The Way

This was a really odd piece of TV. It was almost impossible to pigeon hole and I think that's its major problem - there was too much going on and it mixed too many genres.

There was magical realism, sci-fi touches, documentary realism, theatrical dialogue and monologues - all roughly connected by some heavy-handed politicking.

There was a big lack of attention to credible characters and storyline and I'll be surprised if many people will see it through to the end - its just too messy a beast and one with very little pay-off.

At the end of the day a clunky experimental drama with a political agenda that will appeal to a minority and quickly disappear from memory.

I think perhaps people are hating on this show because they don't "get it".

It reminded me a little bit of "then you run" which also got bad reviews because viewers seemed to be expecting something realistic and sensical.

This show similarly is at times, dramatic and nonsensical in an almost comedic way. However, you wouldn't have to look far abroad from Wales to see places where simar circumstances to this premise have played out.

My point is - viewers in the UK who leave negative reviews believe so strongly they are safe from this type of upheaval or civil war that they are calling it dystopian.

Meanwhile, the Met has been using facial recognition on live security feeds in Greater London since 2020, have trialed and may continue to use Clearview AI (an extremely flawed AI policing system) and overseeing all online traffic through GCHQ.

Dystopian? I don't think so.

Writing is fantastic, especially in late episodes 2 and 3. I recommend a watch to anyone that enjoys analogous and meta-level dark comedy.

This was decent, every Welsh actor ever is on it lol.

Its all a bit OTT and slightly unrealistic but its well paced, interesting and fun.

There is all sorts of stuff tied in to myth, legend and the fantastical but all good stories are.

The idea and concept are good but there are certain elements that are a bit OTT and the very quick divide between the English and Welsh was a bit rapid. Not everyone in England is a Tory loving, Westminster ally.

Most of us hate em haha.

Its only about 160 mins long total so an easy watch.

There is probably too many elements that they try and cram into it all and some lack depth but the core stuff is all there are and the story is complete bit with a slightly open ending.

Decent 7/10.

The Driscoll family are forced to leave Port Talbot, and forced to leave Wales itself, after they find themselves heavily caught up in protesting a potential shutdown of The Port Talbot steel works.

A very poignant drama for this point in time, the works is indeed the very heart of Port Talbot, and right now where its very future is in jeopardy, it's relevant.

Episode one was very straightforward and easy to follow, episodes Two and Three however are very much off the wall. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, and I understand why some people have disliked it, I however, really enjoyed it.

As I watched, it put me very much in mind of a sketch The worm that turned, in which men Did all made to wear dresses, ruled over by women, and try to escape into Wales. It really is that zany.

The acting is tremendous, and there are some big names, Aneurin Bernard, Luke Evans and Sheen himself, but I'd argue it's Mali Harris and Steffan Rhodri that steal it.

I honestly think this is one of those shows that will garner further appreciation years down the line. One of those I'd like to think that's ahead of its time.

7/10.

I've only seen the 1st episode and honestly don't know if I liked it or not. The only thing I'm sure of is that any Welsh actor who didn't get a role in this should fire their agent!

It would be easy to dismiss this as a Michael Sheen vanity project and 'jobs for the boyos' (and girlos) but it's much more than that. In a world where our evenings are usually filled with crime dramas written by people who think having a female lead is 'edgy' and 'innovative' (where have they been the the last 10 years?) this is a welcome change.

So will I watch the remaining episodes? I'm not sure, I suspect all the surprise, magic and innovation was in episode 1. But if you are looking for something different: This is it!