TV Review: A Week of Drama in English – Patience, 7/7: The London Bombings, Playing Nice, and American Primeval

TV Show Reviews

Patience

Patience on Channel 4 features an autistic lead character played by neurodiverse actors, including Ella Maisy Purvis. The show is a remake of the French-Belgian series Astrid et Raphaëlle, set in York, where Patience works in the criminal records office. The series follows her as she assists Inspector Metcalf in solving a mysterious case involving men taking their own lives. Despite the refreshing portrayal of neurodiverse characters, the plot of the show falls short in delivering satisfying mysteries.

7/7: The London Bombings

The BBC Two docuseries, 7/7: The London Bombings, revisits the tragic events of the 2005 terrorist attack in London. The series includes interviews with survivors, first responders, and key figures of the time, offering a poignant reflection on the aftermath and impact of the bombings.

Playing Nice

Playing Nice, on ITV1, tells the story of a couple who discover their son was swapped at birth, leading to a complicated entanglement with other affected parents. While the show boasts picturesque settings and an intricate plot, some elements feel contrived, with the lead actor James Norton’s portrayal receiving mixed reviews.

American Primeval

American Primeval on Netflix is a gritty portrayal of clashes in the 19th-century wild west. The series delves into themes of power, faith, and territorial disputes, offering a raw and intense viewing experience. Despite its brutality, the show grips viewers with its exploration of human nature at its extremes.

Star ratings (out of five)
Patience ★★★
7/7: The London Bombings ★★★★
Playing Nice ★★
American Primeval ★★★★

What else I’m watching

Simon Schama’s Story of Us: Who Are We Now?
Simon Schama’s docuseries on BBC Two explores cultural breakthroughs and the emergence of cultural conflicts, featuring interviews with notable figures like Jarvis Cocker, Ali Smith, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Accused: The Fake Grooming Scandal
Channel 4’s docuseries delves into the story of Ellie Williams, who falsely claimed to be a victim of a grooming gang, providing a thought-provoking look at the repercussions of such actions.

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action
Netflix’s retrospective on Jerry Springer’s controversial talk show sheds light on the trend of confrontational TV programming that emerged from the show’s success.

Back to top