, or like a real person, and that's a good thing. It's not as if he was written to be anything other than himself. The tension between the two main characters felt awkward, yet it seemed realistic and added to the authenticity of the show.

The story isn't overly complex or convoluted. You can sense a twist coming later on, but it's not grandiose or mind-blowing, but it maintains a believable quality. The humor isn't riotous, but it does have a simple genuine feel. British humor. Music is occasionally used to enhance this, especially in the first episode. Towards the end, it's less about humor and more about the affair, the show's vibe keeps a balanced tone without going overboard. The series doesn't try to do too much in general.

If you're not accustomed to watching British sitcoms like this, I'd recommend starting with something like "Catastrophe" first. It's a better introduction and helps you get accustomed to the humor and style. The title "The Lovers" can be a bit misleading, so if the first episode doesn't resonate with you, it's probably best to skip the rest. However, if you do like it, then by all means, continue watching. I think the first episode's a good test.

Unbelievably reassuring of the reality of love at first sight. Both lead actors are perfectly cast in a slightly deviated form of the classic romcom genre.

After just the first 3 episodes, (half) I am hooked and I only never binged the series as It was so late I just had to tear myself away.

I'm confident however, that the entire series will keep folk hooked as much as it has me. And I'm fairly sure that I am indeed in love with Roisin Gallagher now. Both lead characters carry the show and the wonderful Alice Eve also adds a certain something with some excellent dialogue.

Watch it, you won't be disappointed, and here's hoping there's a season 2 in the offing!

I'm laid up with a horrible cold so I binged watched them all in 1 morning.

Having visited Belfast a few times back in my youth, I like seeing places I've been to on the screen.

I'd seen the male lead from Emma, but the female lead is just so heartbreakingly real, & strong, & vulnerable, she won me over in the first 10 minutes. I actually cared about her and rooted for her right the way through.

I kind of thought I knew where it was going to go but, I didn't see it coming.

Janet & Seamus were believable and they had great on screen chemistry. He's more than a bit of a prat but I liked their journey.

Funny, sexy, make you laugh, make you cry telly. Well worth a watch.

This show is fantastic. It's one of those shows where the acting absolutely makes or breaks it, and in this case it soars. Not that the writing isn't good, because it is, but in the hands of lesser actors it could have come off as corny or wooden. Luckily, Johnny Flynn and Roisin Gallagher have amazing chemistry and do so much to convey awkwardness, longing and nervousness. The effect is absolutely charming. The added political implications of the Belfast setting (no spoilers!) helps to add a bit of depth to the story and will hopefully provide more layers to be explored in Season 2. I would personally love to come back to these characters and see where the story takes them next, especially after the events of the finale.

I cannot recommend this show enough. It's a sweet story of two people from different backgrounds, and I promise you the acting is worth it. I was enchanted throughout.