I loved the first episode of this show, but then episodes 2 & 3 completely dropped off the pace and we had to wait until episode 4 for things to get interesting again.
Looking back on it now, it seems obvious to me that the first 3 episodes could have been condensed into a single episode - in fact there are even events in those early episodes that have no real bearing on the subsequent plot development (just consider how the character of Helen, who features a lot in the opening episodes, actually serves very little purpose in the overall plot of the series, and she ends her time on the show well before the real story actually starts to unfold in the later half of the season).
In many ways season one of this series could be described as two different shows. The early part of the season is much lighter, slower, and more like a teen drama than the second half of the series which is far more interesting, pacey and serious.
One thing that disappointed me with this series was some of the early sexual content - is it just me or do the British seem to have a weird fascination with seeing teenage sexuality on TV? As an adult male I have no desire to watch young teens having sex, or young boys pleasuring themselves - and there was definitely no plot-related reason to include such content in the show.
It'll be interesting to see if they can maintain the enthralling momentum and tone that they've finally managed to achieve in the last three episodes of season one through the second season.
Looking back on it now, it seems obvious to me that the first 3 episodes could have been condensed into a single episode - in fact there are even events in those early episodes that have no real bearing on the subsequent plot development (just consider how the character of Helen, who features a lot in the opening episodes, actually serves very little purpose in the overall plot of the series, and she ends her time on the show well before the real story actually starts to unfold in the later half of the season).
In many ways season one of this series could be described as two different shows. The early part of the season is much lighter, slower, and more like a teen drama than the second half of the series which is far more interesting, pacey and serious.
One thing that disappointed me with this series was some of the early sexual content - is it just me or do the British seem to have a weird fascination with seeing teenage sexuality on TV? As an adult male I have no desire to watch young teens having sex, or young boys pleasuring themselves - and there was definitely no plot-related reason to include such content in the show.
It'll be interesting to see if they can maintain the enthralling momentum and tone that they've finally managed to achieve in the last three episodes of season one through the second season.