SummaryThe BBC comedy series written by Daisy Haggard and Laura Solon finds Miri Matteson (Daisy Haggard) returning to her hometown after 18 years in prison and trying to start over again.
SummaryThe BBC comedy series written by Daisy Haggard and Laura Solon finds Miri Matteson (Daisy Haggard) returning to her hometown after 18 years in prison and trying to start over again.
The show has lost none of its delicacy or nuance, nor have its makers disturbed its heart and soul – in fact, they have only added to it. All this, and extra Janice too. Quality pum-pum all round.
Nobody does anything stupid, extreme, inconsistent or out of character. The beauty of the script and the performances – which build relationships so delicately and naturally, which modulate so deftly in and out of grief and laughter, and which turn ordinary moments into hilarity and heartbreak without you noticing how they got you there – will take your breath away.
Everything here is heightened for comedy, and yet it feels real enough to the spirit of small-town life and the awkward encounters and indignities faced, as well as the tiny, beautiful moments snatched in between.
In most cases, the only thing that these characters can do is reach for a joke as a blade to cut through that haze. “Back to Life” manages to make room for more laughs than that, and its ability to let all of this live side by side helps make it unlike pretty much anything else on TV.
A keen ear is necessary to catch all her slick comments, so many of which are razor-like in their humor. The funny factor spikes in every scene with her parole officer Janice (Jo Martin), who rivals Haggard with her natural comedic delivery and priceless lines.
Despite the distracting presence of a “self-employed” investigator trying to make his own “Serial” about Miri’s case, so much of “Back to Life” isn’t about a splashy murder, but people getting up every day, hoping to be their best, and dealing with the disappointing consequences when they fall short.
While the humor of Back to Life’s second season is still razor-sharp, the sinister elements and the characters’ excruciating pain override the laughs, tipping the series into highly sensitive human interactions and dangerous, heightened feelings much more so than comedy. ... Six episodes per season is simply not enough of this charming. if disturbing, series.
Pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this. Not my typical watch, and I frequently avoid, or at minimum, consciously skeptical on BBC productions, but this was rather good. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a female lead that has character, personality, imperfections and isn’t a modern female messiah.
The format of 6x25 minute episodes makes this easy to consume in a couple of sittings. The core story and branching plots are engaging and grounded. The casting is top notch, and the actors and actresses delivery is exceptional, particularly Daisy Haggard. The show also has the ability to expertly balance both comedy and tragedy.
Touching moments on second chances and forgiveness and a dark insight into the publics lack of empathy and harsh nature to judge people on what they see in the news, rumours, social media and simply that which they do not understand or cannot sympathise with.
Poor writing and poor acting. Doesn't seem like it was written by a human and the characters don't behave or talk like humans would in real life. They are like poor caricatures of types of people who don't even exist. The plot is quite self-indulgent toward the main character which was disappointing. The viewer is expected to believe that her friends and ex-boyfriend still care about her and haven't moved on with their lives entirely in the 18 years she spent in prison... Not likely.
Cinematography and color grading are typical for the time period, using similar techniques found in other BBC dramas (they love their teal and orange). Some awkward shots here and there, and occasionally the footage is cut in a way that messes with the pacing of the already unusual dialogue. The show does make good use of panned shots to indicate key plot elements.
However, the basic plot and premise of the show was interesting and entertaining enough to keep me watching even if I found the other content of the show to be mediocre. Overall the show could have been done a lot better, but it's a pretty cheap BBC drama. The 6 episode run-length and 20 minutes per episode makes it easily digestable without having to make much commitment to the series. I'd only recommend watching it if you're bored and stuck for something to do with nothing else to watch.