The Street Series 3

The Street Series 3
 
I love Jimmy McGovern, but why can't he write something cheerful for once?
 
The Street is a wonderful show and the fact the last two series won back-to-back Best Drama series BAFTA awards will come as no surprise when you look at the sheer talent that has gone into the show. Not only the writing of Jimmy McGovern, but the acting of some of the finest, including Jim Broadbent, Jane Horrocks, Timothy Spall and David Thewlis. This series sees appearances by Bob Hoskins, Anna Friel and Jonas Armstrong to name but a few.
 
The one character per episode idea is an odd one and I wish that there was more of a unity between the stories, however it does mean that you can watch any of the six episodes without worrying about the fact you hadn't watched any of the others. Each story tells a realistic story that pulls at the heartstrings and relates to real stories and situations that everyone has read about or encountered. Of course the highlight of this series is Episode One which sees Bob Hoskins as the local pub landlord Paddy, who is forced to stand up for himself against a local gangster Miller (Liam Cunningham) who's son he has barred from his pub. Despite the fear that Miller invokes throughout the area, Paddy stands up to him. The rest of the series are also wonderful with the Jonas Armstrong episode as an injured soldier back from Afghanistan deeply moving and surprising for those who only know him through his work as Robin Hood. Now none of these episodes are a laugh a minute, but you will finish each episode with a feeling that you have watched something that was wonderfully crafted from beginning to end.
 
My only downside is the lack of extras, which would have been the icing on the cake for this set. A commentary for any of the episodes would have been perfect, but with over six hours of wonderful entertainment this is nothing to complain about.
 
The Street Series 3 is a continuation of a wonderful series. I would not be surprised if it doesn't pick up a third BAFTA for Best Drama series, as it certainly deserves it.
 
10/10