DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
Back to Life Gives Showtime a Gem of a Shortform Series
November 10, 2019  | By Ed Bark  | 10 comments
 


Convicted of a murder she actually did commit (although unintentionally), a teen returns home 18 years later with hopes of becoming whole again if only people will let her.

This also was the basic premise for Sundance TV’s Rectify, which had a deadly serious four-season run. Showtime’s six-episode Back to Life, available in its entirety on Sunday, Nov. 10, is far lighter on its feet, and certainly none the worse for it. Billed as a comedy but in equal parts dramatic, this stellar BBC production can be navigated in one sitting, thanks to a total length of less than three hours. The time will fly by, and the ending won’t leave you hanging. There’s room for a Season Two if the principals are game. If not, enjoy Back to Life for what it is and probably should be – a short-form series that knows its limits and where it’s going.

Most enjoyable is Daisy Haggard’s centerpiece character of Miri Matteson, whose small coastal hometown in Hythe, Kent remains in a collective mood to ostracize her. Unlike Rectify, her time behind bars is never revisited. Instead she’s picked up outside prison walls by her judgmental mum Caroline (Geraldine James) and more supportive pup Oscar (Richard Durden). They’ve kept their only child’s bedroom as is, with posters of Prince and David Bowie reminding her that life can be all too perishable.

Miri has no interest in closeting herself. She very much wants to get a job, and Oscar is all for that.

“We can’t keep her locked up,” he tells Caroline, who retorts, “Oh, she’ll be fine. She’s used to it.” The snappy writing kicks in early and never flags, with Back to Life deftly navigating from hilarious to poignant and back again. It’s also graphic with its euphemisms for sex acts and the requisite body parts. One such recurrent coupling, which won’t be revealed, is very much on the down low.

Meanwhile, Miri successfully applies for a job at a fledgling fish and chips shop run by young bloke Nathan (Liam Williams). Their rapid-fire byplay is letter-perfect. “I can clean a toilet until it shines like the sun,” she assures him. 

Miri also meets a next-door neighbor named Billy (Adeel Akhtar), who’s both a gardener and caretaker to a batty, profane older woman. Bubbling up from Miri’s past are ex-boyfriend Dom (Jamie Michie), now loutish and married, and best girlfriend Mandy (Christine Bottomley), who for reasons to be explained later never wrote or visited during those 18 years of incarceration for killing fellow bestie Lara. 

Back to Life is also about a town that with few exceptions is collectively without pity or empathy. Someone sprays “Psycho Bitch” in bright red letters on the Matteson home. Later on, a brick is thrown through the front window of the fish and chips eatery, leaving Miri bleeding from the head. Mum is also wounding Miri by distancing herself. This all comes to a head during a cathartic Episode 4. 

The serious business of Back to Life gives the series some heft while Miri’s comical parole officer Janice (Jo Martin) and a daftly inquisitive cop (in Episode 5) keep things from going full tilt Rectify – or anything close.

Haggard’s performance (she’s also a co-writer) is a marvel, whether she’s exuding vulnerability or dishing the sass. Used and abused but never quite de-fused, she propels Back to Life to the top tier of this season’s newcomers, with ample help from a crackerjack ensemble.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
GQVRV
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: 
10 Comments
 
 
Discover incredible bargains on quality devices with SmartiMobile's collection of cheap phones for sale. If you're in search of budget-friendly and reliable smartphones, smartimobile.com is the perfect destination. SmartiMobile ensures each cheap phone for sale meets their high standards, providing you with affordable yet high-performing options.
Feb 29, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
For top-notch flange dimensions and a seamless shopping experience, Texsas Flange is the name to trust. Their commitment to excellence and a vast range of options make them my first choice when it comes to flanges for any project.
Feb 16, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Flange Dmensions
Navigating the world of Flange Dmensions can be overwhelming, but thanks to https://www.flangedimensions.com/, it's become a breeze. This guide not only breaks down the specifics but also provides a deep understanding of the standards governing Flange Dimensions. It's like having a mentor in the form of a website!
Jan 21, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Navigating the world of paint protection film can be overwhelming, but Mumsport's PPF FAQs section is a game-changer. The detailed and user-friendly information provided on their website offers a wealth of knowledge about PPF, addressing common questions and concerns with precision.
Jan 9, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Andrew White
Deciding on Quartzluxurywindows.com for my windows and doors was a step towards creating a home that stands out. The Quartz™ luxury windows and doors by Quaker Windows have become the hallmark of sophistication.
Jan 6, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Post-service, some veterans may struggle to maintain the same level of fitness due to injuries or lifestyle changes. This sacrifice highlights the toll that military service can have on one's physical well-being.
Dec 31, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
They may suggest prescription medications, topical treatments, or procedures such as PRP therapy to stimulate hair growth. Consulting with a healthcare professional ensures that you receive personalized guidance.
Dec 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
In an age where environmental concerns are paramount, the sustainability of pop-up greeting cards is a topic of increasing importance. The paper industry, in general, faces criticism for its environmental impact.
Dec 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
From the singer's mouth this will give you a good balance of close-mic sound and room sound. You can also place the microphone closer to the singer's mouth for a more intimate sound, or further away for a more spacious sound.
Dec 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Whether you're on a long urban exploration or a quick run to the store, you'll appreciate the superior support and comfort these sneakers provide, making them an ideal choice for those who value their foot health.
Dec 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: