Reviews and Soundtrack Insights for BBC's 'This City is Ours'

Plot and Premise

Set in Liverpool, 'This City is Ours' follows Michael (James Nelson-Joyce), deeply involved in organized crime alongside veteran boss Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean). When Michael falls in love, he envisions a future outside the criminal empire. However, Ronnie's potential retirement and a missing drug shipment trigger a crisis. Ronnie's ambitious son Jamie (Jack McMullen) makes his own power play, creating direct conflict with Michael.

Critical Divide

Reviewers acknowledge the show's familiar elements, drawing comparisons to classics like 'The Godfather' and 'The Sopranos'. Some find these comparisons apt but potentially lazy shorthand. Siobhan Synnot, reviewing for BBC's Must Watch, noted initial skepticism due to cliches (golf course business talks, church scene ironies, 'Mack the Knife' at a christening) but found the show improved significantly in the second episode, praising its smart writing, focus on character motivations, and the nuanced portrayal of female characters navigating the dangerous world. She highlights the clever use of coded language, suggesting the show trusts its audience's intelligence.

Conversely, reviewer Hayley Campbell found the series slow, cliched, and struggled to connect with the characters, finding them largely 'one-note' despite appreciating the focus on the women's often-unseen perspectives and intelligence. Leila Nathoo agreed the music could be intrusive but found the show gripping from the start.

The Sound of the Underworld

Music plays a crucial role. Director Saul Dibb explains that the inclusion of crooners (Matt Monro, Perry Como, Bobby Darin) was deliberate, characterizing Ronnie Phelan as someone tied to the past. This contrasts with other selections, including Nina Simone, Andy Williams, and even upbeat tracks like Robyn S's 'Show Me Love', creating a specific auditory landscape for the Liverpool setting and its criminal inhabitants.

Authenticity and Setting

While set firmly in Liverpool, some reviewers questioned if the city itself felt like a distinct character beyond the accents (which some non-locals reportedly found difficult to understand) and avoiding typical landmark shots. Slang, like 'lemo' for cocaine, was noted.

What is 'This City is Ours' about?

It's a BBC crime drama set in Liverpool about a crime family facing a succession crisis when the boss (Sean Bean) plans retirement, leading to conflict between his right-hand man (James Nelson-Joyce) and his son (Jack McMullan).

Is 'This City is Ours' worth watching?

Reviews suggest it's a mixed bag. Fans of gritty crime dramas and Sean Bean might find it engaging, especially as it reportedly improves after the first episode. However, be prepared for some familiar tropes and potential pacing issues early on. Its strengths seem to lie in character potential, specific thematic explorations (like female perspectives), and tense plotting later in the series.

What kind of music is featured in the show?

The soundtrack features a blend of classic crooners (Matt Monro, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett), soul singers (Nina Simone, Ann Peebles), and unexpected tracks like 90s house ('Show Me Love' by Robin S) and Erasure, often used to define characters and mood.

What are your thoughts on crime dramas leaning on familiar tropes? Does 'This City is Ours' offer enough freshness? Let us know your take in the comments!

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