This was as superb as all the hype claimed. I am not going to write a great deal as I want to have experienced the whole sweep of the drama, but every aspect seemed to be in perfect harmony. It proved again that great performances are only truly possible where there is great writing and the balance between personal drama and professional matters was dealt with in an exemplary way; too often the persona seems slightly extraneous to the professional and not truly connected but here this was not the case.
It also is giving a really vivid, as well as sad and grim view, of life in the UK today, particularly in areas which are often forgotten (not the major metropolises) and how gorgeous settings can mask terrible situations and circumstances.