MARRIAGE - sun and mon bbc 1 9pm - TV PACE NO SPOILERS

[Blondeshavemorefun]

New drama starts sun and mon for 1&2

then 3&4 following week on Sunday and Monday

the lovely Nicola Walker and Sean Bean

The acclaimed British actors play Ian and Emma, who are a couple navigating the ups and downs of their 30-year partnership.

They are parents to Jessica (Chantelle Alle) and are dealing with their fears and insecurities as the drama explores the risks and gifts of a long-term relationship.

Marriage on BBC1 sees married couple Ian (Sean Bean) and Emma (Nicola Walker) negotiate the ups and downs of their 27-year marriage. They've dealt with all the insecurities, the ambiguities, the hopes and the fears that are part of all marriages. The drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term intimate relationship.

When we first meet married couple Ian and Emma they’re in a Spanish airport returning from a lovely holiday — and bickering over a baked potato! By the time they’re on the plane it’s a full blown argument, setting the scene for what’s to come in this four-part series.

looks good

i have now finished it.
the music was so very off putting.

the programme itself quite strained.
very sad when sean bean character cried so much.
jamie got his comeuppance and nicola walker character gave him what for!

the shop assistant was treated so badly by his younger boss though!

I thought this was the best thing on TV probably ever. The scene with James Bolam watching Sean Bean and Jess looking at photos on her phone, portraying: wanting to be part of it, happy, proud of his granddaughter, sad, envious, what it's like to be old and out of touch, all without saying a word. Made me cry thinking of my dad. Deserves a BAFTA for that scene alone. Awesome. On the other hand my DH thought it was dull and boring and left after episode 1. Each to their own, but his loss. It was brilliant

i thought Jess with her phone buzzing, totally ignoring her dad, so realistic

best thing on TV probably ever.

I doubt there will ever be a greater display of small screen writing genius than I May Destroy You, particularly the school episode with its gamechange-ingly epic Shakespearean dialogue. And in half a century I’ve never watched anything more subtle and thrilling than Succession. And … that scene on the rooftop in Giri-Haji … And the charisma of Tyrion Lannister … and MadMen … And how much I cried and swore over My Brilliant Friend … And oh - The Girl Who Waited in Dr Who …

But. Yes. That scene was very, very good! (Spoken as one who watched the first episode of The Liver Birds so is in a position to fully appreciate Janes Bolam.)

(Where did all my italicised titles go?)

Damn - the page is showing an earlier version of my post.

The Likely Lads.

James Bolam.

In fact all the final paragraph was edited but none has appeared!

I’m late to the discussion! Finished watching several days ago and, like someone else said, I’ve given a lot of headspace to this. The music - I loved it but how bizarre it was bursting in the first time! I do like the energy of it - the spoken directions, very calm, then fast and crazy then an eruption of energy.

two small things stand out for me - the insecurity of the horrible boss. The big ‘I am’ until the conference when he takes refuge in drink, drugs and nastiness whilst his employee successfully works the room. Secondly the daughter summarising life to her mum - saying she needs to just ignore grandad as he’s old - such an observation on the ignorance and innocence of youth as yet untroubled by elderly care. Sharply observed.

Secondly the daughter summarising life to her mum - saying she needs to just ignore grandad as he’s old - such an observation on the ignorance and innocence of youth as yet untroubled by elderly care. Sharply observed

Yes I thought the same. Jessica meant well about her grandad (and mum quietly heard her) but it was clear that granddad's passive aggressive ways hurt mum and I liked how mum stood up to him in the end.

Late to the party - just watched it all.

james Bolam - excellent as always
Sean Bean - rictus grin , terrible acting
NIcola Walker - ridiculous overacting switching from scowl to smile and back again , doing that thing she does of exaggerated stumbling over words . So irritating
actress who played daughter - bland, completely unconvincing as musician, beautiful skin .

overall , utter shite.

Just started and finished watching this. Didn't even get to the end of the first episode. What a load of old shite. Yes, I know I should come up with some more erudite criticism but damn that was dreadful.

I've just started watching (half way through ep atm).

Every time I see SB, I think of Roy Cropper off Corrie! 😲😆😆😆

I think that’s a fair observation, @Horsemad. I did have the impression that - in terms of education and aspiration, if not relative wealth - Emma had married slightly ‘down’. A different husband might have known how to help her propel her career forward.

But her description of his love and care when it was needed makes him sound hugely impressive as a human being.