Moving On

I saw this on Brit-Box, a real experience. A series that contains lifetimes' worth of experience. Moving, unvarnished, no holds barred, no sugar-coating. Superb writing and acting, so real you often feel as though you're there. I'm a psychologist and family therapist and I'm amazed at how everyone's perspective is presented, the wisdom condensed into every episode. Not preachy, not necessarily even talky- often subtle, usually following the dictum to "show not tell". Honest, absolutely nothing gratuitous, and usually profound. Often makes sticky, troubling issues, even initially incomprehensible ones, come to life. One of those rare shows that you're better off, wiser for having seen, and yet it's not preachy, quite a feat. At the end of each show someone moves on, in one way or another; inspiring. The full spectrum, the depth and breadth of human experience. One of the best shows, perhaps THE best show I've ever seen. Not for binge-watching.

I absolutely LOVED this series, every single season of it was great. The beauty of it all is these are everyday scenarios that could happen to anyone. Some stories make you laugh, while others make you cry. But each one holds a lesson to be learned.

I'm only getting through the second series, and I feel it's one of the best modern dramas that I have seen. Superb casts and well thought out portrayal of social issues, I highly recommend this series.

I found this series because I'd thoroughly enjoyed Jimmy McGovern's "The Street," which was excellent, and unlike "Moving On" portrayed human drama in a much less mawkish, soapy way. I'd also watched "Broken" and found that to be excellent. So I looked up other series written or created by Jimmy McGovern. Sadly, Moving On is a real disappointment. It is true, as other reviewers have pointed out, that it features many well-known British actors, but even their impressive skills can't uplift the "poor me" storytelling. Perhaps I should have skipped Season 1. After the first three episodes, the repetitive, cloying, tinkling piano score became literally painful to hear. I did skip ahead to Season 9 and was relieved to NOT hear that music. But the stories were no less sadsack with exasperatingly victim-y or angry characters who blame other people or circumstances for their desperate, sad situations, or worse yet, go looking for reasons to feel angry, sad, and sorry for themselves. I'm mystified as to the "10" ratings reviewers have given. This is no better than any other melodramatic, sentimental soap opera. Ugh. No thanks.

And this folks....is why I adore British TV. They play this in the afternoon! This quality TV is head and shoulders above any prime time American shows! The casting, writing, acting, the way all british tv is filmed. I simply can't watch anything but british tv. The high quality is phenomenal.