Sherwood

Inspired by real events this timely new drama series is set in present day Nottinghamshire where a murder seemingly has links to the miners strike of 1984 and the divisions in the local community it provoked.

This was an accomplished piece of television with everybody involved in front of and behind camera on song. Good production values all round, a great assembly of Northern acting talent old and new and a special mention for the brilliant script by James Graham.

Loved it from first to last. Congrats to all involved in making this, its a truly wonderful piece of drama that rings true.

With one of the greatest TV casts put together since State of Play, this series promised to be interesting. But the first episode has surpassed my hopes -- the essential background to this drama is brilliantly sketched as we are introduced to the large range of characters, and it is beautifully written, shot and performed. It was so gripping I watched it twice, not wanting to let it go, and counting down the hours to tomorrow night. If it is half as good, the week between episodes 2 and 3 will seem an eternity.

We need much, much more drama like this.

The absolute A-team of British actors can be found in this crime series which is based on historical events in the mid-80s. Quality pays off!

The story shows us a rich gallery of characters in a former mining town, where what happened 30 years ago still simmers beneath the surface. The calm and seemingly harmonious surface hides both hatred and unresolved events. This culminates in a murder, and soon we are drawn into a very exciting investigation, with several side stories that give insight into the various characters. I found this to be both entertaining, engaging and exciting.

The first season starts off iffy; the yelling and screaming drown out much of the fine acting (Lesley Manville!) and directing. It rescues itself with a finely-tuned plot, breezy direction and adroit editing. The second season is a bust. The characters become caricatures, acting irrationally, I laugh out loud more than once. Episode three is especially hilarious, with plot holes so big you could drive a truck through.

Throughout, the antagonists control everyone. The whole concept of not grassing on another is true enough but season two takes it to a frustratingly manipulative degree. It becomes over-the-top, spoiling the obvious other strengths of the series. Writer James Graham gets lazy and presents us with characters and situations that stretch of bounds of disbelief beyond reason. He seems to have run out of ideas, settling for too-convenient plot situations and characters, manipulating both, literally losing the plot. Second season is a cheat. If there is a season three, I hope there is a new, fresh, talented writer to take over.

A lot of dramas fizzle out after a few episodes but that is not the case with 'Sherwood'. Every episode is worth watching and as a drama overall this works. Well acted and with a good story this is one of the best and most consistent dramas the the BBC has produced for a while.

There are some very well known actors here with very little screen time which adds to the drama considerably. Joanne Froggatt, Alun Armstrong, Mark Addy, Lindsay Duncan and Stephen Tomkinson all appear briefly but with impact. This is well worth watching.