This Town - Miniseries

This Town is a gem filled with social drama and fitting music. With that in mind, you actually miss a song you would most expect. This Town is set at the end of the seventies, beginning of the eighties. The economic crisis is palpable. An outlet is music, drugs, or violence. Themes that are in excellent hands with Steven Knight. The atmosphere, although set in a different time, reminds you of Peaky Blinders. This Town is less violent, but the direction, the visuals, and the combination with music are reminiscent of his work.



The miniseries follows several young adults who face the challenging choice between drugs, violence, or music. One is involved in violence by his own father. Another has the freedom to be himself but struggles with his naivety. He is the creative brain that gives the group a chance. That his father struggles with himself and his addiction doesn't help him. His older brother is in the army and is initially far away. When he returns, he appears to have connections with the criminal underworld. It offers an opportunity that others cannot resist. The two young women are finding their own uncertain path. One is the glue of the group, the other seems more insecure than expected.

Music, drugs, or violence as an outlet. Themes that are in excellent hands with Steven Knight.

They find each other in making music. The band is the escape route from all the misfortune that would otherwise await them. The temptations and pressure from the other world, however, are immense. Drugs are easy to obtain. A new band member seems to know that path a little too well. The threat that other band members will follow her drug use is significant. There is too much misfortune around them, and drugs are an easier way out than making music. The latter requires energy, time, and willpower. Violence and crime are also never far away. The pressure from parents and adults on the group is intense.

The adults do not really help in making the right choices. One is part of violence, another struggles with addiction, and the mutual (family) relationships are fragile and complex. They are mainly focused on surviving and their own problems. Poverty, hopelessness, and insecurity cause stress and dilemmas. Their children's lives are therefore threatened. The adults never had or seized the chance to escape. However, there are also bright spots. Unexpected love, but also the biological connection with their children. The latter allows some of them the chance to escape the misery.



This Town is an impressive snapshot of a difficult period. A time with challenges, but also full of hope. The hope that your children will do better than you. That music can be chosen as an outlet and escape route. That besides all despair and misery, there is room for togetherness. The feeling of daring to stand together and being there for each other. Even in difficult times. That (small) choices matter in choosing the wrong or right path. That, despite all external pressure, you have control over your own life. This, especially in this situation, involves trial and error.

This Town is an impressive depiction of a challenging period.

This Town fills this story with fitting imagery. No explosive colors, but a somewhat darker color palette. It fits perfectly with the depicted time frame. The acting is superb. Well-known actors are complemented by youthful talent. The mutual dynamics fit perfectly with the story. Some actors play roles you wouldn't expect from them. It gives This Town color and depth. The choice between good and bad is not black and white. At every crossroads in life, you make a new choice. Will the band be an escape for those involved, or will they, like so many people in their neighborhood, sink further into a world full of misfortune? The answer can be found in the final episode of this great miniseries.