Can't believe it took me so long to review 'The A Word', due to being behind with what to review with being busy and slowing down a little. Actually have not watched the BBC that regularly for a few years now, with it no longer showing primary school education programmes and being populated with shows past their sell by date, wastes of potential and very politically biased presenting and news. There is every now and then a gem with a tough subject that hits home with me and done in a way that is relatable and emotionally investable.
'The A Word' was one of those gems. As someone who is autistic, it really resonated with me, moved me, entertained me and illuminated throughout. Personally think it deserves the praise it gets, with programmes in general that explore autism and Aspergers generally not getting enough credit for even trying to address it and spread more awareness for a condition that has so many misconceptions, generalisations and ignorance directed at it. And don't agree about it being dragged out, Season 3 may not have been quite as strong as the previous two but it was only because the previous ones were so good.
First and foremost, for me the acting was one of the main reasons as to why 'The A Word' worked so well with everybody giving never less than fine performances. With particular praise going to Max Vento, who succeeds in creating a very relatable and fully rounded character in a way that balances comic timing and pathos remarkably expertly. And to Christopher Eccleston, who has hilarious comic timing and often has the best lines.
Actually had no problem with the way the characters were written, sure they are flawed and don't always handle difficult situations particularly well but their portrayals and dynamics for me were very relatable. Could see a lot of myself as a primary school student in Joe and some of his situations were like reliving some of my childhood, which made me more understanding of my issues while being painful to watch in particularly difficult scenarios. Could also see my parents in Joe's parents, and the decisions they made and their feelings (which were as complex and as tough for them) were more understandable through young adult eyes and less confused. 'The A Word' came over to me as a realistic and relatable portrait of how difficult autism is and how it affects not just the person with it but also the family and community to educational and poignant effect.
Refreshing after seeing films and television programmes covering conditions and relevant themes and only skim the surface without showing the full extent (ie. Seeing how it affects the primary person going through it but nowhere near as much with how it affects those around them, like 'Still Alice' and the portrayal of Alzheimers). The family relationships are complex, but it didn't come over as contrived for this viewer and they were intelligently handled.
It is a beautifully made show, with scenery that makes one want to book a holiday there, and the music doesn't overbear or feel overdone. The script balances the comedic and the serious expertly with no jarring tone changes, crudeness or over sentimentality. Maurice has plenty of lines that made me laugh out loud, while many scenes were heartfelt and thought probing.
Overall, wonderful and for me one of the BBC's best dramas in a while. 10/10.
'The A Word' was one of those gems. As someone who is autistic, it really resonated with me, moved me, entertained me and illuminated throughout. Personally think it deserves the praise it gets, with programmes in general that explore autism and Aspergers generally not getting enough credit for even trying to address it and spread more awareness for a condition that has so many misconceptions, generalisations and ignorance directed at it. And don't agree about it being dragged out, Season 3 may not have been quite as strong as the previous two but it was only because the previous ones were so good.
First and foremost, for me the acting was one of the main reasons as to why 'The A Word' worked so well with everybody giving never less than fine performances. With particular praise going to Max Vento, who succeeds in creating a very relatable and fully rounded character in a way that balances comic timing and pathos remarkably expertly. And to Christopher Eccleston, who has hilarious comic timing and often has the best lines.
Actually had no problem with the way the characters were written, sure they are flawed and don't always handle difficult situations particularly well but their portrayals and dynamics for me were very relatable. Could see a lot of myself as a primary school student in Joe and some of his situations were like reliving some of my childhood, which made me more understanding of my issues while being painful to watch in particularly difficult scenarios. Could also see my parents in Joe's parents, and the decisions they made and their feelings (which were as complex and as tough for them) were more understandable through young adult eyes and less confused. 'The A Word' came over to me as a realistic and relatable portrait of how difficult autism is and how it affects not just the person with it but also the family and community to educational and poignant effect.
Refreshing after seeing films and television programmes covering conditions and relevant themes and only skim the surface without showing the full extent (ie. Seeing how it affects the primary person going through it but nowhere near as much with how it affects those around them, like 'Still Alice' and the portrayal of Alzheimers). The family relationships are complex, but it didn't come over as contrived for this viewer and they were intelligently handled.
It is a beautifully made show, with scenery that makes one want to book a holiday there, and the music doesn't overbear or feel overdone. The script balances the comedic and the serious expertly with no jarring tone changes, crudeness or over sentimentality. Maurice has plenty of lines that made me laugh out loud, while many scenes were heartfelt and thought probing.
Overall, wonderful and for me one of the BBC's best dramas in a while. 10/10.