You know what you're getting with writer Jimmy McGovern, he's been producing top class drama rooted in Northern working class communities for decades and his writing's always acutely observed and from the heart. Genuinely think this is one of his best ever dramas up there with Hillsborough. With the combined acting talents of Stephen Graham and Sean Bean paired in the lead roles and a superb supporting cast the script didn't put a foot wrong and the production values were perfect across the board. The score by Sarah Warne was wonderful too. It's an utterly believable, intelligent and truly moving drama that gets to the heart of what's wrong with our outdated, broken prison system. Loved it, moved me to tears.. Well done to the whole production team - you smashed it. Don't miss it whatever you do. The second series with the same format but set in a women's prison is just as raw and moving and pulls no punches. Recommend it just as much, has a great ensemble cast and a brilliant script again, this time written by Jimmy McGovern and Helen Black. Hard but essential viewing.

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