At the time of writing, there has only been one episode so these are a few thoughts of mine based on the opening episode of Ordinary Lies.
My feelings overall are a bit mixed in places, I can see a lot of potential here for it to be a very good/great series but there is some major flaws. The characters seemed quite easily led and most of the situation could have been avoided if character X did this or character Y did that. There were some parts were I just couldn't take it too seriously (despite the subject matter being very serious). It was a bit awkward in places and sometimes it seemed unintentionally funny.
There was a lot of characters involved in the show and as far as I am aware, each episode will tell a story from a different person's perspective. I'm not sure if it will be a different story line for each character or whether it will all link together to the original lie told in episode 1 (if that is the case then perhaps my points above may be justified later on if we see it from a different perspective).
The acting was of a very good standard and there was plenty of familiar faces on show for those who watch a lot of British soaps/dramas. I was quite impressed with Jason Manford as well who I only know solely as a stand up comedian.
Despite it having a few issues thus far (which may not even be issues as the series progresses) I actually enjoyed it quite a lot. It had good pacing and plenty of stuff going on to keep me interested, the 1st hour went really quick and it was a nice easy viewing drama. I will certainly tune in for episode 2 where Michelle Keegan takes center stage.
If I had to compare it to another show, I would say it is similar to BBC drama The Syndicate.
A promising start.
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Edit: 9th April - Have now seen episodes 2, 3 & 4.
It seems each episode will focus on a different character and different storyline. The previous lies are only mentioned briefly (if at all). Despite originally thinking I would like some continuation with the series I am very much enjoying the concept of a new lie each week and learning more about character. It is a little frustrating that each episode seems to end without resolution and then that character appears at work as normal in the next episode but if you can take it as it is and just enjoy a different story each week then it's a very good drama series.
My feelings overall are a bit mixed in places, I can see a lot of potential here for it to be a very good/great series but there is some major flaws. The characters seemed quite easily led and most of the situation could have been avoided if character X did this or character Y did that. There were some parts were I just couldn't take it too seriously (despite the subject matter being very serious). It was a bit awkward in places and sometimes it seemed unintentionally funny.
There was a lot of characters involved in the show and as far as I am aware, each episode will tell a story from a different person's perspective. I'm not sure if it will be a different story line for each character or whether it will all link together to the original lie told in episode 1 (if that is the case then perhaps my points above may be justified later on if we see it from a different perspective).
The acting was of a very good standard and there was plenty of familiar faces on show for those who watch a lot of British soaps/dramas. I was quite impressed with Jason Manford as well who I only know solely as a stand up comedian.
Despite it having a few issues thus far (which may not even be issues as the series progresses) I actually enjoyed it quite a lot. It had good pacing and plenty of stuff going on to keep me interested, the 1st hour went really quick and it was a nice easy viewing drama. I will certainly tune in for episode 2 where Michelle Keegan takes center stage.
If I had to compare it to another show, I would say it is similar to BBC drama The Syndicate.
A promising start.
__________________________________________________________________
Edit: 9th April - Have now seen episodes 2, 3 & 4.
It seems each episode will focus on a different character and different storyline. The previous lies are only mentioned briefly (if at all). Despite originally thinking I would like some continuation with the series I am very much enjoying the concept of a new lie each week and learning more about character. It is a little frustrating that each episode seems to end without resolution and then that character appears at work as normal in the next episode but if you can take it as it is and just enjoy a different story each week then it's a very good drama series.