Mr Loverman

Mr Loverman is a thought-provoking, deeply moving drama that explores historic and changing attitudes to gay relationships within the Afro Caribbean community in Britain. But it is much more than that - it is about love in all its guises and about the importance of identity and being true to yourself no matter what culture or community you are brought up in. Lennie James and Sharon D Clarke deserve to win every award going for their stunning performances. In fact, every character in this brilliant drama is beautifully portrayed and I cannot recommend it highly enough. More like this please BBC!

Mr. Loverman is a heartfelt, character-driven drama that masterfully explores love, identity, and the deep regrets of living a life in secrecy. Lennie James delivers a standout performance as Barry Walker, a 74-year-old gay Black man torn between his long-time marriage and his true love, Morris, played by Ariyon Bakare. Sharon D. Clarke shines as Barry's wife, Carmel, bringing depth to a woman who has silently endured years of betrayal. The series is a rare portrayal of elderly Black gay love, delving into the emotional and societal costs of inauthenticity.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hackney, London, the show immerses us in the complexity of Barry's life, touching on themes of homophobia, misogyny, and intergenerational conflict. The flashbacks, showing Barry's and Morris's painful past in both Antigua and the UK, underscore the heavy trauma they carry. While updated to reflect modern-day issues like gentrification and same-sex marriage, the series stays true to its roots in examining the difficulties of coming out, especially within the Black community.

Despite some clunky dialogue and underdeveloped supporting characters, Mr. Loverman excels in capturing the emotional tension between Barry, Morris, and Carmel. The chemistry between James and Bakare is palpable, making their hidden relationship all the more poignant. Meanwhile, the strained dynamic between Barry and Carmel is both heartbreaking and raw, showcasing the bitter toll of deception.

The show bravely addresses the struggles of being an old, gay Black man, particularly through scenes where Barry grapples with violent memories and societal rejection. It highlights not only the personal cost of living inauthentically but also the enduring resilience of love.

Series is a necessary, timely exploration of Black queer love, and its sincere, thought-provoking approach will resonate with viewers seeking a more nuanced story of love, self-acceptance, and the courage to live truthfully.

This is a riveting drama and superb acting from all the cast, extremely well written with characters you really get to know and appreciate for who they are or pretend to be. It does not shy away from controversy either and handles the prejudices of the characters with both touching realism tinged with humour and sadness. Lennie James simply surpasses himself in his portrayal of a closeted gay man who is caught between his family and secret lover and understandable split loyalties. Set in the London Borough of Hackney and on the Island of Antigua, I cannot recommend this drama highly enough. Enjoy!

Lennie James is a much underrated actor who has taken on some gritty roles in his career. Was far more impressed with his performance in another BBC miniseries; The State Within, back in 2006.

However, no matter how you dress this up with rationalised pseudo reasoning, it comes down to portraying someone who never had the guts to live as themselves, but chose to destroy another person's life and happiness along with their family. So much for marriage vows to his wife..!

All rather strange, when you consider how hard SSM was fought for, and yet here, a nearly lifelong marriage is discarded as almost a complete irrelevance to the story!

The first episode has a tagline.. "Is Barry brave enough to leave his wife?" Why is the final act of being unfaithful to your wife for decades described as being .."brave" ?

This isn't an uncommon theme, the question is...why are dramas like this attempting to make a virtue out of the appalling philandering behaviour of a husband..is it just because he's gay ..talk about double standards!

Not read the book but recognise an impressive piece of literary fiction portrayed beautifully by some great acting.

The homosexual sex scenes are maybe at times too heavy. The weaving in and out of the past can also occasionally be difficult to follow but is mainly very pertinent and intensely moving adding nicely into the running story line. The subject of homosexuality is still today although better than yesterday often difficult for many people to come to terms with and hopefully viewing this engaging film will bring more understanding into the public arena. The drama of youth going along tracks not necessarily, in line with parental aspirations is also nicely woven into the story. I found it moving and believable.