Boys from the Blackstuff

Alan Bleasdale's defining production. Almost unbearably tragic characters, yet Bleasdale manages to find the opportunity for rare wit in his dialogue. As good a T.V. series as there has ever been. Truly the work of a genius.

If you are interested in what it was like to live in Thatcher's Britain in the eighties then look no futher. You need a strong stomach - especially for Yosser's Story. Memories of Cathy Come Home from the sixties spring to mind. It's good, it's real and it hurts to watch it - that's WHY it should be seen. Thanks Alan Bleasdale- for seeing and telling it like it is.

Boys from the Blackstuff was first screened by the BBC in 1982.

It is in my opinion the finest drama series the BBC have ever produced. Poignant and emotive. There are not enough superlatives to describe this drama.

The script was second to none and Bleasdale's use of dialogue was excellent. Although the dialogue and setting was very disquieting for the most part, there were some lighter sides.

I have had the opportunity of seeing this series again recently, almost a quarter of a century since its first airing and to me it has lost nothing. I also feel that the latest generation of TV viewers would thoroughly enjoy watching this tremendous series.

Perhaps the BBC would consider re-screening Boys from the Blackstuff in 2007 in celebration of its 25th anniversary. I would not mind betting it would be in line for more awards.

Plutus

This series is a wonderfully realistic portrayal of life for the unemployed in the 1980s. It also manages to focus on characters, with all the cast giving magnificent performances, especially Bernard Hill as the deeply troubled Yosser Hughes. A masterpiece from start to end, this is one series that definitely should be repeated on TV. Another great thing is that you can watch and fully understand each episode without having to have seen any of the others.

As mini series go they do not come much better than this. A brilliant portrayal of what life was like for those unfortunate people who found themselves without work at the beginning of the 1980's. A depressing testament to the power wielded by political leaders and the total indifference shown by those in work to those without it. All young and sceptical people bored by the stories told them by parents who were affected by events portrayed in this series should take a look see. Then they will realise that the stories they have heard are in fact true. A lesson for all which, when once seen, must never be forgotten. Comedy, pathos, bathos you name it, it has it all. Wonderfully acted. Not a poor performance anywhere to be seen. Has great educational value.