Edit
Storyline
Cathy Connor and Eamonn Docherty are brought up together in the East End. As the daughter of a prostitute, Madge, Cathy's life is difficult, especially when everyone assumes that she will be following in her mother's footsteps. But when Cathy is forced to protect Madge from a violent attack by a punter it changes her life forever. Cathy is taken into care but she suffers institutional abuse which leaves her with no choice but to run away. She ends up destitute, on the streets of Soho. Desrae, a transvestite, unexpectedly comes to her rescue. Meanwhile, Eamonn joins Dixon's firm and rises up the ranks of the East End criminal underworld. He gets involved with his boss's daughter but in a moment of violent rage, kills her. Eamonn flees to New York to escape retribution where he gains a reputation as a ruthless villain with a specialism for sourcing weaponry. Adapted from Martina Cole's best-selling novel this is an explosive action-packed thriller with two star crossed lovers at its ... Written by
Anonymous
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Although Martina Cole always spins a good tale, this series was somehow still a surprise package for me - so many things can and often do go wrong with an adaptation from a good novel, so I avoided watching The Runaway for some time.
After a fairly tentative start, it remains absorbing to the end. The characters are raw and flawed, in a violent and unforgiving environment, but most nevertheless manage to invoke a big measure of empathy and/or sympathy from the viewer. I was left wondering whether people like those in the story really did rule the London underworld in the 60s.
Outstanding acting from everyone in the cast - notably Jack O'Connell whose charm and menace are totally convincing in equal parts. Alan Cumming is brilliant as Desiree, while Joanna Vanderham moves through the age changes and develops beautifully as the series progresses.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys quality British drama.