Our Friends In The North

[Mandryka]

I'm currently re-watching this splendid BBC series from 1995. Although some have considered its lack of a strong central thesis (other than 'friendship is worth more than political allegiance') a weakenss, but I think it's a powerful commentary on the 1964-95 period and how we got 'from there to there'.

Anyone else got any views on it?

[Norfolk Born]

I watched it back in 1995, and was pretty impressed. I bought the DVD a few months ago but haven't yet got round to watching it. I can still vividly remember certain scenes, in particular Eddie's papers (and dreams) being blown away on St Stephen's Green on the night of the Great Storm in October 1987, and the confrontation between the police and the striking miners. Perhaps the whole was less than the sum of the parts...? I'll report back if this thread is still running when I get round to seeing it!

[Serial_Apologist]

One of the best drama series ever put on TV, imv. Is it on DVD then?

[Norfolk Born]

It's widely available for around £24 from Amazon, play.com and elsewhere. Used copies may be cheaper. Google 'Our Friends In The North on DVD'.

[Serial_Apologist]

Many thanks, Norfolk Born

[Russ]

I think you summed it up very well, Mandryka. The way it sliced the historical timeline for the principal characters was its most powerful and moving aspect. Would be nice to see it repeated on BBC4.

Russ

[Norfolk Born]

It was shown on BBC4 in 2006, and has also been shown on UK TV History (now 'Yesterday').

[VodkaDilc]

I've certainly seen it twice (when it first appeared and on one of its repeats) and I agree that its very impressive. I bought the DVD set recently, but have not watched it yet. I recall how impressive the historical sweep was - and the impact the four main characters made (they all moved on to greater things, including James Bond.) There was also the unforgettable portrayal of one of the main character's father with Alzheimer's (Peter Vaughan, I think), which had great personal significance for me at the time.
Thank you for prompting me to watch it again.