High Viewer Acclaim: Many viewers describe the show as "gripping," "outstanding," and the "best thing I've seen on TV for years."
Comparison to Prestige Dramas: Favourable comparisons are being made to popular crime series such as "Line of Duty," "Kin," and "The Gentlemen," indicating its perceived quality.
Plot Focus: The story follows Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), a man involved in organised crime who falls in love and seeks a different future, set against a backdrop of gang conflict and succession struggles involving his partner Ronnie (Sean Bean) and Ronnie's ambitious son, Jamie (Jack McMullen).
Strong Performances: James Nelson-Joyce is frequently highlighted for his standout performance. Sean Bean also praised the project as "mould-breaking television." The use of a majority homegrown Liverpool cast has also received positive comments for its authenticity.
Regional Buzz: While overwhelmingly positive, some Liverpool viewers humorously pointed out a scene featuring line dancing at a christening as something culturally inaccurate for Scousers, generating lighthearted local debate.
Why this matters: The show's reception highlights the strong audience appetite for well-written, regionally authentic British crime dramas and provides a significant platform for upcoming Liverpool talent.
"This City Is Ours," penned by Stephen Butchard ("The Last Kingdom"), delves into the Liverpool underworld. Michael (Nelson-Joyce) and his long-time associate Ronnie (Bean) run a successful cocaine operation sourced from Colombia. When a shipment vanishes and Ronnie's son Jamie makes a play for control, Michael finds himself battling for his position, his love Diana (Hannah Onslow), and a chance at a different life.
Critics, like those at The Guardian, echo viewer sentiment, calling it a "superior gangland drama" that's "dark, tight, unpredictable," especially in its initial episodes, drawing parallels to "The Sopranos" and "The Godfather" with a Scouse twist. The chemistry between Nelson-Joyce and Bean, previously seen in "Time," is noted as a strong point. While some reviews mention the plot falters slightly towards the end with a less impactful finale and a "risible" cage fight storyline, the overall consensus remains positive, praising the performances and sharp writing.
The discussion around the line-dancing scene, primarily on platforms like TikTok and highlighted by the Liverpool Echo, adds a layer of local colour. While fans debated its authenticity, it hasn't detracted significantly from the show's popularity, instead underscoring the connection local audiences feel to the setting and characters.
Q: What is "This City is Ours" about?
A: It's a BBC crime drama set in Liverpool about Michael Kavanagh, who works in organised crime alongside Ronnie (Sean Bean). His life changes when he falls in love, just as a power struggle erupts within their gang involving Ronnie's son.
Q: Who stars in the show?
A: Key cast members include Sean Bean, James Nelson-Joyce, Julie Graham, Hannah Onslow, Jack McMullen, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Q: How are viewers reacting?
A: Viewers are largely very positive, praising its gripping plot and performances, with many binge-watching the series and comparing it favourably to top-tier crime dramas like "Line of Duty."
Q: Where was it filmed?
A: The series was filmed on location across Liverpool and Merseyside, featuring recognisable spots like Hope Street, Exchange Flags, and St Paul's Square.
If you enjoy tense British crime dramas with strong character development and authentic settings, "This City is Ours" is likely worth watching.
Fans of Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce will appreciate their compelling performances.
The series offers a modern take on gangland dynamics, focusing on themes of loyalty, love, betrayal, and the desire for change.
Expect high production values and a plot that aims for the complexity of shows like "Line of Duty" or "Kin."
The buzz around "This City is Ours" suggests it's struck a chord. Have you watched it yet? Does it live up to the hype and the comparisons to "Line of Duty"?
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