86 reviews
Must try harder next time
- dave-ditchburn
- Feb 23, 2022
- Permalink
Poor in all departments - a miss
Channel 5 have made some good dramas lately - but this isn't one of them. Normally excellent Sheridan Smith plays a teacher accused of having sex with one of her 15 year old pupils after a drunken night out.
Production values were OK but nothing special, lots of strange filters... If you're trying to work out the location it was shot in Budapest but set in Bradford.
The show had a few problems for me. The setup and pacing was very slow and the storyline was dull with lots of clunky dialogue. Characters were all one-dimensional including the 24-hour party protagonist Jenna who I failed to bond with.
Plot had a lot of loopholes, behaviour of the Head to her after she's been accused, police arresting her so quickly, her solicitor who seemed to have taken a vow of silence etc. Acting by the cast wasn't great all round and no-one shone through, even Smith was below par. Won't be back for more, there's better out there.
Production values were OK but nothing special, lots of strange filters... If you're trying to work out the location it was shot in Budapest but set in Bradford.
The show had a few problems for me. The setup and pacing was very slow and the storyline was dull with lots of clunky dialogue. Characters were all one-dimensional including the 24-hour party protagonist Jenna who I failed to bond with.
Plot had a lot of loopholes, behaviour of the Head to her after she's been accused, police arresting her so quickly, her solicitor who seemed to have taken a vow of silence etc. Acting by the cast wasn't great all round and no-one shone through, even Smith was below par. Won't be back for more, there's better out there.
- JRB-NorthernSoul
- Jan 30, 2022
- Permalink
Hot For Teacher
Every so often, another scandalous story on inappropriate teacher-pupil relations will make the headlines, so that the story played out here will always have a tabloid-type topicality about it. The ubiquitous Sheridan Smith is the vivacious Miss at a secondary school whose unconventional barrier-breaking teaching style and general mildly-rebellious demeanour makes her a favourite with her young pupils. She loves the job, teaching English and is also popular with most of her staff-mates. Away from work however, she's a bit of a mess. Divorced, she likes nothing better than partying all the time and getting into alcohol-fuelled one-night stands, much to the disapproval of her retired widower dad, himself an ex-headmaster, with whom she lives, if less than harmoniously.
Unfortunately for her, her carefree, if not reckless social life is about to catch her up as she becomes the centre of a sex-scandal when one of her young pupils, in whom she's invested a little more time, accuses her of having sex with him in a nightclub toilet when she was out of her face and on her own. Fanned by a zealous female colleague who's the definition of starchy, the matter blows up into a fully fledged scandal and sees her lose her job and then her social position especially after she pleads guilty to the charge to protect, or so she thinks, the boy from further emotional distress.
Meanwhile she hits the bottle even more until she finds rock bottom, forced out of the family home by her unsupportive dad and generally made a social pariah and the butt of cruel attacks by former acquaintances and unsurprisingly, anonymous tabloid-fuelled members of the public who daub her car and jeer at her in public.
But what if she didn't do it and was actually being set up for her fall? As she pulls herself together, she gradually connects the dots in a carefully-orchestrated revenge scheme aimed at her, originating from an incident at a different school some fifteen years before.
If you're prepared to overlook the plot holes here (who waits fifteen years to carry out a sophisticated revenge-crime?) and unlikely plot devices (particularly the one involving Smith's best-friend fellow-teacher, who herself becomes groomed by the perp), this four-part drama had enough twists and turns and minor cliff-hanging reveals in it to keep my wife and I interested all the way through. Smith is good value as usual as the traumatised teacher who pulls herself together to get her life back on track, although, rather like her stalker himself, we certainly didn't see the out-of-nowhere dramatic finish coming down the road.
We all know nowadays that the grooming of children of course is a serious subject and I'm not altogether sure that hanging it on an old-fashioned revenge plot as was done here was completely appropriate, but putting that aside, this on the whole was watchable if not exactly cutting-edge prime-time TV entertainment.
Unfortunately for her, her carefree, if not reckless social life is about to catch her up as she becomes the centre of a sex-scandal when one of her young pupils, in whom she's invested a little more time, accuses her of having sex with him in a nightclub toilet when she was out of her face and on her own. Fanned by a zealous female colleague who's the definition of starchy, the matter blows up into a fully fledged scandal and sees her lose her job and then her social position especially after she pleads guilty to the charge to protect, or so she thinks, the boy from further emotional distress.
Meanwhile she hits the bottle even more until she finds rock bottom, forced out of the family home by her unsupportive dad and generally made a social pariah and the butt of cruel attacks by former acquaintances and unsurprisingly, anonymous tabloid-fuelled members of the public who daub her car and jeer at her in public.
But what if she didn't do it and was actually being set up for her fall? As she pulls herself together, she gradually connects the dots in a carefully-orchestrated revenge scheme aimed at her, originating from an incident at a different school some fifteen years before.
If you're prepared to overlook the plot holes here (who waits fifteen years to carry out a sophisticated revenge-crime?) and unlikely plot devices (particularly the one involving Smith's best-friend fellow-teacher, who herself becomes groomed by the perp), this four-part drama had enough twists and turns and minor cliff-hanging reveals in it to keep my wife and I interested all the way through. Smith is good value as usual as the traumatised teacher who pulls herself together to get her life back on track, although, rather like her stalker himself, we certainly didn't see the out-of-nowhere dramatic finish coming down the road.
We all know nowadays that the grooming of children of course is a serious subject and I'm not altogether sure that hanging it on an old-fashioned revenge plot as was done here was completely appropriate, but putting that aside, this on the whole was watchable if not exactly cutting-edge prime-time TV entertainment.
Solid Accusation Terror!
The first 2 episodes nailed it with the terror and consequences of accusation.
Everything that could've happened in a situation like this happened.
Realistically portrayed terror directed at the accused.
A rarity for a show to use every last drop of potential.
Brilliant acting all round especially from lead actress Sheridan Smith. Very likeable character, so selfless. How the producers of the show showed how seriously she took her role as teacher with regards her pupils.
The first 2 episodes would have me scoring this 10 stars but after the fallout of the accusation the show became just watchable with the investigation leading to one of those 'make it up as you go along' poor endings.
Well worth watching for what the teacher went through being accused.
Everything that could've happened in a situation like this happened.
Realistically portrayed terror directed at the accused.
A rarity for a show to use every last drop of potential.
Brilliant acting all round especially from lead actress Sheridan Smith. Very likeable character, so selfless. How the producers of the show showed how seriously she took her role as teacher with regards her pupils.
The first 2 episodes would have me scoring this 10 stars but after the fallout of the accusation the show became just watchable with the investigation leading to one of those 'make it up as you go along' poor endings.
Well worth watching for what the teacher went through being accused.
- cthetrancedone
- Mar 21, 2022
- Permalink
Wanted to like it more
- MattHankinson
- Feb 4, 2022
- Permalink
Set on revenge? First dig three graves in case the viewer loses the will to live
- ianlouisiana
- Feb 9, 2022
- Permalink
Great Yarn
This was a good yarn that could have been a bit better directed but it was enjoyable and kept you wondering. Sheridan Smith's portrayal of a flawed but brilliant and committed teacher was exemplary. Some of the other characters were a bit on the weak side, but overall it was well worth the watch.
Not very good
- antide-42376
- Feb 2, 2022
- Permalink
What the hell with all the negativity??
Watched all four episodes and found it to be a good, engaging, interesting drama. The low ratings lately are incomprehensible and I can only assume are placed from our American cousins who prefer their drama's to involve car crashes and chase scenes... IDK.... If you like a good British drama, well acted. Then you can do far worse than giving this a few hours of your time.
The story trots along from the initial disbelief of the lead character, to her eventual realistsation that all is not right with the story as its being presented. He own guilt at her drunken behaviour leads her to suspect that she may be at fault but then her suspicions start to grow as more details come to light.
Altogether a good story line, well played out, and the threads slowly pull together to a good conclusion..... what more do you need in a gritty drama ? .....
The story trots along from the initial disbelief of the lead character, to her eventual realistsation that all is not right with the story as its being presented. He own guilt at her drunken behaviour leads her to suspect that she may be at fault but then her suspicions start to grow as more details come to light.
Altogether a good story line, well played out, and the threads slowly pull together to a good conclusion..... what more do you need in a gritty drama ? .....
- darrenbirt
- Jan 6, 2023
- Permalink
Series 1 passable; Series 2 abysmal
Series 1 was watchable and believable in parts, but Series 2 was hopelessly 'huggy', and with so many 'I love you's it could have been an episode fewer. Of course the death was a tragedy, but the over-emotion shown by the staff and pupils was used as padding. The complicated storyline wasn't bad, though (as so often in this sort of modern drama) the main character becomes the investigator and that is unrealistic. The police seemed in a muddle, but DNA would have solved the second case within a few hours.
One recurring complaint is the trend, presumably for financial reasons, to make these dramas abroad (Budapest for Series 1 and Ireland for Series 2), with occasional drone or long-distance shots of Bradford or Manchester respectively, without the cast. I wonder if other viewers find this irritating; I do!
One recurring complaint is the trend, presumably for financial reasons, to make these dramas abroad (Budapest for Series 1 and Ireland for Series 2), with occasional drone or long-distance shots of Bradford or Manchester respectively, without the cast. I wonder if other viewers find this irritating; I do!
- lavender-57161
- Sep 13, 2024
- Permalink
Well worth watching.
Competent teacher Jenna Garvey stands accused of sleeping with one of her pupils, she sets out to prove her innocence.
Another really good drama from Channel five, I liked the format, four episodes was a good amount, I also found the story very original.
I wasn't overly impressed with episode one, it didn't set the pulses racing, it was just too slow, however from episode two onwards, it really does switch into gear, it's dramatic and full of intrigue.
Very well acted, Sarah Jane Potts and Samuel Bottomley are both so good, Sheridan Smith as always puts in a powerhouse performance.
Smith is clearly in demand, this, No Return and Four Lives, she really is just wonderful.
Bizarrely this was filmed in Budapest, which really isn't isn't anything like Bradford, I wonder if that was down to cost.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable, 8/10.
Another really good drama from Channel five, I liked the format, four episodes was a good amount, I also found the story very original.
I wasn't overly impressed with episode one, it didn't set the pulses racing, it was just too slow, however from episode two onwards, it really does switch into gear, it's dramatic and full of intrigue.
Very well acted, Sarah Jane Potts and Samuel Bottomley are both so good, Sheridan Smith as always puts in a powerhouse performance.
Smith is clearly in demand, this, No Return and Four Lives, she really is just wonderful.
Bizarrely this was filmed in Budapest, which really isn't isn't anything like Bradford, I wonder if that was down to cost.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable, 8/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Feb 13, 2022
- Permalink
Mediocre
Waste of time
I only watched until the end as it was only 4 episodes. Seriously, far fetched rubbish.
Hard to believe this is the same actress from Four Lives.
Save yourself the time and watch something else "yawn".
Hard to believe this is the same actress from Four Lives.
Save yourself the time and watch something else "yawn".
- corinnescrapbook
- Feb 18, 2022
- Permalink
The idea was there but...
Sheridan Smith is a great actress but this series was a little odd. The plot was there and it was good but the character was weird in the way that I couldn't tell whether she wanted to have a relationship with him as she seemed infatuated with him in a way. Still worth a watch but yeah, a little odd.
- joanamarah
- Feb 11, 2022
- Permalink
Great drama but too short ending!
I enjoyed this series a lot and found it thrilling, was eager to see next episode throughout. Good actors, for me most of them new (Im not living in UK). The last episode went from an exciting upper to a complete downer cause we didnt get to see how things went with any of the characters, and in the end the scene between the teacher and her student left us with many questions. Its like the episode went from #4 to #10 and skipped all info in between. I hate endings like that coming too fast and think they could have made the storyline more complete with at least five more episodes.
- Naon-75670
- Jun 25, 2022
- Permalink
Solid Accusation Terror!
The first 2 episodes nailed it with the terror and consequences of accusation.
Everything that could've happened in a situation like this happened.
Realistically portrayed terror directed at the accused.
A rarity for a show to use every last drop of potential.
Brilliant acting all round especially from lead actress Sheridan Smith. Very likeable character, so selfless. How the producers of the show showed how seriously she took her role as teacher with regards her pupils.
The first 2 episodes would have me scoring this 10 stars but after the fallout of the accusation the show became just watchable with the investigation leading to a mediocre ending.
Well worth watching for what the teacher went through being accused.
Everything that could've happened in a situation like this happened.
Realistically portrayed terror directed at the accused.
A rarity for a show to use every last drop of potential.
Brilliant acting all round especially from lead actress Sheridan Smith. Very likeable character, so selfless. How the producers of the show showed how seriously she took her role as teacher with regards her pupils.
The first 2 episodes would have me scoring this 10 stars but after the fallout of the accusation the show became just watchable with the investigation leading to a mediocre ending.
Well worth watching for what the teacher went through being accused.
- cthetrancedone
- Mar 21, 2022
- Permalink
Mind-numbingly unlikely
- danielkilleen-43432
- Feb 8, 2022
- Permalink
Strong start, weak finish!
A very good start to this series...well acted I thought, strong storyline, some interesting characters. It was well on its way to being a 9/10 for me.
Then episode 3 and 4 sort of meandered to an anti climactic end...a bit like a marathon runner who starts well but is gasping for breath at the end.
But on the positive side...I enjoyed Sheridan Smith. Yes she appears on practically everything these days but I take each performance on it's individual merit. She was obviously playing the part of a flirtatious and obviously sexy teacher, probably to influence us viewers into thinking she was a likely sexual predator. I won't spoil it by revealing whether she was or not, but Sheridan played the part well. I thought they could have explored her relationship with the Kelvin Fletcher character a bit more and u was also underwhelmed by a couple of the other teachers...her enemy and her friend.
But taking everything into consideration, it was a solid 6/10 for me. It would have been better if the last two episodes matched the first two.
Then episode 3 and 4 sort of meandered to an anti climactic end...a bit like a marathon runner who starts well but is gasping for breath at the end.
But on the positive side...I enjoyed Sheridan Smith. Yes she appears on practically everything these days but I take each performance on it's individual merit. She was obviously playing the part of a flirtatious and obviously sexy teacher, probably to influence us viewers into thinking she was a likely sexual predator. I won't spoil it by revealing whether she was or not, but Sheridan played the part well. I thought they could have explored her relationship with the Kelvin Fletcher character a bit more and u was also underwhelmed by a couple of the other teachers...her enemy and her friend.
But taking everything into consideration, it was a solid 6/10 for me. It would have been better if the last two episodes matched the first two.
- Victor-fitforlife
- Feb 6, 2022
- Permalink
Waste of four hours
I stuck it out until the end in the hope the story would resolve satisfactorily but, while it was a good plot line it was spoiled by the diabolical and ludicrous final ten minutes. The characterisations of the two female teachers were unrealistic and the acting was atrocious, especially Pauline and Brian. A good idea ruined.
- gport-37326
- Feb 3, 2022
- Permalink
Short skirting around a short story
I am not sure why people are leaving series reviews here when they haven't watched the full series but the reviews are quite accurate.
It starts well with Sheridan Smith catching the eye in short skirts and heels but this eye catching doesn't cover the cracks later in the series as her legs disappear for a couple of episodes.
Scenes which were obviously filmed in Budapest rather than Bradford are a bit off-putting and Sheridan Smith's teeth were annoying at times (has she had dentures put in or is it just for this character? She didn't have them in Four Lives so we will have to wait for No Return next week to find out).
Kelvin Fletcher receives second billing here but doesn't appear that much. More scenes together might have been an improvement.
Even the dark and mysterious Ian Puleston-Davies can't really bring his real depth to a sadly lacking storyline.
I don't watch much on Channel 5 apart from All Creatures Great And Small and this won't encourage me to watch it again in a hurry.
It starts well with Sheridan Smith catching the eye in short skirts and heels but this eye catching doesn't cover the cracks later in the series as her legs disappear for a couple of episodes.
Scenes which were obviously filmed in Budapest rather than Bradford are a bit off-putting and Sheridan Smith's teeth were annoying at times (has she had dentures put in or is it just for this character? She didn't have them in Four Lives so we will have to wait for No Return next week to find out).
Kelvin Fletcher receives second billing here but doesn't appear that much. More scenes together might have been an improvement.
Even the dark and mysterious Ian Puleston-Davies can't really bring his real depth to a sadly lacking storyline.
I don't watch much on Channel 5 apart from All Creatures Great And Small and this won't encourage me to watch it again in a hurry.
- xmasdaybaby1966
- Feb 3, 2022
- Permalink
Could have been done in 2 episodes
Too much useless filler. Just get to the point already . It drags on and on with no point to the endings. I didn't need Episodes 2 and 3. I could have been a 2 hour movie.
- kellylangille-44180
- Mar 1, 2022
- Permalink
Great
Sheridan Smith once again showing us what a great actress she is . Her character is a teacher who is accused of sexually abusing one of her students but did she or not ? Great story and worth watching .
- iainsmith-18061
- Feb 6, 2022
- Permalink
A decent series.
Ignore the reviews below the 6 mark, clearly have no idea what's gone on for the past 2 years to see why this series is as poor as they make it out and considering what we ve been through they've done a good job all in all. People expecting gritty drama when a simple story line with a who dunnit which you clearly don't know until second half. Sheridan Smith does a decent job of it all despite the slight over the top after school antics which I doubt happens in reality but looking at the reviews on here people think teachers are as good as gold and don't do anything wrong at all when they compare. Don't expect wow stuff in this series but there's enough to watch it and enjoy, people taking things so seriously and try mirror realism.. sometimes you just want escapism. It's watchable, but needed more connect the dots towards the end, felt rushed.. I enjoyed it, defo not 5 like some people make it out on the reviews but it's far from perfect.
- luckystar-59196
- Feb 3, 2022
- Permalink
Too much Sheridan on TV lately!
Good story.
Sheridan Smith is an outstanding actress. She can take on any role. In this drama she made the best of what was, essentially, a very poor script with many flaws..
However I found it to be watchable if only for her excellent performance.
- daviddunn-90653
- Feb 8, 2022
- Permalink