From creator, writer and director Shane Meadows (Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, Dead Man's Shoes), this spin-off British TV series follows the brilliant film, and is the sequel to the series '86, but of course this is the Christmas edition. Basically, set in December 1988, we catch up with all the characters as they prepare for the holiday, or just live their lives trying to cope with the events in the past from two and a half years ago. Lol (BAFTA nominated Vicky McClure) is struggling to care for her baby she gave to birth to after the affair she had with Milky (Andrew Shim), and she is haunted by the ghost of her dead father Mick (Johnny Harris) who she murdered, and Combo (Stephen Graham) took the blame to be imprisoned. Woody (BAFTA nominated Joseph Gilgun) is trying to get over the betrayal by Lol and to build his life back up, including with new girlfriend Jennifer and a work promotion, in the process though he does have the memories lingering, and the return of Milky does not help matters. Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) and Smell (Rosamund Hanson) are living together, and he is preparing for a Christmas play he is performing as part of his college drama course, and he is getting close to co-star Faye (Charlotte Tyree). Also starring Chanel Cresswell as Kelly, Andrew Ellis as Gadget, Danielle Watson as Trev, George Newton as Banjo, Michael Socha as Harvey, Jo Hartley as Cynthia "Cynth", Steve Brody as Woody's father Richard and Rebecca Manley as Woody's mother Barbara. The characters are still just as good to watch as before, especially McClure who is compelling as Lol, who has the horrible visions, the hardship of parenthood, and the suicide attempt, the story between Turgoose and Hanson is reasonably good viewing as well. I will admit that this didn't quite have the same grip as the film and predecessor TV series all the way through, but it certainly not a let down, it is a good alternative watch for the seasonal period, and it a most watchable British drama. It won the BAFTA for Best Mini-Series, and it was nominated for Best Make Up & Hair Design. Very good!
Review of This Is England '88
