theguardian.com
TV Review: Four Diverse Programs Explore Gangs, Grief, Hollywood, and Menopause
A review of four diverse television programs: the gangland drama "This City Is Ours," the pandemic documentary "Love and Loss," the Hollywood satire "The Studio," and the feminist comedy "The Change," highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and cultural impact.
- How do "The Studio" and "The Change" use humor to critique their respective targets (Hollywood and gender roles)?
- The review analyzes four diverse programs: a gritty gang drama, a poignant documentary about pandemic loss, a Hollywood satire, and a feminist comedy about menopause. Each show's success is evaluated based on performances, plot, and overall impact. The review highlights a spectrum of television styles and aims for a broad audience appeal.
- What are the most significant aspects of "This City Is Ours" and "Love and Loss: The Pandemic 5 Years On", and how do they impact viewers?
- This City Is Ours" (BBC One) offers a compelling gangland drama exceeding expectations, featuring strong performances and unpredictable plot twists, despite a slightly weaker ending. "Love and Loss: The Pandemic 5 Years On" (BBC One) is a poignant documentary exploring the lasting impact of the pandemic on bereaved families, highlighting both individual stories and systemic failures. "The Studio" (Apple TV+), a Hollywood satire, provides entertaining commentary on industry practices, though its satire could be sharper.
- What broader societal or cultural trends do these programs reflect, and what might be the future implications of these trends in television programming?
- The review suggests a trend towards more nuanced portrayals of complex themes in television. "This City Is Ours" moves beyond typical gangland tropes, while "Love and Loss" tackles the lasting societal impact of a major event. The future may see more such programs addressing emotionally resonant and socially relevant topics with artistic depth.
Sustainable Development Goals
The documentary "Love and Loss: The Pandemic 5 Years On" directly addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and communities. It highlights the lasting effects of grief and loss, a key aspect of mental and emotional well-being, and underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the pandemic's long-term consequences on public health. The inclusion of stories from bereaved individuals provides a human perspective on the pandemic's impact, promoting empathy and understanding.