White Heat: S1 Ep2 - Eve of Destruction

On TV: Thursday 15th March 2012

Channel: BBC Two 9pm

Episode Type: 2/6

In 1 Sentence: Gaining momentum this week - I’m rather beginning to like it...

White Heat

BBC Summary: Six-part drama series about the interwoven lives of seven people whose relationships are forged in the white heat of the 60s through to the present day. 

Ep2: In 2012, Charlotte is joined by two former flatmates to clear the flat. Back in the late 60s, Lilly faces a terrible personal crisis. And at a violent anti-Vietnam war demonstration Jack and Victor face a challenge that will define their perceptions of each other forever.

My Review: Last week was a promising start albeit a little bleak and the constant politics and news being rammed down the audience’s throats put off more than a few. The acting and the aesthetics are what kept me hooked, along with the mystery of who died of course. But this week it was the various plot lines that reeled me along to the characters who I’ve grown to like. 
Tamsin Greig blew me away as Charlotte’s mum going through the separation of her marriage. She was so quiet, still and subtle... it was remarkable. In contrast, Sam Claflin as arrogant Jack was as outlandish as ever on his political campaigns which he dragged much of the gang along to. It’s all rather serious, more so when lovely Lilly finds out she’s expecting, and so sets about getting an abortion. There was some gorgeous camera work and her pain was heartbreakingly put across. 

Victor has developed some what and we now know that he and Charlotte will end up together (though not permanently) as the present day characters discuss their past. So far only Charlotte, Lilly and Victor are confirmed to be still alive and so that leaves much of the house-mates, including Jack who I have a suspicion it will be. 

While it tries hard to cover many social and political issues, it does have it’s moving parts, but it’s mainly the direction that is keeping me watching for now.

Score: 7.5/10