Roadkill (2020) User Reviews

If you can ignore Political bias, it's very good.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 15 November 2020]

How wonderfully old fashioned this drama is, we haven't had a good Political drama for years, in 2020 we needed one.

It focuses on Peter Laurence, a Government Minister with Political ambition, and a checkered past. Everything in his private life seems to start spiralling out of control, at a time where opportunities for career development seem to be there.

It's good, it starts off fairly slow, but it gathers momentum as it progresses, you have expectations ahead of the finale, make your own minds up whether it succeeds or not.

Superbly acted throughout, Hugh Laurie is incredible, his ability to switch from conniving liar to Politician and man of the people is incredible. Other performances of note are Pippa Bennett-Warner, Pip Torrens and of course Helen McCrory.

I'm sure many will look at Helen McCrory's character Dawn, and be reminded of a former PM, possibly even two.

Beautifully produced, it's slick, sharp, with good music throughout.

The Politics, I say this as someone say in the centre, I'm not a Tory voter, and never have been, but.... There is a lot of political bias here, it's very anti Tory, we have Ministers wanting to sell of the NHS for one, Ministers in possession of I'll gotten gains, and we have the old boys network plotting against the female PM, it's not for me to comment, but come on, you need to be a little more impartial.

I would argue it's well worth seeing, but I know full well it will irritate some of a certain political persuasion 8/10.

Give it a try...

[nimfacancer · 7/10 · 22 June 2021]

...And after watching it you can judge it yourself, not based on your political opinion, but on the serie. It deserves more than a 6 on Imdb, for sure.

Best stick to the critics' reviews on this one.

[bencoward-47156 · 8/10 · 23 October 2020]

I find it humorously ironic that the consumer reviews section highlights one of the main subtexts of this well crafted show. A lot of sensationalist polarised opinions based on political allegiance rather than acknowledgement of a well written script and some standout performances. I agree that the characters are a bit 2D but the show needs to form a base from which to develop. I hope the BBC comissioners give this show the future it deserves as there's a lot of interesting and engaging stuff here.

Ubiased person here...sort of

[noorea-85147 · 21 October 2020]

I have watched the 4 episodes of this show and I think it has some ups and downs, but as someone who is not British and mostly centralist in my own political views I felt I needed to give my thoughts in hopes of offering some fair perspective. Now in ep 1 I really felt the show was biased and anti-right wing, so for people who only saw ep 1, I see where you are coming from, but I did feel later episodes sort of shifted that narrative, Peter's personality is layered and his ambition isn't ideological, they do make an effort to show he's coming from a place of conviction not just greed or hate, he sees his actions as for the betterment of his country, the story isn't even about the ideology it's about how politics and scandals go together and I think the way the story concludes is quite effective. Is it amazing or earth shatter, No. Is it leaning a certain way politically, yes. Is it an entertaining 4 hours of content where you find yourself rooting for the "bad guys", absolutely! I wish everyone would give it a fair shake! but also acknowledge that people have different political views and it's ok if they like/dislike a show for the way it handles them, it's fine, but what's not fine is when those views completely cloud your judgment.

Don't wait for something happening

[cjonesas · 6/10 · 28 November 2020]

Roadkill, a British semi-Drama series with only 4 episodes! Initially, I thought that it would be a compact, well-paced Drama pursuing to a second season whatever story it had. Well, after watching it, it falls hard on the face.

• (+) Great acting by Hugh Laurie as always. The near-only very good performance here. Worth mentioning are Helen McCrory and Millie Brady too.
• (+) Some touching and funny moments relating to the main character's personal life.
• (+) Nice filming and instructive cinematography.
• (-) Slow, bland and uninteresting screenplay and developments.
• (-) Awful music and piano playing in the background. More like a score suitable for a light-hearted but depressed comedy series.
• (+-) Some interesting twists and turns, having the weight of five ping-pong balls.

A series to forget, besides the marvelous acting of Hugh Laurie.

It's British politics!

[WhateverIWant29 · 7/10 · 13 November 2020]

Thought I'd write something as I saw a rant about tropes of people of colour and "white men bad"- That person has issues and is projecting. There is a female PM (she's no Angel) but the majority of the politicians are depicted as white men, it's Britain so this should be expected. The people of colour are side characters and the majority are in prison, the other notable main person of colour is a morally bankrupt barrister and that's it so I'm not seeing all this good that PaulSpencer chose to see. I'm also confused as to what could have been the expectation considering they're supposed to represent the Tory party. Also, I didn't think of the main Hugh Laurie character as bad, he's just a politician, has done no worse if not less than our current politicians, but his character is very likeable. After the things our ministers have done they still manage to survive and carry on- This is no different. Despite his failings he still manages to make us like him and even root for him. The portrayals of some of the female characters are a bit 2D and questionable, something seems unfinished so I can understand people having issue there. As a Brit I didn't see the anti-right sentiment, I simply see snippets of what we have now with the Tory government and I don't think it would been much different if they were portraying a labour government - These are the political workings of our government.

Overall this isn't groundbreaking but it's a decent watch, it's entertaining. They could have done better with the material and stretched it out over a few more eps but for the talent alone I'd watch another series.

As a drama, it's pretty good

[andy-69219 · 7/10 · 20 October 2020]

It seems that some reviewers are basing their opinions on their political biases, rather than on the quality of the production, the plot or the acting. I binge-watched all 4 episodes. The performance of the main cast was convincing and the storyline wasn't too far-fetched to be believable. There were some minor weaknesses, such as the Prime Minister having no facial expressions due to a Botox overdrive (even though McCrory played the part well), but overall it's pretty good. The ending opens the possibility of a second series.

Compelling political drama

[mattski2000 · 9/10 · 2 November 2020]

If it were a book I wouldn't have been able to put it down.

Hare does a brilliant job in portraying Peter Laurence, a politician with a nose for power, wriggling his way through the system. Despite his awfulness, he is still a rounded, three dimensional character. Sometimes you even find yourself rooting for the cad.

With an unpredictable, intersecting plot line, some surprising turns and a great cast and score, this is a must-watch if you like political thrillers. Just don't expect it to do much to raise your expectations of politicians.

Please leave your political bias out of reviews.

[mmevanille-53097 · 7/10 · 19 October 2020]

So now I got the public service announcement out of the way, lets discuss this series so far.

Acting is solid, pacing is suitable. Dialog seems a bit unnatural at times. Its as if the cast don't really gel, but sometimes that takes time in a new series.

Subtle comedy and intrigue support what would suite those who like dry slow-roll political drama. It has enough to keep you watching, but mostly because of Laurie's character and on-screen presence.

I would not recommend for those not familiar with UK politics. Most US viewers won't understand some of the political interactions.

For this genre and target audience its a solid entry. It may end up being something special eventually, but currently its a little stunted- and that's what stops it being great.

7.5/10

Corruption in government??

[johnniecaven · 8/10 · 19 October 2020]

It's evident that there has been a concerted move by far right anti-BBC reviewers to downgrade this drama, giving very low marks that are contrary to the majority of reviewers not related to the Daily Mail et al. In fact, after watching just one episode l think this appears to be an absorbing political drama, not wholly unconnected to events at the present time. l know the idea that certain politicians are nasty pieces of work who are strangers to truth upsets some people, but not the majority of people and I believe this is going to be a very good series based on what I've seen so far.

Ignore the campaign

[Stephen Tomkins · 7/10 · 20 October 2020]

Ignore the ideological anti-BBC campaign here. This is well written and well performed political drama.

Brilliant!

[bronaghbop · 10/10 · 27 October 2020]

If this was any further up my street it would be living in my house. David Hare as reliable as ever, Hugh Lawrie and Helen McCrory quite rightly being showered with plaudits but the whole cast is tremendous with special mention to Saskia Reeves. Political intrigue and backstabbing, shady civil servants, personal conflict and an ending that is crying out for another series. I for one can't wait. Perfect Sunday night viewing.

Nice cinematography

[Kathumane · 7/10 · 20 October 2020]

In general easy to watch, not as confusing as other political dramas, however that sometimes led to the writing feeling lazy in places. Cinematography and lighting was great for setting the scene of the dark underside of politics. I just wish it was developed a little more, couldn't it have been made into 10 parts to really show the full lead up to the ending?

Worth watching for Laurie.

[morgan-659-312842 · 5/10 · 10 November 2020]

A formulaic piece of work about cardboard politicians but saved by the presence of Hugh Laurie even though he can't save it. It's not a smooth ride but clumsy and jerky relying on telegraphed scenes. Little time is taken to develop the characters or explore the events as there is too much going on. And, as for events, it's a matter of piling one on top of the other, then adding another and another. It would have been better if it had been leaner.

Is that it? Really?

[alevo777 · 6/10 · 11 December 2020]

I feel as though this should have been a 6 episode series. So much more to say. It left me feeling cheated, as if only half of the story was missing. Enjoyed it but hopefully there's a Series 2. Otherwise, very disappointing. Great cast but a wasted opportunity.

Decent, but biased

[ForceofSU · 7/10 · 31 March 2021]

I'm not from UK, so as an outsider i can disregard the bias without much problems. It centers on the tories, and the main character is also a tory. So you would expect them to show a decent tory as well. In fact, i can give them a pass on that because, as i said, i'm not from UK so i don't have a horse in the race. But it lools like everyone from the tories is evil. However what does bother me is that they seem to make this a "diversity" thing as well: all people who "want justice" are females, excluding one middle eastern guy. But all white guys are in expensive restourants drinking and smoking cuban cigars, being all corrupt and "patriarchal": oh how original. One of those "female fighters" is also a lesbian, and a few are black, so they got the main "oppressed people" covered. Despite this, i try my best to concentrate on the main character and the amazing actor who portrays him. He's pretty much the only thing which made me want to watch more. The story itself is not particularly original, they just throw everything at the main character who is being all "patriarchal".

7/10

[antoniopcl · 7/10 · 10 March 2021]

In general it is a good show, the drama unfolds in an interesting way and we are taken to accompany not only the protagonist's professional life, but also his personal life. In my opinion, the story could have developed much more... and it may leave a little bit to desired but it is still well done and Hugh Laurie's performance is captivating. A good political drama with some twists and turns outs that make it quite interesting. :)

We all know why the hate for this...

[zof222 · 8/10 · 20 October 2020]

Looks to me like this could be an intriguing, slightly fun British political drama that has some very topical points to make on the seediness and corruption within our political system. It's not something that only happened in the 80's and 90's like many of the low score reviewers on here are saying...It's always been there and depressingly probably always will...especially from one side. Just start reading some papers that aren't owned by billionaires. These obnoxious, self serving career politicians fill one side of our political system and we all know it. The more dramas or documentaries that come out and address, uncover, investigate or hopefully in the case of this little drama let people into the world of some of the seedy little people that have been elected on the ticket of a caring, working class Tory pretending to give a voice to and help their "people" only to go on to look after themselves and feather the nests of their Cronies. Here's hoping it gets even better.

Are we ever truly free?

[segmentrecords · 7/10 · 10 November 2020]

When i was at school my drama teacher used a phrase that has stuck with me and its "Freedom is taking responsibility for everything in my life" and this phrase seems very relevant for this series. When Peter (Hugh Laurie) is finally installed into number 10 he makes a speech in which he says he will do anything to keep his country free and it seems there is a lot of truth in this, but how free is he really? For a start he is in the pocket of a defence contractor as he has effectively been installed by them as the previous PM wanted to get rid of them because of their misdemeanours. He is stuck with a wife he doesnt love and when he tried to get her to sign the document and dissolve the shell company that tied him to the contractors she refused so therefore he isn't very "free" after all. Much as i quite enjoyed this series there were a few things wrong with it. Hugh Laurie for a start was far too likeable, he was always ambiguous and never really came across as a villain, just a man who wanted to do what he felt was best for his country but of course those skeletons were always in his closet and were going to eventually fall out. The so called daughter that he didn't know about was an interesting story line and how he used her to further his political ambition, did he genuinly care about her or did he just reveal her identity to gain public approval, i guess well never know. The other characters seemed to flit in and out, the journalist trying to look into his past for example, that was a good story arc but it seemed to get bogged down and when she was tragically killed that seemed to be the end of that part of the story although there was a massive hint to towards how the media and politics are intrinsically linked and how certain people have influence over them. The other side of the story of how politicians and their advisors use their relationships to gain favour added another element. For Iain De Caesteckers Duncan Knock using his knowledge of Peters situation with his illegitimate daughter and feeding that information to his lover Julia to pass on to Helen McCrorys PM Dawn Ellison thinking that might curry favour ultimately cost him his job. I guess loyalty does have a price. Overall this is a pretty decent political thriller, Laurie is always watchable and most of the support cast are pretty decent, there are a few plot holes but if you can put up with those then this is quite a good watch

Ignore the naysayers, this is a cerebral show

[shanx24 · 9/10 · 26 October 2020]

Great script, intriguing theme if you go past the first somewhat woozy 10 mins of episode 1. I'm not sure why the rating is low overall because each episode is highly rated by the same audience -- hmm. Don't miss it, superlative show and I can't wait for the second season!

Enjoyable political satire

[Vindelander · 7/10 · 28 October 2020]

Definitely a 7 would have been an 8 if it weren't for the annoying piano music gratuitously played almost constantly.

Casting is excellent, story intriguing if rather far fetched and an easy watch in one evening. David Hare usually produces a good result and this is one of them in my book. The ending would seem to invite a second series ? We'll see

Don't believe the Sharp As Marbles haters

[privatechrisnylan · 9/10 · 19 October 2020]

I don't have the time or crayons to explain to the haters why they are wrong. Well written with some excellent cast choices. Laurie & McCrory are brilliant.

Short but not sweet

[nicole-helsing · 6/10 · 4 November 2020]

Overall a fairly standard political drama. Interesting enough but stops rather abruptly without and resolution. Too short a series for much character development which makes the main plot lines rather obvious I suppose.

Regarding many of the other reviews here, those on the Right think it to be biased towards the Left, and vice versa. As a series based around a Conservative government, naturally it's going to focus on their policies, but it also demonstrates a little centrism in the main protagonist as well. It doesn't, however show anything of the opposition.

For those crying that it's overly political and in some cases, too British... What exactly did you expect from a British political drama?!

Lazy

[mbell-56214 · 4/10 · 25 October 2020]

I'll just start by saying I'm a fan of the BBC, and I like a good political thriller/drama, but feel let down badly by this. You might enjoy playing find the likable character, but 2 episodes in to this four parter I find I care so little about any of them. The one girl who didn't have to sign a NDA because apparently she wasn't deemed important despite the fact she knew how much he'd been paid and what shell company had been used to hide the money, is just plain lazy writing. It feels lazy, tired and predictable. The BBC used to make world class television, but this is so far away from those great days

Average drama below Laurie's standard

[skyhawk747 · 6/10 · 14 March 2021]

A typical average political drama which is nothing special. Hugh Laurie is capable of accepting far better. The plot gets confusing at times and for me one of the MOST irritating parts of this drama was the constant over playing of the 4-5 second piano piece which becomes very annoying. It takes your mind off the drama, as all you end up doing is wishing they would mute it!