The Hour

On TV: Tuesday 19th July 2011

Channel: BBC 2 9pm

Episode Type: 1/6

In 1 Sentence: Exciting, slick new drama about 50’s broadcasting which spirals into suspenseful dark depths

The Hour

BBC Summary: June 1956. BBC reporters and soulmates Bel Rowley and Freddie Lyon join a brand new current affairs programme and become involved in a dark and dangerous conspiracy.

My Review: I love a good dark drama. And a BBC period drama to boot. I am also a huge fan of Romola Garai, so for me this was absolute must-see television!

The Hour kicks off well with outspoken Freddie (played by the talented Ben Whishaw) the focus of the first episode, a passionate journalist vying for a position in the new programme. Also up for the job of producer is the delectable Bel Rowley (played by the brilliant Romola Garai) who, it quickly becomes apparent, is Freddie’s best friend (which hints of feelings which I’m looking forward to develop) and match. The chemistry between the two is fantastic and enough alone to keep me hooked. 

The whole drama looks beautiful; the sets, clothes, hair, cinematography - just stunning. And even more brilliant is the suspense. Far more than just a drama about a new current affairs programme, but there is a whole other dark and twisting murder, beginning with the murder of an academic, somehow connected to the debutante Ruth and her engagement party. The murderer is played by Burn Gorman which is great to see after his amazing performance in Torchwood as Owen Harper. He fills the role of sinister murderer well and hints at something more beneath the surface.

So overall a brilliant start to a smart dazzling new drama series from the BBC. I for one am looking forward to more...

Score: 8/10