User reviews

Finally a story relevant for people over 40! This is a really good story, and a mystery snuck in for good measure. The acting was a bit stiff in some spots, and it is NOT a comedy. The best part - all the main characters, except one, is over 60. There are some holes in it, and the young police officer is annoying, that's why it only gets an 8. It could have had a better ending where Justice would have been served and Death With Dignity could have been preserved. As we all know justice and the law are two very different things. This has an Awesome soundtrack and it's not about pretty young people. It's more realistic in it's approach and it is a great watch for people that have to deal with their mortality - which is ALL of us. Whilst I'm not in that age bracket, I appreciate what it would take to deal with Death With Dignity. Highly recommend for the story, cinematography and realistic way it deals with it's subject. Would have like to see the younger person be more adult, though. A 28 year old should be way more mature. It's good enough to watch twice.

This UK Channel 4 series starts well but tails off somewhat as it progresses. Certainly a difficult, painful and controversial subject is handled competently without bias and at times with some delicacy. The fact that a retired senior copper is a main player in the deployment is of some interest, given the nature of the law on this subject. The cast was well chosen and mostly very convincing in their portrayal of a group of old friends facing stark choices in their declining years and how to deal with them. I have one reservation - the later stages of this drama tended to stretch credibility, and the ending is - well, frankly - a little disappointing.

The big 'but' is what did all those brilliant actors make of their raw material, the script and the screenplay?

Please let me express dismay that this is still such a 'live' (difficult choice of a word) topic in the UK, with the whole Esther Rantzen story on the lips of the nation, a much-loved TV star facing a dismal death from cancer, and unable to choose to die with dignity. Please also let me say that I live elsewhere, in the State of Western Australia, where Voluntary Assisted Dying is on the law book, as it is in all of the other five states of our nation, and has been for so long that nobody even thinks about it any more.

The UK is not so enlightened, and those people who consider that their personal religious affiliations give them a right to insist on how others live their lives, and how they die, still appear to hold sway. We had that battle here about five years ago, not long after I was myself diagnosed with cancer, and this is a matter of considerable comfort to me, knowing that a slow, lingering, agonising death will not be something I will be forced to endure if that time ever comes.

There's the background setting. I wish to avoid spoilers, as such reviews which are thus blanked tend not to get read. I will simply say that those involved do not display in any way the competence we would associate with them from their former professional lives. A top-ranking police officer and an SAS officer in particular would plan things immaculately, and carry them out faultlessly. It is the fact that they don't even get close to either which spreads this out across six episodes, the last of which was all but pointless.

Perhaps they felt they had to do things this way to present a 'balanced' view of Voluntary Assisted Dying, and maybe the religious obstructionists would have otherwise been even more up-in-arms than I am sure they were.

So they did all this to generate drama, and thus lost the plot.

8/10 for the courage to at least open up this dialogue on such a vital topic, and for great acting, but ...........................

I got hooked about 10 minutes in due to the stellar cast. This moves slowly but in a world of fast everything, this isn't a bad thing.

This story is so pertinent with the current demands for assisted dying and the wonderful Esther Rantzen appeals.

I am currently up to the end of episode two and the last scene broke me, the first class actress Sue Johnston played this scene mesmerisingly.

I realise that the rest is going to be a hard watch but the story telling takes you along slowly with it.

I'm age 57 and this is something that interests me greatly.

It will make you think deeply about the subject matter which is covered in a beautiful and highly sensitive manner.

I LOVE the idea of the ensemble cast being older pensioners and the reviews drew me in; it felt well cast, too. Having watched the WHOLE thing...yes, there's a twist. But it comes too late, penultimate episode. And it's not enough to save what was dragged out for too long; the repetitive nature of the dialog, the poor pacing and editing - were the writers, producers and editors all significantly OLDER than the main cast? Had the producers decided to get a better writer to edit the first draft dialog that somehow made it to screen, add in a glimpse of character development, had uber repetitive bits been cut and the whole thing 4 episodes instead of 6, it might have been great. As is, it's unwatchable. So YES to films or series with older casts, but NO to writers and producers who are one foot in the grave.

I'm disappointed but not flat out shocked at the number of reviewers here who seem to view any treatment of end of life subjects played by actual oldsters as depressing.

This isn't -- not a bit. Instead, it's a very twisty take on the subject of assisted suicide with plenty of nuance and a lot of surprises you won't see coming.

One of the biggest surprises is someone actually turned out a script about old people that isn't solely comprised of patronizing stereotypes. These folk all feel very real -- the unique distillation of their own complicated (and often compromised) lives and careers.

It's fun to watch, despite the subject matter -- more police procedural in tone and content than dark night of the soul.

After the death of a friend, a group of close friends in their seventies make a pact with one another, true love, a merciful act of assisted dying, question is, will they get away with it?

What a year 2024 has been for drama so far, Mr Bates and The Post Office has rightly taken most of the oxygen, but this drama has also had people talking.

This is a captivating drama, I loved it. After the first two episodes, I didn't quite know what to expect, a romance, a dramedy, or a social exploration of assisted suicide, after episode five, I was left in no doubt, it's a straight up thriller, one with some fantastic twists and turns.

Full of surprises, it will have you guessing til the final act. There simply aren't enough dramas like this these days, certainly those with as much imagination.

I like that the central characters aren't particularly likeable, Phil for example is rather unpleasant, she is very manipulative, and incredibly controlling, Duncan however is marvellous.

Wonderful to see a primarily mature audience, and each of them nails it, Lindsay Duncan, Clarke Peters, Phil Davis, Sue Johnston and Peter Egan, all outstanding.

9/10.

A group of old friends meet up after a funeral and drunkenly promise each other to help end their lives when it becomes too insufferable to continue.

And then this inevitable question crops up when one of them is diagnosed with cancer.

It may sound depressing but it's tackled in a dark humour and down to earth way and I love how it portrays these older people as part of the sixties generation who really were the first to be so free spirited.

There are twists and turns throughout and it highlights the issue and its pitfalls as well as the sympathetic portrayal of those suffering. Bit of a twist too!

A unique well performed drama with excellent casting.

Well worth a watch.

Truelove starts with a question that nobody wants to answer - could you and should you kill a friend if they asked you to? But it doesn't linger. The story moves forwards at a pace that keeps the weight of its moral quandary off of the shoulders of the viewer. It's comical, nostalgic, heartwarming and fun despite its subject matter.

The story, told through a stellar cast, is well balanced and constantly developing through each episode. It resists the temptation to be carried too far into any specific genre whilst giving the audience enough familiarity on which to hang their reference points. Police procedural, thriller, drama, it has hints of each without compromising on its highly original concept. The show strikes a pleasing balance between entertainment and stimulation whilst opening up discussion with viewers both young and old(er).

This is a very difficult but very pertinent subject treated with respect and sensitivity. I thought at the beginning that it was going to be a very hard to watch story about euthanasia. Assisted dying is such a difficult and debatable subject but it developed into a great thriller with an unexpected twist. The suspense builds up, I could not wait to watch the next episode. There is much more to this story than meets the eyes.

All the actors are brilliant and very well chosen. Well done to Channel 4, you would think that BBC 1 would show such a good quality program.

I am so glad I watched it!

This the IMDB subtext, so not really a spoiler.

"A group of old friends reunited at a funeral make a drunken pact. Rather than let each other suffer a slow and painful decline they would engineer a dignified death. But what starts out as a fanciful idea soon morphs into shocking reality." This is where the real problem lies. Would lifelong friends really agree to a pact that would threaten the liberty of the others. 17 years in prison, essentially the rest of their lives.

This started off ok, but episodes 2-4 were heavy going and I should imagine the rhetoric was quite distressing for those of the senior generation.

Episodes 5-6 were like a completely different drama and all the real interest in the drama was compacted into these episodes. The whole drama was overlong and could have been condensed from 6 to 4 episodes.

Another problem are the multiple inconsistencies, illogical acts and plot holes throughout.

Some examples: I thought police always were on duty in twos, and yet we have a lone female traffic cop pulling Phil over for speeding.

Also, another female PC, Ayesha, apparently has a license to roam. She is seen alone in patrol cars and carrying out her own investigations, including interviewing people and going to their houses, despite warnings from her superiors. This resulted in her character being very irritating.

Then we have her immediate boss also acting alone by going to interview a murder suspect at his house dressed in football kit. Really??

The staging of Tom's boat was a shambles.

Why did Phil and Ken dump the boat and not return it to the mooring?

Why did they not wear gloves when tidying up Tom's home?

Why did Ayesha not recognise immediately that it was Ken and Phil on the CCTV? It was pretty clear.

With all her police experience and going on record as knowing what to do to cover up a crime, why did Phil miss so many things that contributed to the Police (Ayesha) investigation?

As portrayed on screen and despite their apparent conditions, both Tom and Marion were both capable without assistance.

Great watch from start to finish.

I don't watch much television so I was impressed to be satisfied with the time I spent on the sofa.

One standout feature of "Truelove" is its diverse cast, representing a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and personalities. This inclusivity adds depth to the show, allowing viewers to witness a more authentic exploration of love and compatibility. The casting choices contribute to a more relatable and genuine viewing experience.

The show's production quality is commendable, with crisp cinematography capturing the beauty of the diverse locations where the contestants interact. The sleek editing enhances the narrative flow, keeping viewers engaged without unnecessary filler content. The overall visual appeal of "Truelove" sets it apart from other shows, adding locality and aesthetic charm to the viewing experience.

Exploring the allure of murder mysteries and the captivating charm of older characters reveals the timeless appeal that both elements hold in storytelling. The combination of intricate plots and seasoned characters creates a dynamic narrative synergy that has enthralled audiences for generations.

Murder mysteries, with their suspenseful plots and clever twists, have a magnetic quality that draws viewers and readers into a world of intrigue and suspense. The genre's ability to keep audiences guessing and actively engaged in solving puzzles is a key factor in its enduring popularity. The intricate web of clues, red herrings, and unexpected revelations challenges the mind, providing a satisfying mental exercise for enthusiasts.

One of the program's notable strengths lies in its emphasis on open communication and vulnerability. Unlike other shows that often sensationalize conflicts for entertainment, "Truelove" promotes healthy dialogue and encourages participants to express their true emotions. This approach not only makes for more meaningful television but also sets a positive example for viewers navigating their own relationships.

While "Truelove" successfully breaks away from some conventional show tropes, it's not without its flaws. Some viewers might find the pace a bit slow compared to more fast-paced programs. However, this deliberate pacing allows for a deeper exploration of connections, making it a matter of personal preference.

In conclusion, "Truelove" on Channel 4 offers a refreshing take on reality dating shows, prioritizing authenticity, diversity, and meaningful connections. The show's commitment to showcasing genuine emotions and fostering open communication sets it apart in a genre often criticized for its sensationalism. Despite a few minor pacing issues and scripted moments, "Truelove" succeeds in delivering an engaging and thoughtful viewing experience that resonates with those seeking a more genuine portrayal of love, relationships, new friends and death.

A superb piece of unapologetic and poignant writing performed by top class actors who give truthful, raw performances. A real disturbing, yet 'entertaining' story, reflecting an older generation habitually overlooked in mainstream narratives. There is a lot to be learned from people who have been fortunate enough to have lived and loved a life longer than ourselves, yet are casually overlooked. Like the ebb and flow of the piece, may the tide keep changing until we finally catch up ourselves. The stellar cast add such weight and gravitas to the world they inhabit with injections of unforced humour. Such tenacious writing. Congratulations to all involved in the thought-provoking production.

Hmm. I started watching this thinking... Why am I subjecting myself to six long episodes of a program about really old people? That's what we all do. We immediately dismiss old people. How refreshing and positive it was to enter into the lives of this fictional group, with all the uncertainties and passion of someone starting out in the adult world.

Age gives us time to get really good at what we love to do. This is a quality production with classy performances from very experienced actors. For example, I love the way emotions explode out of Phil's face, with just the slightest change of expression. The topic is bleak and challenging, moments in this drama are moving, but I came away from it feeling strangely positive. Criminal activities aside, I hope my golden years are exciting as this!

Based on the adverts, I expected this to be a dark comedy about a group of friends making an assisted suicide pact and the hijinks that ensue. However, the show isn't a comedy at all, dark or otherwise. Instead, it's actually a very straightforward and rather depressing drama about older people with an unnecessary romantic subplot and, worse, a police procedural bolted onto it. Admittedly I only watched half of the episodes, but I found them to be a bit dull to be honest. Perhaps if I'd gone into this with different expectations I would have felt differently about it. However, had it been advertised for what it actually is, I can't say I'd have watched it to begin with.

Despite its rather off-putting title, which at first put me in mind of a potential Exotic Marigold Hotel no. 3 set-up, this six-part Channel Four series got off to an intriguing beginning.

Five, let's be polite and say, senior citizens meet up at an out-of-the-way hotel where, as the night progresses and the drinks flow, they all pledge everlasting "Truelove" to one another. Turns out the pub boasts an ancient legend in its history about two young lovers who followed through on a suicide pact. The subject amongst the group naturally turns to death and they drunkenly pledge to assist each other to die should the situation arise, making what they call the Truelove pledge. As they all go upstairs to their bedrooms, one of the women, Lindsay Duncan's Phil, a retired, very senior police officer tries to proposition Clarke Peters' Ken, a black, ex-U. S. soldier but he resists her offer.

Turns out there's a bit of previous history between the two as we learn that over fifty years ago she jilted him at the altar. Both ended up subsequently rebounding into unsatisfactory marriages, hers has lasted but it's obviously now loveless and his, although it produced a son, quickly failed, leaving him estranged and pretty much alone in the world, apart from his faithful dog.

Anyway, pretty soon after they disperse, another of their number, uncoincidentally the one who first came up with the Truelove idea and who now has a terminal cancer diagnosis, summons Phil and Ken to put him out of his misery by effectively killing him and making it look like suicide. He's already tried it once himself and failed and wants to tap into their professional experience and expertise to ensure the job gets done right this time.

So the duo agonisingly search their souls but eventually do the deed, only to be asked a few months later to do the same for another of their number, Sue Johnson's Marion, the sister of the dead man and seemingly happily married wife of Peter Egan's David, the fifth group member.

Now up to this point, I was really intrigued by the central premise of euthanasia, a topical subject coming ever more under the spotlight especially as we're all living longer but unfortunately the narrative then falls into a conventional, over-plotted detective story with many too many plot coincidences and contrivances when a young WPC reaches into her inner Miss Marple and gets on their trail.

In the end, despite fine performances by all the principals, I was disappointed that the narrative veered away into ho-hum thriller territory, body-swerving a potentially deeper and darker treatise on the subjects of growing old, the fear of death and assisted suicide.

A missed opportunity then and just to compound a felony, they didn't even use the original Crosby and Kelly version of Cole Porter's classic song, played continually throughout as a motif!