Mayflies

[ToooOldForThis]

Has anyone watched this tonight? I loved the book so much and was actually nervous about how well the adaptation would be done! Just watched part 1 and dying to discuss!

It was a bit shallow and cliched.

I agree. Characters were so one-dimensional, we don't know enough of their back-story to care about their diagnosis, Tully is a pain, and their interactions so cliched.

Doubt I'll watch further.

I didn't realise that Martin Compston was only 38. I think he looks way older.

I am aware that Martin Compston is roughly my age so was also baffled by the fact so much was in the 80s when really he would have been partying in the late 90s 🙈
But I did enjoy it and cried my eyes out.

I read an article, he looks much older because they’ve aged him on purpose to make the ages appear to match

I read an article, he looks much older because they’ve aged him on purpose to make the ages appear to match

Well, it didn't work

😂😂😂 agreed!

i dont like martin compson - there was too much emphasis on him and not Tully.
nor did i like his wife in this
i wouldnt be bothered if we didnt watch the second part.

I was specifically looking for a thread on this having just watched episode 1, Martin Compston is too young to be a contemporary of the other actors and I didn't notice any aging make up.
I thought it was a bit clichéd tbh, MC had no chemistry with his wife don't think I'll bother with the next one .

I'm finding it hard going ..
It's a bit too dreary for Christmas / new year
Might have been better on in January or feb maybe ?
Is it a true story ?

Was looking forward to a new Scottish production but gave up after 15min. Too dreary and thought the acting was terrible.

It is based on a friend of the author I think.

Just finished Ep2.

I know someone (a young mom) who recently went to Switzerland to end their life, and I have been struggling with understanding how she did it (leaving DH and DC). I was fascinated by the set up of the clinic and how it actually works, as I don't know much about this kind of thing, so I watched with interest.

It's clearly a heartbreaking decision and I was pleased (?) to see it being openly shown on tv. Still not sure how I stand with it all. It's so difficult to contemplate.

As for the show - I felt like the acting was a bit lame in places. I find MC stiff and wooden in most things, so wasn't expecting a lot. Ashley Jensen was better, but she spent the whole time being upset (understandably).

Tully was quite annoying in parts and I wasn't a huge fan of the flashbacks. I wasn't massively convinced by any of it.

I was surprised to see so many 10/10 reviews on IMDb, even with the sensitive issues raised, I'd have given it a 7 at best.

I was convinced. I had no idea that he was only 38 and that there was a 15 year age gap between the two lead actors until reading here.

I don't think the age gap matters at all. They are acting, and Martin Compston doesn't look THAT youthful.

Omg. This was so heartbreaking

tingly nose and blinking eyes

i did find it cut close to home

I do believe in euthanasia - if an animal is poorly you put them down

so I get why ill people want this choice. And it’s their choice and they have eveey right to it and U.K. should support it if going to die anyway

but it was bitter sweet and brought back (tho you never actually ever forget) memories of dh who committed suicide

he choose to die die to his poorly mind - ive often said depression is cancer of the brain

and though different circumstances / the outcome was the same

he choose to end his life

anyway Back to the programme. It was beautifully done

I'm not against euthanasia but agree with you. I was annoyed with Tully for being so selfish and not discussing it with his wife. He didn't look all that ill at the end either - playing football! - so it didn't seem the right time for it. It didn't move me particularly.

Found it a hard watch but only because a close friend is going through something similar at the moment (with a family member, not themselves).

Thing is you have to be able to travel independently to go to places like that, so you have to go sooner rather than too late. I suppose it was nice that he could play football just before he died, thinking back to how awful the last few weeks of my DF’s life was before he died from cancer/dementia

‘dying to discuss’….
Rather an unfortunate choice of phrase in the OP!
FFS

If you thought Martin Compton was too young, what about the father of the bride, who is the books author, Andrew O'Hagan, who is 54 and gave away his 'daughter' who is 53!

I was unsure if I should watch this or not given that my own lovely husband died earlier this year - but I did.
DH was a proud Scotsman too - which was another reason I felt I'd maybe struggle.

I got it completely and thought it was well done.

Not everyone wants to quietly fade away and die hooked up to a syringe driver, doped up/sedated.
Not everyone wants to be "a patient" - allegedly at "the centre of care", but, in reality, having to fit in with other folks' competing demands.

I could completely understand why he didn't discuss it with his wife as he knew she wouldn't agree with his actions and would try to persuade him not to go.
If she knew him well, she would have known that he would possibly consider assisted dying at some stage and, though heartbreaking for all concerned, supporting his choice must be the hugest, and last, act of love you could possibly give to someone you care about - which she did in the end.

He chose exactly the right time for him - after his last game of football.
He didn't want to wait until he was completely debilitated, frail and ill.
He wanted to go while he still had some energy and independence left to deal with it and he would be remembered by those who loved him, as a force of nature rather than a poor old soul.

My own DH didn't have to make these choices.
He didn't live long enough to get his test results, diagnosis or any treatment.
The Gods intervened and stole him away when no-one was looking.

Odd as it sounds, I do get some comfort from that as he didn't suffer or have to endure any treatment or surgery - often the treatments can be as brutal and debilitating as the ailment.

I'm glad I watched it and I would like to see assisted dying being discussed as an option in end of life care.

I thought exactly the same about the ages. It was jarring.

@Wingedharpy
A beautiful post , well written and I completely understand you .
I am so sorry for your loss , take care x

I haven't seen episode two, but I am all for euthanasia and I think that a properly run clinic as they have in Switzerland would have a lot of interest in the Uk. It's our politicians who run scared of voting it through : many have shares in private care homes , so not hard to figure out why.

@Wingedharpy sorry for your loss 💐

I didn’t notice about the ages but I did think at the end for someone who had 2mths to live and had gone via chemo/other drugs that he looked still fit and healthy

but the programme is about the ones who is dying choice

he choose when to die and after a game of football was perfect for him

as @the80sweregreat said it would be great to have the same set up in the uk