30 reviews
Beautifully shot, great music, good actors, amazing locations and wardrobe. But it just doesn't come together.
Some parts are rushed while others are lingered on for too long without any real impact, emotional or artistic.
The characters speak like they're in a play - too dramatic, forever reciting someone else's words. You can tell there is a lot of talent on the screen, but it goes to waste. The characters aren't developed in an interesting way, or aren't developed at all. Their arc are murky, not intentionally (which can be interesting) but in a lackluster, clumsy sort of way.
Even the way the songs were edited in felt like they were always missing the punchline, and there were some GREAT songs in this show. It's like the scenes and the music are disjointed, not well-suited.
Dante felt, to me, a very difficult main character. He is so disconnected from anything that doesn't directly involve him (and some things that DO involve him) that it kept making me disconnect and pull away from the show. There were good moments with the other characters that got drowned in lots of scenes of cardboard cutouts of people talking to each other in predictable, wooden dialouge.
It's an entertaining show but could have been so much more.
Some parts are rushed while others are lingered on for too long without any real impact, emotional or artistic.
The characters speak like they're in a play - too dramatic, forever reciting someone else's words. You can tell there is a lot of talent on the screen, but it goes to waste. The characters aren't developed in an interesting way, or aren't developed at all. Their arc are murky, not intentionally (which can be interesting) but in a lackluster, clumsy sort of way.
Even the way the songs were edited in felt like they were always missing the punchline, and there were some GREAT songs in this show. It's like the scenes and the music are disjointed, not well-suited.
Dante felt, to me, a very difficult main character. He is so disconnected from anything that doesn't directly involve him (and some things that DO involve him) that it kept making me disconnect and pull away from the show. There were good moments with the other characters that got drowned in lots of scenes of cardboard cutouts of people talking to each other in predictable, wooden dialouge.
It's an entertaining show but could have been so much more.
- rachelishp
- May 8, 2024
- Permalink
- tommdennehy
- May 3, 2024
- Permalink
From the creator of Peaky Blinders Steven Knight.
There are moments when it has a similar feel with some of the dialogue.
Like Peaky Blinders it has a great soundtrack. Once I got into the second and third episodes I started to really like it, and invested into the characters a lot more. Felt like I was waiting a long time for the development of the band, but plenty of other stories to keep you going until that point. Felt like The Commitments at one point as the band were coming together. A few very good performances from the lead characters, especially Levi Brown & Michelle Dockery, who couldn't have been any further away from the character she played in Downton Abbey.
There are moments when it has a similar feel with some of the dialogue.
Like Peaky Blinders it has a great soundtrack. Once I got into the second and third episodes I started to really like it, and invested into the characters a lot more. Felt like I was waiting a long time for the development of the band, but plenty of other stories to keep you going until that point. Felt like The Commitments at one point as the band were coming together. A few very good performances from the lead characters, especially Levi Brown & Michelle Dockery, who couldn't have been any further away from the character she played in Downton Abbey.
- johnfknight02
- Mar 31, 2024
- Permalink
Before watching This Town I hadn't listened properly to the synopsis and thought this was a fictional depiction of the rise of two-tone, which was originally what peaked my interest in the show. To find that this was more of an ode to that time in the midlands, I wasn't disappointed however. Especially to find such well acted and deep characters that took the story to a much more enjoyable level. There's a few different stories within the overall story here but all are explored properly and the show is the better for it. I don't understand another review I've seen here saying it wasn't about music. An excellent soundtrack and the central theme of getting a band together should really appeal to any muso. Especially fans of Ska, Two-Tone and Reggae. Can't wait for series two having binged this start to finish. Just a thought - why does anyone who gives a TV series a poor review actually sit through all the episodes? Things that make you go mmm????
- paulstephens1001
- Apr 5, 2024
- Permalink
This just hits the spot. There was such edginess at that time in the 70's/80's, inequality, racism, skinheads, the awful troubles in Ireland, industrial strife and the general failing of society to look after people that needed help. 'This Town' picks bits of that and melts it together in a glorious understanding of it all, with a great core story, fabulous tunes and poetry from the lead actor. He stood so tall he made me feel proud to be British. Please give us more of this raw, untamed, shout out feel good of life. There are stories still to be told. A wonderful TV show. Rock on BBC, you can make great drama.
- sjspencerbrown
- Apr 4, 2024
- Permalink
As another reviewer said, they tried to do too much and failed to do anything. They could have done so much more with the music of the time and they failed. But most of all the original music is terrible. The band as such would never have been popular.
Then they tried to shoehorn the IRA into the show. Great, do an IRA show or do a Two Tone show. Not both. Then they tried to add M Thatchers in to the mix. Add a dollop of soap opera and you end up with an uneven pile of crap.
I did enjoy quite a few parts of this but I would have to be convinced about a second series. More Ska/Two Tone and less IRA.
Then they tried to shoehorn the IRA into the show. Great, do an IRA show or do a Two Tone show. Not both. Then they tried to add M Thatchers in to the mix. Add a dollop of soap opera and you end up with an uneven pile of crap.
I did enjoy quite a few parts of this but I would have to be convinced about a second series. More Ska/Two Tone and less IRA.
I just had to bingewatch this. The 80s was my era, I lived in Brum as a kid and I have always been a bluenose (Birmingham City fan. The Zulu Warriors was the name given to the hooligans associated with the club not all the fans despite the terrace being known as the Spion Kop).
The fusion of the people, the music, vehicles, buildings and cars is all spot on. The only downside wee the ropey Brummie accents and the BCFC logo which the club did away with in 1976, 5 years before this was set.
It would be great to see more but this will probably be the end of the fantastic series The second city rarely makes tv but great when it is.
The fusion of the people, the music, vehicles, buildings and cars is all spot on. The only downside wee the ropey Brummie accents and the BCFC logo which the club did away with in 1976, 5 years before this was set.
It would be great to see more but this will probably be the end of the fantastic series The second city rarely makes tv but great when it is.
- xmasdaybaby1966
- Apr 3, 2024
- Permalink
It's music it's racism, it's immigration, it's political, it's oppression, it's religion, it's addiction, it's neurodivergence, it's coming of age, it's family obligations and independence, it's heartbreak and redemption... Everything! And it's done superbly. This show sucked me in and still hasn't spit me out. This was nothing like I expected and I just might re-watch it immediately after I finish it. The acting was on point with only a few moments that were awkward but every show has that. Nicholas Pinnock and Michelle Dockery shine. Watch this. You won't regret it. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and I loved.
I am loving this three eps in. The two young men are stars and the dialogue is perfect. Love the interplay between loyalty, aspiration and the pull of place and family.
It's not fast paced but don't be out off. It's part nostalgia, part family saga.
I don't want to say more as I think the show speaks for itself. There is a star performance from Michelle Dockery, playing the alcoholic mother. She must have been thrilled to play her.
It's moody, perfectly captures the era and everything the BBC should be making. Stephen Knight has excelled with a pitch perfect script backed up by a great cast.
It's not fast paced but don't be out off. It's part nostalgia, part family saga.
I don't want to say more as I think the show speaks for itself. There is a star performance from Michelle Dockery, playing the alcoholic mother. She must have been thrilled to play her.
It's moody, perfectly captures the era and everything the BBC should be making. Stephen Knight has excelled with a pitch perfect script backed up by a great cast.
I'm not really sure why was the promoted about the 2-Tone record label and the Ska music movement of 1979-81. 2-Tone was massive for those two glorious years of fantastic music thanks to the legend Jerry Dammers. However this series has nothing at all to do with 2 Tone, a few Trojan tracks a few tracks from The Selecter and that's it, I was expecting more about the legendary era.
This drama is OK in itself, a good watch, not fantastic but a good watch none the less but it's more about the IRA troubles of the time which to be honest I think most people would rather forget.
The other side of the story is about the band they are trying to form and to be honest they would have got no where, no talent there like there was in the actual 2-Tone bands where the music is still loved today some 40 years on.
Personally I think they dropped the ball on this one, it should have been 100% about the beginning of 2 Tone and how it affected kids, why they got it to it, how it became so massive, the culture, the music, the fashion and the hot hatch cars of that era, we don't need the IRA.
This drama is OK in itself, a good watch, not fantastic but a good watch none the less but it's more about the IRA troubles of the time which to be honest I think most people would rather forget.
The other side of the story is about the band they are trying to form and to be honest they would have got no where, no talent there like there was in the actual 2-Tone bands where the music is still loved today some 40 years on.
Personally I think they dropped the ball on this one, it should have been 100% about the beginning of 2 Tone and how it affected kids, why they got it to it, how it became so massive, the culture, the music, the fashion and the hot hatch cars of that era, we don't need the IRA.
- adamineden69
- May 1, 2024
- Permalink
No pretentious review here, just watch it and enjoy. I grew up in the midlands in the 80's (some of this was filmed in my home town) and it really captures the era, those expecting it to be all about music are the ones who are getting all up themselves.
There are plenty of old ska tracks, some rock steady but mainly I the background which was fine.
The accents are okay (if a little forced sometimes) as the main characters are from around the area, the gloomy atmosphere was well done and the acting was above average.
It's very well written and the poetic flow across the episodes works.
Reckon there will be another series which could expand the characters further, overall it was a good watch.
There are plenty of old ska tracks, some rock steady but mainly I the background which was fine.
The accents are okay (if a little forced sometimes) as the main characters are from around the area, the gloomy atmosphere was well done and the acting was above average.
It's very well written and the poetic flow across the episodes works.
Reckon there will be another series which could expand the characters further, overall it was a good watch.
Wowee. This show is pure class. Loads of authenticacy on the area and its period. Proper working-class boozers promoting the peried tunes of punk and ska and new wave.
A dodgy gangsta club boss which was reminiscent of the time from the Krays as well. Proper nuts stuff which compliments what I read about in their reports from the period but providing a unique twist of its own from the genius mind of Stephen Knight.
It also shows total capitalism and stark poverty; the Tory age was well and truely alive in 1980's Coventry and Birmingham! People being unemploed and people ripping-off the state in disgust and illegal gross capitalism as well.
The record store is just amazing. The sets are perfect. Council estate and the pub is just wow. The attention-to-detail is staggering.
Then there's the script. Oh yes! A really epic drama and incredibly well-written with a LOT of dialogue; fighting and dancing and merriment.
I loved it. It's one of the best dramas the BBC have had in a long time and it has real Shane Meadows' style vibes from the exceptional 'This Is England' series.
I'm astounded by the excellent acting involved and the realistic approach of scripts used for the IRA and the serviceman giving a huge dilemma from the UK Government.
Clothes are great. The set team and art team have done amazing with the the props. I love all the vintage Fred Perry and Sergio Tacchini are on display and proudly-worn!
The Zulus were a notorious Birmingham football gang in the 1980's yet they were from in the late 1980's and I am wondering if this series is a quiet homage to them?!?
Let's talk about the acting! Wow. Lots of talent here. Incredible stuff. Please just watch it and sit-back and enjoy. A sensational series!
A dodgy gangsta club boss which was reminiscent of the time from the Krays as well. Proper nuts stuff which compliments what I read about in their reports from the period but providing a unique twist of its own from the genius mind of Stephen Knight.
It also shows total capitalism and stark poverty; the Tory age was well and truely alive in 1980's Coventry and Birmingham! People being unemploed and people ripping-off the state in disgust and illegal gross capitalism as well.
The record store is just amazing. The sets are perfect. Council estate and the pub is just wow. The attention-to-detail is staggering.
Then there's the script. Oh yes! A really epic drama and incredibly well-written with a LOT of dialogue; fighting and dancing and merriment.
I loved it. It's one of the best dramas the BBC have had in a long time and it has real Shane Meadows' style vibes from the exceptional 'This Is England' series.
I'm astounded by the excellent acting involved and the realistic approach of scripts used for the IRA and the serviceman giving a huge dilemma from the UK Government.
Clothes are great. The set team and art team have done amazing with the the props. I love all the vintage Fred Perry and Sergio Tacchini are on display and proudly-worn!
The Zulus were a notorious Birmingham football gang in the 1980's yet they were from in the late 1980's and I am wondering if this series is a quiet homage to them?!?
Let's talk about the acting! Wow. Lots of talent here. Incredible stuff. Please just watch it and sit-back and enjoy. A sensational series!
I streamed all of season 1: The storylines starts slowly, so you get to know the characters. Then by episode 2 the different storlines that bring them all together is brilliant!
If you grew up in the late 70's early 80's in Birmingham & Coventry you know the areas,pubs, clubs scenr etc. If you really know Birmingham & Coventry you will know some of the gangs. Music is great. Great TV. 80' Peaky Blinders. Brilliant!
Visually it's perfect to show not only poverty due to unemployment through the decline of the motor industry. Tension between different groups, and how they behaved, but how Ska, & punk brought about Two-tone, which changed the musical landscape in the UK.
If you grew up in the late 70's early 80's in Birmingham & Coventry you know the areas,pubs, clubs scenr etc. If you really know Birmingham & Coventry you will know some of the gangs. Music is great. Great TV. 80' Peaky Blinders. Brilliant!
Visually it's perfect to show not only poverty due to unemployment through the decline of the motor industry. Tension between different groups, and how they behaved, but how Ska, & punk brought about Two-tone, which changed the musical landscape in the UK.
- veronicawillcock
- Mar 31, 2024
- Permalink
This is how we were in 1981 Belfast / Birmingham and Coventry and more recently in 2011 when they burned parts of Tottenham (North London) and the Carpet Shop in Croydon (South London) down...
Its more about poverty than immigration...and for a kid, seeming to have not much of a chance - regardless of whether black or white...and if you are a kid at school falling in love, and just asking for a date - and you are distraught, far more upset about that, than the police hitting you, with a truncheon cos you got caught up in a riot, and the buses weren't running cos Birmingham (England) was on fire and you couldn't smell the smoke. And were just walking home alone from school.
Very fast moving, and also very funny. Dunno if Cat Litter can convert cheap Red Diesel for Farmers to Expensive Clear Diesel for Cars, but most of the other stuff about Fertilisers is probably True...
As is the Music bringing kids of all colours together to make friends and Dance.
About the only decent thing the BBC did before this was The Old Grey Whistle Test... but they have excelled themselves here...and so have we, our kids, and our grandkids
It's not about the colour of your skin. It's about the person you are and music, art and dance and working together to solve problems, create useful things not burning the place down.
Its more about poverty than immigration...and for a kid, seeming to have not much of a chance - regardless of whether black or white...and if you are a kid at school falling in love, and just asking for a date - and you are distraught, far more upset about that, than the police hitting you, with a truncheon cos you got caught up in a riot, and the buses weren't running cos Birmingham (England) was on fire and you couldn't smell the smoke. And were just walking home alone from school.
Very fast moving, and also very funny. Dunno if Cat Litter can convert cheap Red Diesel for Farmers to Expensive Clear Diesel for Cars, but most of the other stuff about Fertilisers is probably True...
As is the Music bringing kids of all colours together to make friends and Dance.
About the only decent thing the BBC did before this was The Old Grey Whistle Test... but they have excelled themselves here...and so have we, our kids, and our grandkids
It's not about the colour of your skin. It's about the person you are and music, art and dance and working together to solve problems, create useful things not burning the place down.
- tony-90710
- Apr 4, 2024
- Permalink
- kevinyoungman
- Mar 31, 2024
- Permalink
I am very surprised at the rave reviews here. This is so beautiful to watch, and so close visually to the Midlands of that era, but the storyline! Its pitiful. The accents are almost all terrible. How hard is it to ask a Brummie how to end their sentences? The sappy love stories, the terrible original music, and most of all, the predictable pattern of the narrative are cringeworthy. A band making it because they have the will! How original. Is it really that easy? I might form one....
Finally, a show not set in Belfast, Scotland or London, and its like a teenager wrote the plot. My lord, this hurt so much to watch.
Finally, a show not set in Belfast, Scotland or London, and its like a teenager wrote the plot. My lord, this hurt so much to watch.
- spinoza-40484
- Apr 14, 2024
- Permalink
Just finished all 6 episodes. Wasn't to sure after 1st episode, but really glad I continued watching. Theres nothing like a gritty dark british made drama I find them so much more believable and realistic than what the Americans do. Top marks to all the cast for some great acting performances, and I do mean all cast. And to the writer who I think dealt with some delicate and controversial subjects in an excellent manner. My only slight criticism is the regular reference to religion. But in hind sight the storyline was around a large Catholic presence redemption and a church, all in all loved it and hope for a 2nd season or more.
- christopherlanham
- Apr 1, 2024
- Permalink
Think Quadraphenia, The Commitments, Ska and Northern Soul, you're in your fifties, and you'll love this, and I mean love it. Best thing I've seen on TV for years, Love it and hope for another series. Acting - superb, music - the best. Costumes - authentic, story line - very close to the mark. It took me back 30 + years and it was incredible. It was a bit slow to start with but every part of the story gripped you. I was never into Peaky Blinders but that doesn't matter, if you were not a fan, I don't think it matters, but if you were a fan of the 80's Ska, Two Tone and Northern Soul this is right up your street.
Being on fire, is something Stephen Knight is perfect at... if you want drama this is for you. If you need a historical documentary, please get your fix elsewhere.
The first 20 minutes with Dante colliding with Jeannie amidst Birmingham riots and the last 20 minutes where the band, the RA and all seek solutions, are sublime. In between we have characteristic predictable unpredictability from Knight just like Peaky Blinders. Don't try to guess !
The casting is faultless with all the characters oozing charisma, vulnerability and most seeking redemption. Virgil in a strange way is the leader of the gang with his words and delivery copying the style of Peaky Tommy Shelby. Jordan Bolger as Virgil nails it and his brother played by Levi Brown surely must be a rising .... Michelle Dockery steals the show by a few hair extensions and because she puts Downtown firmly to rest. I dare you to be bored ... but watch out for the Devil's sniper.
The first 20 minutes with Dante colliding with Jeannie amidst Birmingham riots and the last 20 minutes where the band, the RA and all seek solutions, are sublime. In between we have characteristic predictable unpredictability from Knight just like Peaky Blinders. Don't try to guess !
The casting is faultless with all the characters oozing charisma, vulnerability and most seeking redemption. Virgil in a strange way is the leader of the gang with his words and delivery copying the style of Peaky Tommy Shelby. Jordan Bolger as Virgil nails it and his brother played by Levi Brown surely must be a rising .... Michelle Dockery steals the show by a few hair extensions and because she puts Downtown firmly to rest. I dare you to be bored ... but watch out for the Devil's sniper.
- ianharrison747
- Apr 27, 2024
- Permalink
I grew up in the 80's but you wouldn't need to have done to appreciate this. It has sass & coolness throughout. 'This Town' was written about the people, the politics and the music of an era but still manages to transcend into modern culture with this gem of a series.
Thank god for Steven Knight, he builds the characters so well that you have empathy and attachment to each of them. I find this is missing in a lot of modern productions and it lets them down. This however, is brilliantly written, stunningly produced and a joy to watch. I am now left wanting more.
The music was chosen carefully with a fusion of genres which is what the era was all about.
A mix of Peaky Blinders and This Is England rolled into one.
Thank god for Steven Knight, he builds the characters so well that you have empathy and attachment to each of them. I find this is missing in a lot of modern productions and it lets them down. This however, is brilliantly written, stunningly produced and a joy to watch. I am now left wanting more.
The music was chosen carefully with a fusion of genres which is what the era was all about.
A mix of Peaky Blinders and This Is England rolled into one.
- littlebirds-15066
- Apr 22, 2024
- Permalink
Had high hopes for this series but wow what a disappointment, 2-Tone / Ska is right in my wheelhouse so when I heard it was set in this era & the premise was kids forming a band I was really excited, but 4 episodes in what have we had? About twenty seconds of music, some weird IRA side story very dull & pretentious monologues from the main character and just a general dull story with unbelievable characters, especially the staying on the motorway bridge as inspiration which was truly laughable. I have really no empathy for any character which to me is a clear sign of poor writing, not sure if I'll continue with the remaining episodes.
- waynessimpson
- Apr 14, 2024
- Permalink
Loved the energy, the poetry and the passion. Loved Coventry Cathedral and the M6. Loved the guardian angel girls.
Very nostalgic for someone who was a teenager in the late 70's/ early 80s in the Midlands, it rang so true.
Great ensemble cast but my heart is with Dante. Now I want to know what happens next to this lot - hoping for another series
'Art is one of the means whereby man seeks to redeem a life which is experienced as chaotic, senseless and largely evil'
This Town is a story of redemption- not from, but through the devastation of unemployment, violence, alcoholism, poverty, oppression.
Very nostalgic for someone who was a teenager in the late 70's/ early 80s in the Midlands, it rang so true.
Great ensemble cast but my heart is with Dante. Now I want to know what happens next to this lot - hoping for another series
'Art is one of the means whereby man seeks to redeem a life which is experienced as chaotic, senseless and largely evil'
This Town is a story of redemption- not from, but through the devastation of unemployment, violence, alcoholism, poverty, oppression.
- sarahmann-17857
- Apr 28, 2024
- Permalink
Wasn't too sure after the first episode but stick with it, it'll get you hooked.
Dealing with a period of modern British history that isn't that well known to those born after, and should be. The riots and later the strikes. Not talked about, not taught in schools and it's obvious why, as there are parallels to today.
A neuro divergent main character gives you a different perspective on things, which may take some getting used to for some, along with the poetry. Please stick with it, it's worth it. I watched again immediately with my daughter, and it definitely benefits from that.
Ireally hope there will be another series.
Dealing with a period of modern British history that isn't that well known to those born after, and should be. The riots and later the strikes. Not talked about, not taught in schools and it's obvious why, as there are parallels to today.
A neuro divergent main character gives you a different perspective on things, which may take some getting used to for some, along with the poetry. Please stick with it, it's worth it. I watched again immediately with my daughter, and it definitely benefits from that.
Ireally hope there will be another series.
- reblou-90276
- Apr 16, 2024
- Permalink
- stephskelton-06146
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink