Mr Loverman

[EachandEveryone]

BBC iplayer. I haven’t read the book but I adore Lennie James. I’ve only seen one episode but it’s pulled me right in and not what I expected.

i hope the rest of it is as good.

I heartily disagree @EachandEveryone. The point was that Morris had spent many years waiting for and doing things for Barry, even if they made him uncomfortable or made him unhappy. Barry agreeing to go to that party with Morris- even though by his own admission it wasn't his thing- was him showing that finally there was some equality there. And as he said, it was hard but everything's made easier by their union. I saw that ending with the acknowledgment that the party wasn't easy as a metaphor for that being out in the open after all of these years wouldn't necessarily be Hollywood-ending, happily ever after, but that it was real and genuine.

Oh piss off.

Currently on ep 3 and loving it. The acting, the characterisation, the old school West Indian references are spot on. I grew up in Dalston and my mum used to go to Ridley Road market every weekend to buy "hard food". Really enjoying it. I'm actually glad this series has stayed under the radar. If there was more buzz about it, there'd be a queue of "commentators" clambering to brand it "woke" and dragging it down.

@RedWinePoliticsAndHair I totally agree with you re the party at the end. It was the perfect ending as not only did it capture everything you've mentioned, but also was a big sigh of relief for this generation. Thank goodness they won't have to suffer decades of shame, abuse and secrets like Barry and Morris did.

Not sure why couple of comments were deleted but guessing they were racist and/or homophobic 🤨

@skippy67 let us know when you've finished it please as lots of us want to discuss themes inc spoilers!

I binged it and absolutely loved it. It was beautiful. Lennie James is brilliant and Sharon D Clarke is just wonderful I love everything she's in.
The ending was perfect I thought. I cried a lot throughout the show.

That's how I saw it too, @RedWinePoliticsAndHair - Morris had spent decades essentially existing in Barry's world, going along with Barry's life just for the chance to spend time with him. This was Barry's turn to do the same back - but also to get to know the rest of Morris's life - something he'd been unable to do before now.

Do you think Morris had been living more of a gay life in those fifty years. Aids must’ve been in its peak at that time. Terrifying.

Will do!

Thank you for the recommendation. I binged it, on and off, last night (I sleep badly).
I hadn't read the books, or even heard of it, but I loved it.
I especially loved the outdoor scenes of Hackney and Dalston.

Loving it so far will finish it tonight x

I finished it today and shed a few tears. There were some bits I thought were slightly different from the book but maybe that was my memory. I do remember that Donna was absolutely vile to him when she found out he was gay.

I thought the book was fabulous, so was very keen to watch it but a bit apprehensive. I’ve only seen the first episode so far but am thoroughly enjoying everything about it.

I binged it and ADORED it.
It was beautiful.
Didn't want it to end

Having read the book after watching the whole series, thought adaption excellent - had used lots of dialogue lifted straight from book - but enjoyed the book even more than dramatization - all the word play is such fun and the sometimmes ee cummings like lay out! when can we discuss the ending?

Just finished it. Loved it all!

Late to the party but just finished watching on iPlayer. Loved it, such great acting and not too much of a Hollywood ending so it didn’t just feel soppy and woke ( Carmel allowed to be very angry). Also uplifting and humane.

This sounds great. I'll be watching it thanks to this thread!