What struck me as dynamic and endearing after watching the entire season of Party Animals was just how believable the writers had made the characters, and in particular, young lovers. The casting was so good that one could argue that for all the main players this show represents seminal roles. I was really disappointed to find there isn't a season two, but then again, the stark reality, even brutality, of the world of behind-the-scenes politics is so brilliantly realised here that perhaps there is a message in that. I first noticed this dvd at a local op shop and recognised some of the actors from the cover, but didn't actually buy it until weeks later as I thought I wouldn't enjoy something BBC from well over a decade ago. Then the op shop had a half price everything day and thus I had nothing to lose. I've been enthralled from the first episode to the last. This is top shelf British drama. At its heart is a story of two brothers which is truly authentic. Admittedly it is designed to appeal to 20-somethings, but the script is sharp and intelligent and the story throws a new curve ball with every episode. Surely it is an accurate snapshot of mid-naughties Britain, and is beautifully filmed and produced. I can't see why it shouldn't appeal to anyone that enjoys quality drama.
