Ruth Wilson is a great actor. Here she is at her best.
All the critiques expressed by others here are valid. This is a very frustrating mini-series. The producers work hard to keep a complex story coherent and flowing, but they do fail from time to time. There are a few challenges to credibility and quite a few plot holes. But the story is based on a family's real secrets and their real experience over almost a century after WWI, so who should be surprised.
The cruel harms of the great capitalist disaster that was WWI resonate through the lives of so many millions of families throughout the world.
The story is carried forward brilliantly by the main character Alison Wilson (Ruth Wilson), in silent partnership with the almost unseen protagonist, Alex Wilson (Iain Glen). They are supported by an excellent production team, cast and crew.
At the end of part 3 we learn that Her Majesty's UK Government still refuses to release the files they hold on Alex Wilson. He remains a mystery. We know he served the King in France in WWI, in India in the 1930's and in Egypt during WWII, but despite this, was cashiered out of the Civil Service in 1942 for 'theft'. We never really learn why. But we do learn about the collateral damage to three fine women and their four sons, who loved him.
I was distracted by plot holes as the series rolled along. Alex published 23 popular books but had no income? Did Alex really bludge off Alison for 22 years? Why wasn't Alison curious that, after decades of civil service, Alex had no pension? Why was there no effort to publish Alex's final book? Seems Alex published books after his break up with Dorothy so why was their son not aware?
But all is forgiven. A great yarn well told. All credit to Ruth Wilson. And then Susan Jameson shows up as Matron to seal the deal - wow! I'm hooked.
Grateful thanks to Masterpiece & BBC one. I was privileged to watch this on free to air TV. Please distribute widely. It's a jem.
All the critiques expressed by others here are valid. This is a very frustrating mini-series. The producers work hard to keep a complex story coherent and flowing, but they do fail from time to time. There are a few challenges to credibility and quite a few plot holes. But the story is based on a family's real secrets and their real experience over almost a century after WWI, so who should be surprised.
The cruel harms of the great capitalist disaster that was WWI resonate through the lives of so many millions of families throughout the world.
The story is carried forward brilliantly by the main character Alison Wilson (Ruth Wilson), in silent partnership with the almost unseen protagonist, Alex Wilson (Iain Glen). They are supported by an excellent production team, cast and crew.
At the end of part 3 we learn that Her Majesty's UK Government still refuses to release the files they hold on Alex Wilson. He remains a mystery. We know he served the King in France in WWI, in India in the 1930's and in Egypt during WWII, but despite this, was cashiered out of the Civil Service in 1942 for 'theft'. We never really learn why. But we do learn about the collateral damage to three fine women and their four sons, who loved him.
I was distracted by plot holes as the series rolled along. Alex published 23 popular books but had no income? Did Alex really bludge off Alison for 22 years? Why wasn't Alison curious that, after decades of civil service, Alex had no pension? Why was there no effort to publish Alex's final book? Seems Alex published books after his break up with Dorothy so why was their son not aware?
But all is forgiven. A great yarn well told. All credit to Ruth Wilson. And then Susan Jameson shows up as Matron to seal the deal - wow! I'm hooked.
Grateful thanks to Masterpiece & BBC one. I was privileged to watch this on free to air TV. Please distribute widely. It's a jem.