Our Friends in the North (1996)

SERIES REVIEW

It is exactly 25 years since the final episode of this 10 hour British series first aired.  Over the years, it has come to be regarded as one of the finest television dramas ever made.  Its leads- then unknown or little-known-  have gone on to great glory and commercial success- probably none more than Daniel Craig.

It is a stellar piece of drama with substantive writing, credible characters, and top-notch performances.  It tells the story of four friends, setting off on their individual and shared life journeys in 1964 at the age of 20, and where and how they end up 31 years later.   It is plotted against the backdrop of the political, social, and economic changes across Britain over that time.   It weaves into the narrative, issues such as council housing and police corruption, and events such as the miners’ strike.  I would submit that, to truly appreciate this series, it would help to be familiar with all of that.  Or at least have an open mind. 

Here’s a link to a clip.