The original "Happy Valley" six-parter has to be the best, or at least the best I've ever seen, police dramas series. The story is brilliant, the casting, acting and direction superb and the absence of 'background dramatic music' is a God send which adds so much to the overall ambience. Viewers are actually able to hear the dialogue and aren't distracted by the annoyance of entirely unnecessary noise which does nothing to enhance the drama, in fact, it diminishes it.
Sarah Lancashire is phenomenal in her lead role and it's hard to believe that anyone could have been betteras she tries to deal with the horrors of her past while carrying out her duties of the present. In the rest of the cast, James Norton exudes menace as the main villain, while Steve Pemberton and Joe Armstrong are utterly believable as the ill-matched baddies. Siobhan Finneran is wonderful and so realistic as the understated sister, trying desperately to deal with her own demons while also supporting her police sergeant sibling. The rest of the cast, including Rhys Connahr as young Ryan who is the epitomy of a child who simply doesn't understand what's going on, is just perfect.
I defy anyone to watch this series and not be afected by the raw emotions of the story, not to be drawn in and wonder how they might react in similar, or even remotely similar, circumstances. This is Sally Wainwright at her very, very best, supported by a cast at the very top of their game.
Absolutely fantastic series, brilliant throughout. 10 out of 10 is the least I can give it.
Sarah Lancashire is phenomenal in her lead role and it's hard to believe that anyone could have been betteras she tries to deal with the horrors of her past while carrying out her duties of the present. In the rest of the cast, James Norton exudes menace as the main villain, while Steve Pemberton and Joe Armstrong are utterly believable as the ill-matched baddies. Siobhan Finneran is wonderful and so realistic as the understated sister, trying desperately to deal with her own demons while also supporting her police sergeant sibling. The rest of the cast, including Rhys Connahr as young Ryan who is the epitomy of a child who simply doesn't understand what's going on, is just perfect.
I defy anyone to watch this series and not be afected by the raw emotions of the story, not to be drawn in and wonder how they might react in similar, or even remotely similar, circumstances. This is Sally Wainwright at her very, very best, supported by a cast at the very top of their game.
Absolutely fantastic series, brilliant throughout. 10 out of 10 is the least I can give it.