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Happy Valley, same writer as Scott and Bailey [Poss spoilers - added by MNHQ]

489 replies

MorrisZapp · 29/04/2014 22:05

I thought it was brilliant, although some generational shifts confused me. The lead character played by Sarah Lancashire had a grandson but didn't look old enough.

The company boss had been friends with the accountant's father, that didn't add up did it? Or did I get that wrong.

Great to see the George Costigan and Siobhan Finneran reunited although not onscreen together.

Brilliant writing and simply superb acting I thought, anybody else enjoy it?

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TheGirlFromIpanema · 29/04/2014 22:18

The accountant and the boss are both sons of a pair of friends I think Smile

I'm half hour behind but am enjoying it so far. I'm not surprised its the same writer as S&B, some better than usual female characters for a start!

Clawdy · 29/04/2014 22:28

It's gritty,well-acted and gripping but that central story-line about the accountant plotting a kidnap with a group of dodgy guys to ensure money for private education,is just too improbable for me - I can't believe it for a minute and it spoiled it really.

GypsyFloss · 29/04/2014 22:29

I thought it was fab. Very dark humour in amongst it all.

AnyFucker · 29/04/2014 22:30

I watched it and enjoyed it. I did think Sarah L looked plenty old enough to be a grannie though.

AnyFucker · 29/04/2014 22:30

and I love Siobhan Finneran

PseudoBadger · 29/04/2014 22:31

I liked it.

coffeeinbed · 29/04/2014 22:48

It reminds me of Fargo.

Framboisier · 29/04/2014 22:54

I thought it was quite good - I did notice Sally Wainwright was involved, I think she must like Sarah Lancashire, they did Last Tango in Halifax?

The kidnapping thing is a bit daft - but that blond guy is properly (convincingly) horrible

Clawdy · 29/04/2014 23:02

The blond guy is a bit too horrific,it would be more intriguing if you were left wondering if Sarah L is right about him.

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MorrisZapp · 29/04/2014 23:11

Yes the plot is v similar to Fargo. Loved the setting too, and the accents. I thought the actress playing Anne was brilliant, so natural. Hope she lives to fight another day...

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theliverpoolone · 29/04/2014 23:36

Can anyone tell me what the connection is with the woman living with Sarah Lancashire - is she a friend? lodger?
Sarah L said she's 47, her daughter had her son age 18 and he's about 9, so she would have been about 19-20 when she had her daughter.

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 30/04/2014 00:02

Sister. Recovering heroin addict.

slartybartfast · 30/04/2014 06:32

it Was good, for a change, great to have something enjoyable.

GypsyFloss · 30/04/2014 06:35

It reminded me of Fargo too, the film version though

Southeastdweller · 30/04/2014 06:39

I agree that it didn't add up that the accountant was the son of a former school friend the company boss. It would have worked if the accountant was played by a younger character.

I enjoyed it but thought it was contrived and unrealistic that the company boss would have a change of heart about the money, and so soon.

The kidnapping scene was horribly plausible and hard to watch.

LatinForTelly · 30/04/2014 13:24

I thought it was well-acted. The farmer as good guy/villain was well-done and Sarah Lancashire is very good.

The plot - and shooting style (cinematography?) - were both dark to the point, almost, of farce. Yes, it reminded me of Fargo too.

I generally hate things where formerly decent people get themselves into all sorts of bother, and will find it very hard to watch if that vile blonde man has free reign with the kidnapped daughter. Probably wouldn't have started watching if I knew how dark it would be.

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MorrisZapp · 30/04/2014 13:44

I love how she writes female characters. Her dialogue seems so natural compared to the contrived shit that most poor actors get lumbered with.

S Lancashire must have to practice hard to get the rants/ monologues down perfect!

'Fancy another trip to Rotherham?', loved it :)

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Clawdy · 30/04/2014 13:49

The accountant was not the son of a schoolfriend of the boss. He was the son of a friend of the boss's father, making him and the boss a similar age.

Southeastdweller · 30/04/2014 13:54

Yes, I agree with you Morris about the female relationships as written. Hopefully the dynamic between Catherine and her sister will be explored as the series goes on.

Anyone else shudder when Ann was asked by one of her kidnappers if she was a virgin?

coffeeinbed · 30/04/2014 13:55

I meant Fargo the film.
I haven't seen the TV one yet.

Ellenora5 · 30/04/2014 13:59

I enjoyed it, can anyone remember the name of that drama that Siobhan Finnernan was in, I was trying to remember it last night, I know I didn't like it but it's driving me mad trying to think of it.

I loved last tango in halifax, and Scott and Bailey

Southeastdweller · 30/04/2014 14:03

Give us some clues ellen Smile

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MorrisZapp · 30/04/2014 14:08

George Costigan played a terrifyingly convincing abusive father in Scott and Bailey, but does a great job as the boss in this.

Funny how some writers have favourite actors and can visualise them in such contrasting roles.

Hope he doesn't ask the sister for a jump :)

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AnyaKnowIt · 30/04/2014 14:08

I know she was in wire in the blood

AnyFucker · 30/04/2014 14:17

Ellenora.... Boy "A" ?

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