Hellina Handkart

Fantastic show. Every episode a well-written winner. The acting (on the whole) is of a good standard. Each story is logically and coherently presented. Brenda Blethyn is brilliant as Vera. Kenny Doughty's portrayal of Aiden as her slightly playful and sarcastic side-kick works a treat. Their emotional bond was almost instant. And conveyed so effectively by the two actors involved. A joy to watch. Yet to watch series 10 or 11. Hope they are as good.

One of the most fantastic series I have ever watched. Kept me guessing until the end. I don't understand the reviewer who said there was no thread.... unless he only watched the first couple of episodes. You have to be patient and keep watching, and eventually, it all starts to make sense. Extremely well-written, funny and clever. And Lenny Rush is just brilliant.

I can't believe I'm saying this but John Simm is woefully bad in this. He's as wooden as a plank. Playing a character lacking in surface emotion just doesn't suit him. Richie Campbell is awful as well. There's no spark between them. At least there are two actors in this with a bit of life in them, Zoe Tapper and Craig Parkinson. Adding to that, the supporting acting and plots are so bad it's like a spoof. But unlike McDonald and Dodds which is equally dire, but slightly tongue in cheek with good rapport between the lead characters (and hence watchable) Grace takes itself completely seriously. It's an embarrassment. I can't understand how John Simm is happy to continue being in this drama. He's never been a money chaser. He must have signed a golden handshake. As I said, I can't believe I'm saying this about John Simm as I've seen nearly all his work and his performance usually blows me away. Maybe series 3 will be better.