The Passing Bells
SERIES 1 - EPISODE 1
BBC One Mon 3rd Nov 7pm - 7:30pm
Review by: David ButcherVeteran writer Tony Jordan (of EastEnders, Hustle and Life on Mars) has created this five-part look at the First World War from the perspective of two teenagers signing up to fight. As war breaks out, we see Michael canoodling with his girlfriend Katie on a sunlit farm, then debating with his parents whether to enlist. We also meet birdwatcher Tommy and his new friend “Wingnut” who joins up with him, all innocence and boisterous fun.
Later we realise a crucial difference between the young men and their experiences as Jordan toys with our sympathies, but it’s done with economy and skill. Naturally, the laws of dramatic irony – we know everything the characters don’t – are in full force. But the sunlit optimism of August 1914 is convincingly done and in a short space of time The Passing Bells becomes subtly moving. The remaining episodes, spanning the conflict, run every evening this week – worth sticking with.
1/5. New series. Five-part drama being shown over five nights, in which the First World War unfolds through the eyes of two ordinary young men. Upon the outbreak of hostilities, farmer's son Michael and delivery boy Thomas both defy their parents and slip out to the recruitment office, alongside thousands of other men. After donning their uniforms - one British, one German - each set of parents struggles to cope with their sons' deceptions, before the new recruits set off for training, and while shy Tommy struggles to find his feet, Michael immediately begins to miss girlfriend Katie. Patrick Gibson and Jack Lowden star. Continues tomorrow.
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