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

[MorrisZapp]

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?

[WordsOnAScream]

Maybe. I just hated him enough knowing what he did to SL's DD and for hitting Anna in the kidnapping. I don't need to be shown a load of sexual violence to emphasise that he's a wrong'un and she is in a bad position.

We'll see.

[Southeastdweller]

I didn't notice any sex crime

[WordsOnAScream]

I was quite clearly talking about a general trend in TV. I shall be disappointed if this series follows that trend, as the final few scenes implied it might. I also said I'll watch and see if it does (graphically show sex crimes) not that it already had.

[Clawdy]

WordsOnAScream you are right.Those particular scenes were deeply unpleasant and disturbing, and I'm not sure I will carry on watching if the implied sexual violence becomes more explicit.

[Southeastdweller]

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.

No, the accountant said to Alun Armstrong's son that his father and the company boss were at school together where they hatched the idea together of the company.

[Clawdy]

He didn't mean the current company boss,though. It is confusing.

[MrsDavidBowie]

Just watched it on catchup..thought it was great.

[GypsyFloss]

I was under the impression that the current boss's dad and the accountant's dad grew up together and planned the business. Accountant's dad went away ? To war and when he came back his mate had started the business and rather than making him a partner as they had planned he made him an employee. This then carried down to the current scenario, with the original boss's son as the boss and the mate's son also an employee. Hence the accountant's angst in his conversation with his wife in their bed about how it was as much his as the boss's company.

[Southeastdweller]

Yes he did mean the current company boss - I watched it again yesterday on catch up. That's why the accountant is so bitter.

[GypsyFloss]

Ah ok.

[Southeastdweller]

Starting in a few minutes, folks!

[Clawdy]

Half way through and the violence and horrific cellar scenes are too much this week. Don't think I'll carry on with it.

[Southeastdweller]

It's certainly grim, even more than last weeks episode.

I felt for the Grandson, being disowned by his grandfather and uncle.

Nice performance by the actor who played the slimy councillor.

[Ledkr]

I thought it was good. Had me gripped.
It was a bit violent but ill still watch it.

[Oblique27]

Rather too dark for me this week, and with 4 more episodes to go it will be a while till something truly unspeakable happens to "Tommy" shudder....not sure if I can bear it, why can't we have drama without violence to women (not that violence to men is watchable either)

[GypsyFloss]

I thought it was excellent again. That place is awash with drugs and I reckon the only winner is going to be Ashley and his campsite.

Absolutely Southeastdweller with his slimy, patronising trotting out of the " I'm disappointed in you" line when challenged.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

I'm really enjoying it , think Steve Pemberton is a great actor .

[OddFodd]

Sorry was only half watching (the violence was a bit much for me) - what/who was Steve Pemberton supposed to be? He was the guy in the Porsche who had the car crash right?

[MorrisZapp]

The Guardian preview of last nights ep said that the level of grimness seemed unwarranted, and I'm tending to agree. I think words has a very good point, and I'm afraid I do see attempted titillation in the cellar scenes.

Ultimately, they're dangling the young woman's life on a string for dramatic impact. Tune in next week to see if she gets raped etc, it just leaves a bad taste for me.

Having said that, the acting and writing remains absolutely first class, with Sarah Lancashire quite astonishing imo. They all are, even the smaller characters like the accountants wife.

I will await next week, hoping for drama and character over violence and shock.

[AnyaKnowIt]

I couldn't watch it as the violence was too much. Such a shame as its got a great cast.
.
I'll stick to vera.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Just finished watching the second episode. It's so good imo. That scene with Sarah Lancashire breaking her heart to her ex made me well up, fantastic actress.

[Cocolepew]

I don't think there's that much violence in it

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

The whole story stems from the violent act of rape. I can't really see how you could portray rape/kidnap etc as not violent tbh.

One thing that confused me was that Sarah Lancashire described where she lives as 'the valley', where's it meant to be?

[Ploppy16]

It's round Sowerby Bridge and Ripponden (parts of it were filmed near DH's work place), so on the way through the valley to Halifax. I tried the first episode but get a bit bored of 'gritty northern drama' tbh. I live here, it's not that miserable or exciting!!

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Oh right that's Dh's stomping ground, I've never heard it called the valley before