Meadowlands (2007) User Reviews

It's not a set - it's real

[jas-hayre · 7/10 · 12 July 2007]

I just watched the first episode, as that's all we have had in the UK so far. I like it a lot. Interesting premise, and appears original.

Anyway, with only 8 episodes it is certainly worth viewing.

If the quality of the remaining episodes is as good, I hope they commission a second series.

To answer someone's question, it is not a set. It is filmed in Kent, in two close by areas called Leybourne Lakes (the multi coloured houses) and Kings Hill (the white houses and "town square" and pub). It's also filmed round the back of my house at the golf course (again Kings Hill).

FOLLOWING COMMENTS ADDED AFTER VIEWING THE REST OF THE SERIES:

I rated this a 10 after the first episode. Unfortunately the rest of the series did not live up to the promise shown. It's fairly original yes, but it's also overlong and gets tedious. I'd rate it a 6.5 or perhaps slightly better. I'd be surprised to see a second series.

Shocking, Intriguing, Addictive... Unless you have Hi F Autism and/or get to the end...

[faliat-1 · 7/10 · 7 August 2007]

When I first watched this show, I was hooked. Every time I heard the(very cool)theme tune, I was there, on the couch, barely moving my eyes from it until ad breaks. And at he end of each episode I'd be itching for more. Wanting to know more about the main characters. And how they found themselves wound up in this peculiar place.

And to my disappointment, they were some of the loose ends that weren't tied up. Among MANY loose ends and sometimes very peculiar main character personality switches.

The characters that confused me the most were Mark, Danny and Dr York.

The latter two would be more obvious to most people, however, when you also have some of the "issues" Mark is described as having in his medical records, he becomes the most confusing character of all. It's a common trait of characters with some forms of autism that have their lines written by those without personal experience. Due to the difficult nature of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. And the extra things described, which are also often quite common in some higher functioning autistics in real life, also don't seem to match up very well. Even though every person with them is different, there are certain things people with ASDs just will not do. Especially when combined with such an extra problems as OCD. And, while in the beginning, Mark's character didn't show these issues... They very quickly appeared. Even though it is quite obvious Mark Treadaway (Convenient name, eh?) put in a lot of effort with slight traits like eye contact difficulties.

The ending seemed to rush up too soon. It was like a "Boo Moment". You know it's coming, but it hits you out of nowhere.

And while it's a shocker, it leaves you still wanting an extra few episodes to tie everything up. And wanting to know more about the aftermath of the major events that take place.

In the second-last episode the plot was wide open for a second series, but after watching the last episode, I now seriously doubt that is possible. Which is a great disappointment.

Lynch-light; relatively satisfying home-grown British drama with a bizarre twist

[DVD_Connoisseur · 7/10 · 14 July 2007]

Released puzzlingly as "Cape Wrath" in the UK (the US title was the more appropriate "Meadowlands"), this British production has David Morrissey and his improbably photogenic family moving to a mysterious town under new identities. It's not long before the family encounter violence, sexual tension and oodles of weirdness.

I remain unconvinced of Morrissey's performance in this drama but the beautiful Lucy Cohu is mesmerising as his wife, Evelyn. Cohu drips sensuality and the later scenes in the first episode are thick with sexual tension.

Harry Treadaway is convincing as the shell-shocked son and Felicity Jones delivers a memorable performance as teenage temptress, Zoe.

The gritty element of the script is provided early-on by bad-boy Jack Donnelly, played by Tom Hardy. Hardy is the animalistic handyman whose activities go way beyond fitting broken shelves.

Not a patch on US drama, the series starts well but falters towards an anti-climatic ending. In the end, "Cape Wrath" outstays its welcome.

Very Well Done

[toro-hugs · 9/10 · 11 July 2007]

"Meadowlands is a sunny place!"

The words would give you an expectancy of a drab, happy little suburban drama - comedy but in truth it is so much more.

The characters are very well portrayed, the storyline well thought through and written.

The darkness of Meadowlands/Cape Wrath will draw you in and keep you watching, wanting to find out why all the people are as they are.

It's a very good watch, but go in prepared for some spine-chilling surprises.

There is never a moment where you aren't in suspense, or worried for a characters personal safety, you feel empathy for them, but at the same time, are wary of the darkness you can feel in their natures.

Meadowlands/Cape Wrath is a top watch for someone looking to be intrigued.

I like this show! Can anyone help with this song??

[nudles · 10 August 2007]

Can anyone tell me what the song title is that was featured in Episode 8 of Cape Wrath? (this is the episode where the Brogan's have their opening party for the new bar)

A song is playing in the background - it's a dance beat, female singer, very airy voice...some of the lyrics are

Twist and turn this way Broken dreams just fade Swallowed up my hate Hypnotise Me

The "hypnotise me" words repeat throughout, so I assume that is the title of the song. I have tried Google and every lyrics site - can't figure out this song! HELP!!!

Cape Wrath

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 30 August 2007]

As soon as saw the advert for this dark British drama series on Channel 4 I knew I has to try it, and I'm glad I did. The story revolves around the Brogan family, father/husband Danny (David Morrissey), mother/wife Evelyn (Lucy Cohu), teenage daughter Zoe (Felicity Jones) and teenage son Mark (Harry Treadaway) moving to the secluded and under-surveillance town of Medowlands. It is when Danny murders resident Jack Donnelly (Tom Hardy) after he tried to abuse Mark that the big theme of the programme is set in motion, suspicion and investigation. The stories that went on, besides body finding and stuff like that, but no police involved, included Evelyn finding out from Dr. David York (Tristan Gemmill) that Danny isn't Zoe and Mark's biological father, Mark having sex with Brenda Ogilvie (Melanie Hill) and later her gorgeous (even if she's big) daughter Jezebel Ogilvie (Ella Smith), Zoe and Tom Tyrell (Scot Williams) investigating stuff to do with Wintersgill (Ralph Brown), Samantha (Nina Sosanya) and Freddie Marcuse (Don Gilet) knowing something about this "Cape Wrath", and in the end you see just how secluded Meadowlands is, nothing for miles besides some fields before the desert-like nothingness, a good way to end the show which is not coming back, because of low ratings. Also starring Sian Brooke as Lori Marcuse, Emma Davies as Abigail York, Sean Harris as Ormond and Kate Steavenson-Payne as Alison Tyrell. It is rare that you get a British drama series with the almost same quality of entertainment as an American one, e.g. Lost. Very good!

Great New U.K. Show

[bobtis · 10/10 · 25 June 2007]

I have to tell you this series has great possibilities. I love the look of the show. It reminds me of the "Prisioner" with a 21st century twist. The ladies are beautiful and the story is dark. Let's hope the plot thickens. British TV has always had a different twist compared to US shows. HBO being on another level of course. We were wondering if those homes are a real place or a set built or maybe some kind of CGI. What ever it is a beautiful setting and the colors are just beautiful. Thank you UK for all the entertainment you have given us over the years. I know you will find more to add to this already complicated mystery.

How Intriguing

[weemonk · 9/10 · 19 June 2007]

Why hasn't anyone commented on this programme yet?

I knew nothing at all about it going into the first episode but I will definitely be watching more.

I don't want to give anything away as to what Meadowlands is about but I would best describe it as a cross between The Prisoner and Twin Peaks.

Nice to see an English cast and UK filming. I thought Showtime were an American company? If you like your TV a bit out of the ordinary with quirky characters and an air of mystery then this is for you.

This series has huge potential. Well worth trying.

Strangely dull....

[Angelus2 · 1/10 · 17 April 2010]

A family are moved to 'Meadowlands', by the Witness Protection Programme and find themselves alone and in the company of weird neighbours who harbour strange secrets.

I simply watched it because of Felicity Jones, and I was truly let down by the script. All the actors did a good job in trying to make the plot work and their characters, however the introduction of different characters who all are 'weird' simply threw me off...

It seemed strange to me that the family would even associate with the odd residents, especially Zoe who after being smelt by the 'Jack of all Trades', tries to get to know him?

Not the best way to gain the attention of the audience.

Can't end like that!

[mlfabian · 9/10 · 27 January 2022]

I noticed all the great reviews are from 2007.. I'm watching this on Prime now, I only see one season. I was hooked. It starts out like a weirder Stepford Wives.. much more dramatic. I questioned some things, like where was Jack from age 14 to 3 years ago (Meadowlands began 3 years prior).. and zoe was supposed to be him and Tom's last hope...but still, I was interested.. it was so good to the end! But, cliffhanger and no season 2??? I almost want to rate it a 5 because I'm left hanging!

A risky newcomer.

[agent_deathbat · 10/10 · 3 July 2007]

If you haven't seen Meadowlands yet, I suggest you at least watch the first episode which can be found at the showtime website.

This is a risky new show which plays off a family's mysterious past that haunts them as they try to build a new life in Meadowlands, an eerie town devoted to housing witness protection clients. The show raises a few enticing mysteries such as "Why is Meadowlands so safe?" and "What happened to this family?". So far the series is delving deep into the relationships among the townspeople and some shocking events ensue.

The show can be creepy and even horrifying at times, it's not for the faint of heart (which you should know by its TVMA rating). This is the first British television show I've seen, and it really is fabulous. All I can say is, another amazing show on Showtime. Highly recommended.

Cape Wraith / Meadowlands

[mishell-88045 · 9/10 · 22 June 2022]

To the person who insinuated Americans don't want to watch a movie that makes them think, I'm American and I do want to watch a story that unfolds slowly taking time to develop characters and plot.

I guess that's why I almost exclusively watch British programs.

I will rewatch a British series or movie before I will watch American shows.

Once I started watching British shows I couldn't go back. The stories are so compelling I find myself staying up till the wee hours watching more.

To be fair there are a few American shows that surprise me and are good but not very often.

I love a good story and I feel like I'm stuck in America with people who can't tell one. It's depressing.

I am so happy I can stream channels like BBC, Acorn, and PBS or I would just shrivel up and die without some kind of real art that I get from British Programing.

Meadowland was one who of those series, it hooked me and kept me coming back. The actors were talented and the series was engaging and well written.

unfair to us Yanks

[maria-475 · 10/10 · 11 October 2007]

I have to say that I'm American and I LOVED Meadowlands (AKA Cape Wrath). It came on Showtime this year and it sucks to find out there wont be anymore episodes. So what was the point of them bringing it here if they aren't going to continue it. That's the 1 peeve I have about BBC programs, they cancel them (like HEX, which I also LOVED) and tease us with the leftovers a year later. At least Jekyll wrapped itself up in 6 episodes even though they left the door open to continue the series. That was great too. The Brits are definitely putting out better entertainment these days. I just wish we could get them at the same time. Also I hope Torchwood isn't over after the first 13 episodes. I like that too - and I guess I'll get sucked in and let down on that one too. At least Dr. Who's still around.

Cape Wrath - A great Programme, a great loss

[nic_j_b · 10/10 · 7 August 2007]

I thought I'd add a comment to this to show my support. I've been reading all the comments that people have written about this show and have to question the level of peoples intelligence these days.

This is the sort of programme you have to think about, it keeps you guessing, who did what, what are their pasts and it leaves you looking forward to the next episode because there are lots of questions. One comment was made about the show being rushed, what do you expect, you couldn't keep up so they had to tie everything up in 8 episodes.. Impossible even for the most acclaimed of writers..

I think there's a big difference between the English comments and the American, I'm English myself and agree with my fellow Brits. This is a really good series, it's a shame that it's being cancelled, it could have gone on longer, should have gone on longer...

Today television is full of American programmes going for the simple and often derogatory humour, the only thing out there comparable to Cape Wrath is Lost, look what happened to that, they messed us about whilst the last season was on and kept changing the times/days.. Why? I think it's because people have forgotten how to think about a programme and how, in a way, to enjoy TV for what it should be used for. No more do people want shows that you have to think about and tune in to next week to keep the story going. No, we'd rather have things like Scrubs, Ugly Betty and What about Bryan so we can sit there, not have to think, move and possibly even breath, oh and obviously we just want to watch people laughing at fat people, people that don't fit in to 'society' and people sleeping with their best mates wife.. We don't have to think about things like that, instead we just watch with a bit of dribble coming out of our mouths and a bag of crisps at our side..

I want more things on the TV that make me think, like Cape Wrath, I'm sorry you Americans didn't like it, it's English, us English like it.. Let us enjoy using our brains and watching programmes like Cape Wrath and Lost that leave us at the edge of our seat, keep us guessing and hungry for more!

Twin Peaks son & Depserate Housewives cooler darker brother!

[adamjtheblade · 10/10 · 14 July 2007]

Wow! I was so intrigued by Cape Wrath. I saw the advert and thought 'this looks different'. It blew me away. Each scene keeps you going with quirky dry humour,gorgeous women,beautiful scenery,lighting and surreal settings. A breathe of fresh air. This has potential as been a hit. And hey thank god its British! I felt for Dominic Monaghan (Charlie off LOST) he had to put up with Americans!I'm from the north. THE STEEL CITY. Yes LOST is the best TV series ever but i cant stand Americans with their over-the-top ego's and how they make things patriotic and dramatic, but now we have an English contender. Doctor Who ha doesn't come close and i cant think of any other good English drama TV shows. It is UK cast and set in this great country. It has the look and feel thats just taboo and so interesting. Bad boy Jack had a sick sinister side to him which is so unusual and different. Unique Jack seduces the ladies and with his satanic breathing is creepy! The deeper side to this is the women from the hotel who is the BEN of this dark drama. With everything from a cross dressing boy who has an eye for old women to a midnight football team where tackles include stud-stamps to the head. This has everything. I can see shocks ahead! Looking forward to a UK hit. Adam Lock

Addictive

[thechameleon-40119 · 10/10 · 29 February 2020]

I watched this when it was out very good you can't guess what is going to happen It's as good as the last train another short series

ep 4 Meadowlands birthday song in background

[hcstpppp · 10/10 · 23 September 2023]

Great great find, love the plot and great acting. Can anyone help out with this song? "you got to move, move a little closer, move a little closer, move a little closer, you got to move..." David Morrissey is perfect, doesn't over act. Everyone is a pleasure to watch. The setting it Stetford town-like but can't really compare the plot to anything. UK films always rate much higher than US, quality writers and they must take the time in production to extract the best acting possible , much different in US as everyone seems to have a generic way to portray a role. A UK plot can be made exciting with their superb acting skills.

Not on in the UK!

[garyw167 · 29 June 2007]

Hi, glad you are enjoying this programme. Just stumbled on it while scanning IMDb for new US shows that may be coming to the UK!

This programme hasn't aired in the UK and i know no-one who has heard of it! Obviously some of the cast are well know - David Morrisey etc Presumably this will be on our TV's at some point in the future - i sure hope so as the website and your reviews make it sound very intriguing.

Please let me know if you know when it may air across the pond!

Also while i think about what other programmes should we be keeping a look out for over here that may be coming our way?

From here in the UK there is nothing of any great significance on at the mo (nothing like the Office etc for you all to look forward to coming over from the UK i'm afraid - pretty much all our new output recently is trash!)

Made in Kent!

[rainbow-13 · 16 September 2007]

Filmed at Kings Hill, a new town in west Kent, being developed by American property company, Liberty Trust of Pennsylvania, which is why the architecture of many of the houses here has an American look, as can be seen in the programme. This has also influenced the architecture at the nearby The Lakes development in Larkfield, where more scenes were filmed. The Lakes housing looks out over Leybourne Lakes Country Park, a flagship facility provided by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed. The Lakes housing looks out over Leybourne Lakes Country Park, a flagship facility provided by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed.