I’ve always been a fan of actress Romola Garai and British period dramas, so when I discovered the BBC series “The Hour,” I was thrilled. The show not only stars Garai but also features talented actors Ben Whishaw and Dominic West. “The Hour” is a gripping political and newsroom drama set in 1960s London.
Summary
In “The Hour,” Romola Garai plays Bel Rowley, who achieves her dream job as the producer of a BBC televised news program called “The Hour.” She is joined by seasoned foreign journalist Lix Storm (Anna Chancellor) and her best friend and fellow journalist Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw). Entering the team is the charismatic and well-connected Hector Madden (Dominic West), who serves as the show’s presenter.
Together with their team, they deliver a weekly news program that covers both national and international events. However, navigating these waters is tricky. They face constraints from a Westminster advisor who wants to censor unfavorable government news, and they must deal with criminal elements that wish to keep their secrets hidden.
The Hour Review
The series started a bit slow for me, but it quickly drew me in with each episode. The show masterfully blends news, politics, mystery, and the intricate personal lives of its characters.
“The Hour” consists of two seasons, each with six episodes. Every season has a central story or mystery that the team investigates, running throughout the season. Each episode also features a smaller story aired during the weekly newscast of “The Hour.” This format keeps the storytelling sharp while maintaining long-term viewer engagement.
Season one’s mystery touches on the familiar topic of Egypt’s takeover of the Suez Canal, offering a fresh perspective. Season two delves into governmental corruption tied to a local gentleman’s club.
Overall, I loved how “The Hour” highlights what goes on behind the scenes in news production. It’s fascinating to see the effort and detail put into the final product. The main storylines, involving criminal activity and government secrets, keep you on edge, waiting for each new revelation.
A Group of Complex Characters
The team at “The Hour” comprises intriguing and complex characters. Bel, Freddie, and Lix have a history of working together, so Hector’s addition shakes things up. Bel and Freddie share a deep personal history, seemingly a friendship without romantic benefits.
Bel’s role as a woman in a male-dominated field challenges norms, and Freddie keeps her grounded. Freddie’s character is peculiar and sometimes off-putting due to his relentless honesty and indifference to others’ opinions.
Hector, the charming ladies’ man, brings essential societal and political connections. Despite his personal troubles, he proves to be a capable journalist. Lix Storm’s experience and maturity add a necessary depth to the team. Although I liked the main leads, Lix’s character often stole my attention, especially when season two explored her background more deeply.
Interpersonal Relationships
The relationships among the characters are complex and often tangled. Their professional and personal lives blur together, and many end up in bed with each other. Their personal lives are just as chaotic, particularly Bel’s tendency for affairs with married men and Hector’s strained relationship with his wife, Marnie (Oona Chaplin). While it’s easy to judge their choices, it’s also understandable how job stress influences their personal decisions.
The main flaw in “The Hour” is the relationship between Bel and Freddie. Their deep understanding and shared passion for news and current events, along with finishing each other’s sentences, indicate an unacknowledged romantic attraction. However, the show never explores their history together, leaving many questions unanswered. This gap limits the viewer’s understanding of their bond. While they share good chemistry, it feels more like a sibling relationship than a romantic one.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, “The Hour” was canceled after its second season, leaving fans with a cliffhanger. Despite this, the series is worth watching for its compelling stories and characters. It’s a stark reminder of how politics, government, and media have always been intertwined. Fans of slow-paced, intelligent dramas will find this underrated series a gem.
Content Note: The show is rated for mature audiences due to its exploration of adult themes like prostitution, adultery, murder, corruption, and criminal behavior. It includes some sex scenes, language, and violence but isn’t overly graphic.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. It’s also available for purchase on Vudu or on DVD.
Have you seen this underrated drama? What are your thoughts on the relationship between Bel and Freddie?
