100 replies to this topic

[Loomis]

Anyone here seen "Our Friends in the North"?

Any good? And what's Craig like in it?

[Tarl_Cabot]

Never heard of it but I did see Road to Perdition for the first time.Craig was creepy in that. I guess that makes a good actor.

[Loomis]

Never heard of it....

It's a nine-part BBC drama from 1996, with Craig part of an impressive cast including Christopher Eccleston and Malcolm McDowell. I think it was Craig's "breakthrough" role.

I've never seen "Our Friends in the North", but I remember people went beserk over it. I believe it's one of the most critically acclaimed things the Beeb's done in years.

Seems an absolute must-see for those of us who are happy that Craig is the new 007 (although I doubt that the character he plays is in any way Bondian - for "that sort of thing", see LAYER CAKE and another BBC effort, "Archangel").

I'm curious to read the opinions of CBners who've seen OFITN. Thinking about picking it up on DVD (it's a bit pricey, though).

[Tarl_Cabot]

I don't think Craig has alot of 'Bond in training' roles like Broz did.

[Loomis]

I don't think Craig has alot of 'Bond in training' roles like Broz did.

Agreed. And I'm glad he hasn't.

[Jim]

Never heard of it....

It's a nine-part BBC drama from 1996, with Craig part of an impressive cast including Christopher Eccleston and Malcolm McDowell. I think it was Craig's "breakthrough" role.

I've never seen "Our Friends in the North", but I remember people went beserk over it. I believe it's one of the most critically acclaimed things the Beeb's done in years.

Seems an absolute must-see for those of us who are happy that Craig is the new 007 (although I doubt that the character he plays is in any way Bondian - for "that sort of thing", see LAYER CAKE and another BBC effort, "Archangel").

I'm curious to read the opinions of CBners who've seen OFITN. Thinking about picking it up on DVD (it's a bit pricey, though).

It's tremedous television; the end with "Don't Look Back in Anger" burning away is...

...ooh...

But if you watch it, you won't see Craig as Bond in it (this, I would agree, is probably a good thing; splendid actor though); equally, one wouldn't have said that Eccleston's role in it was very Dr Who either.

Interesting; the rebooted Who, the rebooted Bond, in something which shows them as leagues ahead of their predecessors as actors (if not personalities)...

And Malcolm McDowell's a hoot in it, too. Can't go wrong; invest.

[Atticus17F]

Loomis, if you haven't seen it, I urge you to buy the DVD. It's just brilliant stuff. Definitely one of the top five dramas the BBC has ever produced. The dodgy syrups can be a bit distracting, but that's nowt when you have such fantastic writing and one of the finest cast-lists ever assembled. If you like a bit of political and social commentary with yer sex 'n' violence and shocking language, then you'll love OFITN.

11/10.

[Loomis]

Never heard of it....

It's a nine-part BBC drama from 1996, with Craig part of an impressive cast including Christopher Eccleston and Malcolm McDowell. I think it was Craig's "breakthrough" role.

I've never seen "Our Friends in the North", but I remember people went beserk over it. I believe it's one of the most critically acclaimed things the Beeb's done in years.

Seems an absolute must-see for those of us who are happy that Craig is the new 007 (although I doubt that the character he plays is in any way Bondian - for "that sort of thing", see LAYER CAKE and another BBC effort, "Archangel").

I'm curious to read the opinions of CBners who've seen OFITN. Thinking about picking it up on DVD (it's a bit pricey, though).

It's tremedous television; the end with "Don't Look Back in Anger" burning away is...

...ooh...

But if you watch it, you won't see Craig as Bond in it (this, I would agree, is probably a good thing; splendid actor though); equally, one wouldn't have said that Eccleston's role in it was very Dr Who either.

Interesting; the rebooted Who, the rebooted Bond, in something which shows them as leagues ahead of their predecessors as actors (if not personalities)...

And Malcolm McDowell's a hoot in it, too. Can't go wrong; invest.

Right then. Sounds like essential viewing. And, yes, I've read about that ending with "Don't Look Back in Anger" being one of the all-time great TV moments.

BTW, odd parallel with a story that I'm sure many of us here have heard: in 1986, Timothy Dalton and Sylvester McCoy do a play together - one goes on to be Bond, the other Who. In 1996, Daniel Craig and Christopher Eccleston work together.... When the next Dr Who actor is revealed, check up on his doings in 2006, because it's guaranteed that one of his co-stars will end up as Bond 7.

[Loomis]

Loomis, if you haven't seen it, I urge you to buy the DVD. It's just brilliant stuff. Definitely one of the top five dramas the BBC has ever produced. The dodgy syrups can be a bit distracting, but that's nowt when you have such fantastic writing and one of the finest cast-lists ever assembled. If you like a bit of political and social commentary with yer sex 'n' violence and shocking language, then you'll love OFITN.

11/10.

Excellent.

[marktmurphy]

BTW, odd parallel with a story that I'm sure many of us here have heard: in 1986, Timothy Dalton and Sylvester McCoy do a play together - one goes on to be Bond, the other Who. In 1996, Daniel Craig and Christopher Eccleston work together.... When the next Dr Who actor is revealed, check up on his doings in 2006, because it's guaranteed that one of his co-stars will end up as Bond 7.

Pay attention- it's David Tennant and has been for about six months! Who did do 'Casanova' with Rupert Penry-Jones...

[Loomis]

Just to say I've finally got round to OUR FRIENDS IN THE NORTH, and it's staggeringly terrific. I thought I knew what good television was - pah! I didn't even know I was born!

Craig is, as expected, superb. He seems to have very British teeth in this one, mind.

But what can I say? OUR FRIENDS IN THE NORTH is an English WATCHMEN. It's one of the best things ever.

You heard me. I think you know what to do. DO IT!

[Scrambled Eggs]

I haven't seen it since 1996 but certain scenes are still stuck in my head. The famous final scene but also: Craig's character burning his bedsheets; the final scene between Chrstopher Eccleston and Gina Mckee; an 'orrible semi rape scene in the first or second episode; scenes between Eclleston's character and his father - "Don't waste your life!"; the father developing alzheimers and stumbing onto the street looking for his mother...

I suppose thats the mark of a classic. One, possibly two viewings of each episode 13 years ago and I can still bring scenes and lines of dialogue to mind.

Must invest in a dvd set. Love to see it again.

[bond 16.05.72]

In the last 15 years UK TV usually fall short of superior US fare but in this case OFITN can stand proudly next to The Wire, Soprano's, Band of Brothers etc as a truly remarkable achievment for British TV.

It's unlikely that BBC will be as good again, although just out of interest, the first part of Red Riding is broadcast on Channel 4 tomorrow night and this could see 4 coming close to the brilliance of OFITN.

It's based on a series of novels by David Peace (The Damned United) and is about Police Corruption round the time of the Yorkshire Ripper murders.

Sean Bean, David Morrissey, Warren Clark & superb Paddy Considine are amongst the cast, pity Craig couldn't have got a part, he's no problem with a Yorkshire accent and this would have been just the Televison that could have lured him back to the small screen as he'd hinted he would if the material was good enough!

I can't wait for this if it's as good as the Trailer implies and Peaces source material that others not myself having not read it imply we could have ourselves another British TV triumph again.

Michael Winterbottom production company have produced, this would be a change to such average entertainment as ITV's Se7en/SOTL rip off Whitechapel!

Edited by bond 16.05.72, 04 March 2009 - 05:27 PM.

[Santa]

Right then. Sounds like essential viewing. And, yes, I've read about that ending with "Don't Look Back in Anger" being one of the all-time great TV moments.

I watched OFITN in 1996 as the series was beginning but somewhere along the way, I don't know why but given my behaviour at that time I probably moved to another country or something, I missed most of the second half, including the ending, and have been frustrated about it ever since. It seems now would be a good time to re-view OFITN, all the way through this time.

[Pierce - Daniel]

Seen it.

It's very epic. All the actors are brilliant in it. Craig has the most interesting story line, and his character is clearly pitched to be people's favoarate. He's fun and his stroyline has a little more zest and fun to it. He appears in less eps then the other actors though. But he really is fantastic in it, one of his best proformences, up there with Casino Royale and Enduring Love.

[Loomis]

Right then. Sounds like essential viewing. And, yes, I've read about that ending with "Don't Look Back in Anger" being one of the all-time great TV moments.

I watched OFITN in 1996 as the series was beginning but somewhere along the way, I don't know why but given my behaviour at that time I probably moved to another country or something, I missed most of the second half, including the ending, and have been frustrated about it ever since. It seems now would be a good time to re-view OFITN, all the way through this time.

Every scene is a masterclass of writing, direction and performance. The lineup of acting talent is probably the greatest I've ever seen: Christopher Eccleston, Daniel Craig, Gina McKee, Mark Strong, Malcolm McDowell, Alun Armstrong.... and they're all on fire, as though they've been doused in gasoline and set alight. Amazing.

And as for Craig, it's clear to me now that his most memorable character isn't James Bond, it's Geordie Peacock. Bond now seems like some pathetic little footnote to his career. It'll be hard for me to watch CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE from now on, because it'll look like CraigLite. Compared to his work in OUR FRIENDS, his performance as Bond - if I can continue to use that word - isn't even worth the time of day.

I don't care what you've seen that you think is good. I don't care about colour, creed, nationality or nothin'. Not any more. OUR FRIENDS IN THE NORTH is it. It's all you need. See it. What, you gonna argue with me now? That's better. Right. You heard what I said. And as far I'm concerned, the matter is closed.

[Safari Suit]

So are you going to be ritualistically burning all your other possesions, and redecorating your house with a Our Friends in the North theme?

[Loomis]

Well.... I thought I'd get the first page of the script tattooed on my back and take it from there.

[dinovelvet]

Well.... I thought I'd get the first page of the script tattooed on my back and take it from there.

Surely your Sylvester Stallone collection will be spared though!

[broadshoulder]

The BBC when it is firing on all cylinders with its drama is the best in the world.

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Well.... I thought I'd get the first page of the script tattooed on my back and take it from there.

Surely your Sylvester Stallone collection will be spared though!

Aw, you beat me to making the Sly reference.

[bond 16.05.72]

The BBC when it is firing on all cylinders with its drama is the best in the world.

Unfortuantely this was the last time they were really that good, State of Play & Life On Mars accepted but the Americans wipe the floor with us most of the time.

BBC is not what it used to be I'm afraid!

[Zorin Industries]

The BBC when it is firing on all cylinders with its drama is the best in the world.

Unfortuantely this was the last time they were really that good, State of Play & Life On Mars accepted but the Americans wipe the floor with us most of the time.

BBC is not what it used to be I'm afraid!

JOE'S PALACE, LITTLE DORRIT, THE LONG FIRM, A SHORT STAY IN SWITZERLAND, BLEAK HOUSE, MERLIN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DOCTOR WHO, CAPTURING MARY, ASHES TO ASHES....?

[Loomis]

Nope. The only thing the Beeb's done since OUR FRIENDS that rivals it in quality is THE OFFICE. You can keep anything else you may wish to mention.

[Scrambled Eggs]

Life on Mars was great, and I think Ashes to Ashes didnt deserve some of the criticism it got, but the makers of those shows have admitted they were influenced by things like Lost. So, whilst they're very British and very well done, they're still in the shadow of American tv to some extent.

When Dr Who and Torchwood are good, they're great. I'd much rather watch them than say, Heroes (although the first season of that was pretty good). I think we Brit types do sci fi well.

But I'm struggling to think of a BBC drama from the past ten years that competes with the very best American stuff - The Sopranos or The Wire. State of Play maybe.

Looking forward to taking a look at Red Riding tonight.

[Zorin Industries]

Life on Mars was great, and I think Ashes to Ashes didnt deserve some of the criticism it got, but the makers of those shows have admitted they were influenced by things like Lost. So, whilst they're very British and very well done, they're still in the shadow of American tv to some extent.

When Dr Who and Torchwood are good, they're great. I'd much rather watch them than say, Heroes (although the first season of that was pretty good). I think we Brit types do sci fi well.

But I'm struggling to think of a BBC drama from the past ten years that competes with the very best American stuff - The Sopranos or The Wire. State of Play maybe.

Looking forward to taking a look at Red Riding tonight.

Thanks for the reminder on that one. Better set the telly taping machine.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE was a great exercise in five parts on successive nights (an experiment people warmed to and which is being repeated every night on BBC ONE in June with TORCHWOOD). LITTLE DORRIT was stunning. Forget the costume drama cliches. It did and spun a rich tapestry of ensemble storytelling masterfully tied together at the end.

HEROES has picked up again and got better I think in this second half of the third season. I had no problems with the supposdely problematic second season, but the first half of round three began to wane. But now it has simplified its agenda and is working well I think.

BBC ONE is attempting its own superheroes series called SUPERPOWERS next year but that could be very much hit or miss. I thought ROBIN HOOD was awful (Top Man in the woods I say). So much so that they've killed off Marian (you don't do that in ROBIN HOOD) only to bring her back (sort of) in series 3 and then get a brand new Robin and Marian for the fourth series.

I think ASHES TO ASHES was brilliantly done. It's a lot more of a personal story than LIFE ON MARS. The third series of that is going to bring things full circle and explain a few conundrums.

I would urge anyone to check out some of the BBC dramas on BBC Four. FANTABULOSA, RATHER YOU THAN ME, LONG ROAD TO FINCHLEY, GIDEON'S DAUGHTER and HANCOCK were great one-offs that really echoed the better days of British television (and not just through their subject matter).

[Safari Suit]

Nope. The only thing the Beeb's done since OUR FRIENDS that rivals it in quality is THE OFFICE. You can keep anything else you may wish to mention.

What's the point of dealing in such silly tautologies? The BBC has produced a hell of a lot of crap in the last decade but it's also produced some things that were well worth watching. It's not as if American TV is any different; shows like The Wire and The Shield are the exception not the rule. Yet this fact is always glossed over by journalists who harp on about "the brilliant standard of US TV. Why oh why are we so rubbish? Wake up England; American cultural imperialism just hasn't gone far enough".

And Ricky Gervais is a one-trick pony, and The Office reflects that. Fair enough, it's a mildly amusing trick and he's a likable performer but the amount of sycophantic praised leveled at the man (particularly by Americans who want to show how "down" they are with British comedy) is ridiculous.

[Zorin Industries]

Nope. The only thing the Beeb's done since OUR FRIENDS that rivals it in quality is THE OFFICE. You can keep anything else you may wish to mention.

What's the point of dealing in such silly tautologies? The BBC has produced a hell of a lot of crap in the last decade but it's also produced some things that were well worth watching. It's not as if American TV is any different; shows like The Wire and The Shield are the exception not the rule. Yet this fact is always glossed over by journalists who harp on about "the brilliant standard of US TV. Why oh why are we so rubbish? Wake up England; American cultural imperialism just hasn't gone far enough".

And Ricky Gervais is a one-trick pony, and The Office reflects that. Fair enough, it's a mildly amusing trick and he's a likable performer but the amount of sycophantic praised leveled at the man (particularly by Americans who want to show how "down" they are with British comedy) is ridiculous.

Yes. I completely agree.

EXTRAS
LITTLE BRITAIN
LITTLE DORRIT
BLEAK HOUSE
QI
BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
GAVIN AND STACEY
VIVIENNE VYLE
LIFE IN COLD BLOOD
CRANFORD
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
THE ROYLE FAMILY
EARLY DOORS
THE VISIT
IDEAL
PULLING
THE MIGHTY BOOSH
NIGHTY NIGHT
DOCTOR WHO
TORCHWOOD
MERLIN
JAM AND JERUSALEM
FANTABULOSA

The list can and does go on....

[bond 16.05.72]

Life on Mars was great, and I think Ashes to Ashes didnt deserve some of the criticism it got, but the makers of those shows have admitted they were influenced by things like Lost. So, whilst they're very British and very well done, they're still in the shadow of American tv to some extent.

When Dr Who and Torchwood are good, they're great. I'd much rather watch them than say, Heroes (although the first season of that was pretty good). I think we Brit types do sci fi well.

But I'm struggling to think of a BBC drama from the past ten years that competes with the very best American stuff - The Sopranos or The Wire. State of Play maybe.

Looking forward to taking a look at Red Riding tonight.

Thanks for the reminder on that one. Better set the telly taping machine.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE was a great exercise in five parts on successive nights (an experiment people warmed to and which is being repeated every night on BBC ONE in June with TORCHWOOD). LITTLE DORRIT was stunning. Forget the costume drama cliches. It did and spun a rich tapestry of ensemble storytelling masterfully tied together at the end.

HEROES has picked up again and got better I think in this second half of the third season. I had no problems with the supposdely problematic second season, but the first half of round three began to wane. But now it has simplified its agenda and is working well I think.

BBC ONE is attempting its own superheroes series called SUPERPOWERS next year but that could be very much hit or miss. I thought ROBIN HOOD was awful (Top Man in the woods I say). So much so that they've killed off Marian (you don't do that in ROBIN HOOD) only to bring her back (sort of) in series 3 and then get a brand new Robin and Marian for the fourth series.

I think ASHES TO ASHES was brilliantly done. It's a lot more of a personal story than LIFE ON MARS. The third series of that is going to bring things full circle and explain a few conundrums.

I would urge anyone to check out some of the BBC dramas on BBC Four. FANTABULOSA, RATHER YOU THAN ME, LONG ROAD TO FINCHLEY, GIDEON'S DAUGHTER and HANCOCK were great one-offs that really echoed the better days of British television (and not just through their subject matter).

Yes they do still make good telly but nothing as groundbreaking or brave as The Wire or the Soprano's.

Red Riding I think will be like OFITN and raise the bar, the irritating thing is there is plenty of homegrown material out there to make some amazing telly.

BBC2 or Channel 4 should option Christopher Brookmyre's novels, ITV's pathetic attempt One Ugly this Morning was shameful making Jack Parablane fecking Irish man and to add insult to injury having it being James Bloody Nesbit.

LOM was quality and Ashes I enjoyed but I find myself watching more US telly, Whitechapel was just the usual ITV fare and SOTL & Se7en rip off.

Red Riding does look utterly superb and the cast is to die for.

So here's to British telly being really great again , at least ITV stopped making Heartbeat and the Royal, more culling of that kind of crap and making proper telly.

Devils Whore was fine but considering Flannery's OFITN it wasn't in the same class, I did enjoy Magaret last week though, Lindsay Duncan was impressive Thatcher.

[MkB]

About OFITN, I'm still to watch it, but the clips I've seen on YouTube are promising, and Craig already looked like a top notch actor.