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This Is England ‘88

If the brilliance of This Is England and This Is England ’86 wasn’t enough to seal Shane Meadows’ place in cinema and television drama history then This Is England ’88 should finish the job off. If the first episode is anything to go by, it’s going to be just as fun, harrowing and immersive as everything else he’s ever done.

The whole cast from the film and previous TV series returns with the same polished acting skills that made the previous stories work so well. There’s even the malevolent presence of Mick (Johnny Harris) who died at the end This Is England ’86, who continues to haunt Lol as she struggles with post natal depression.

Stylistically perfect, the only real negative to say about This Is England ’88 is that it would have been a lot better if they’d aired weekly, instead of all in the same week, as they passed by too quickly for many. The storyline is gripping, the cast is ace and the dialogue, acting and imagery is spot on.

Even the ever growing acting might of Stephen Grahame has returned as Combo who’s influence from behind bars is still felt by the old gang. Thomas Turgoose is as great as ever in the role of Shaun as he gets to grips with relationship problems with Smell (Rosamund Hanson). However, as with ’86, Vicky McClure is the stand-out performance as Lol, although, the slow breakdown of Woody (Joe Gilgun) is almost a rival.

This Is England ’88 seems to do the impossible, being a great sequel to a great sequel.

This Is England ’88 review: 4/5