Lynda La Plante's Comics - Channel 4 [DVD]

There is just something about classic drama series. Something you can't quite put your finger on. Something that sets them far aside from the modern day glossy 'everything is perfect' and has to be in HD world. Something realistic. A sense of atmosphere and understanding of the environment that the characters are living and working in. Twenty-five years ago, this was ripe in most TV dramas. Now it's something barely heard of today.When I first developed an interest in crime drama series around the age of 14, Lynda La Plante was one of the first authors I was drawn to. There was just something special about her work - Prime Suspect, Trial & Retribution, Above Suspicion to name a few - so when I saw this series was being released on DVD after 25 years I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And boy it didn't disappoint. The setting for this grisly thriller gives the viewer a truly unique insight to the personal and professional lives of hard working London comics trying to make ends meet.Every single one of the characters are well developed, well researched and perfectly acted by a somewhat stellar cast, including the likes of Tim Guinee, Michelle Fairley, Lennie James and Danny Webb, as well as early screen performances from the likes of Alex Norton and Christopher Fulford. You genuinely feel as if you are right at the heart of the story. The locations used in the series give you a sense of the true gritty, dark atmosphere that surrounded London's working men's clubs in the 1990s.The series is fast, yet suitably paced, you don't feel like you're being thrown right into the deep end - there is an appropriate amount of build up to throughout to keep the story on it's toes whilst giving you a decent insight into the character's lives. It's not often you get a story which works well as both a character and plot driven piece, but this series fires on all cylinders. It's a shame that La Plante hasn't written for television for a while, as this is a prime example of how television drama should be made. I would go as far to say it's the best series I've watched this year.So I would totally reccomend picking up this series if you can. You will not be disappointed.

A long time coming and yet well worth the wait. Had this on VHS and had given up looking for the DVD . Brilliant.

Waited 20 years to buy this! Bought as a gift for ex hubby who was chuffed to bits!Very dark storyline but well worth the wait!

I just couldn't get in to this at all. Bad film for her as normally her stuff is very good. Not recommended

Loved this.