The Living and the Dead

The Living and the Dead is a very evocative celebration of rural England. It is powerful because, rather than present a life of twee corn-dollies and doilies, it presents the real struggles of life on the land, and what the agricultural year used to mean to people: i.e. everything. The haunting come across as an expression of this place in time and I think, despite other reviews, are truly original in that they are rooted in deep story. The central characters are mostly real and deep - especially Gideon and Nathan Appleby. I find Charlotte's character a little cookie cutter at times - she is the straightforward one. The acting by Morgan is really rather stop-you-in-your- tracks, but I must also acknowledge that I am a red blooded female with an appreciation for tortured souls in a waistcoat. The twists, and complexities of plot, the imagery of the thing and - most of all I think- the questions it raises about the nature of time, make this compelling TV viewing. Many are super keen for more.

A brilliantly constructed bit of telly showcasing the BBC at it's best. A feast for the eyes with views of the English countryside through the changing seasons. Excellent costume design, most notably for Colin Morgan's character where his clothes reflect his changing mental state. A scary, gripping and clever tale filled with surprising and unexpected twists and turns and a final scene which left me gagging for a sequel. Brilliant soundtrack. Colin Morgan gives a heart wrenchingly good performance as Nathan Appleby and the chemistry between him and screen-wife Charlotte Spencer is wonderful. Cannot recommend this show highly enough and I implore the powers that be to make a second series!

This show is very well acted. The setting and scenery is magnificent. As an American watching, I love the historical references emerging through the story. Colin Morgan and Charlotte Spencer make a wonderful couple.

The plot, itself, reminds me of the series Ghost Whisperer (2005-2010), in which Jennifer Love Hewitt's character solves mysteries related to those haunting the living. This is much deeper, but still retains that episodic start to finish feeling.

I became familiar with Colin Morgan watching Merlin (2008-2012). His acting completely impressed me. I hope to find other works he has been/is involved with. I am desperately waiting the release of The Rising. I truly think Mr. Morgan can carry the weight of the big screen.

It is beautiful. Just beautiful Gothic story, served by impecable acting, inspired atmosphere, great care for details, haunting theme. A couple, a farm,possesed children and shadows of past, old stories, the effort to save the other and himself and beautiful love story. Short, just impressive.

I personally found this captivating and well worth watching.

The setting is a lovely location with history oozing thru the storyline. the characters are solid, 3d and fully believable. the directing and background make you believe the story and accept the circumstances.

it drags you into the plot and makes you want to know what ever happens next.

I cannot recommend this enough.

Unlike another critic I felt that the music enhanced the plot and added to the air of mystery.

It all becomes explained in the last episode and suddenly it all makes sense.

well worth watching.