I’ve always been a big fan of actress Romola Garai and British period dramas, so discovering the BBC series The Hour was a real treat. Not only does it star Garai, but it also features Ben Whishaw and Dominic West. The Hour is a gripping political and newsroom drama set in 1960s London.
SUMMARY
The Hour revolves around Bel Rowley (played by Garai), who fulfills her dream by becoming the producer of a BBC news program called The Hour. She’s joined by a seasoned foreign journalist, Lix Storm (Anna Chancellor), and her best friend and fellow journalist, Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw). A new addition to the team is the charming and well-connected Hector Madden (Dominic West), who is the face of the program.
Together, the team covers national and international events every week. Their work is a delicate balancing act, as they are constrained by a government advisor who tries to censor unfavorable information, and criminal entities who want to keep their secrets hidden.
THE HOUR REVIEW
At first, The Hour started off slowly for me, but each episode drew me in more. The show seamlessly combines news, politics, mystery, and the personal lives of its main characters. Over its two seasons (each containing six episodes), the team chases a main story or mystery that runs throughout the season, while each episode features a smaller story aired on The Hour. This format keeps the viewer engaged with concise stories within each episode and a compelling arc over the season.
Season one’s mystery touches on the historical Suez Canal crisis, offering a fresh perspective. Season two delves into government corruption tied to a local gentleman’s club, making for an interesting storyline.
Overall, the behind-the-scenes look at producing a news program is fascinating, but what really grabbed me was the investigation into each season’s central story, often involving criminal activities and government secrets. I was on edge waiting for each new clue.
A GROUP OF COMPLEX CHARACTERS
The characters in The Hour are intricate and well-developed. The core group—Bel, Freddie, and Lix—have a shared history, and adding Hector into the mix changes their dynamic. Bel, in a position of authority in a male-dominated field, faces significant challenges but remains grounded thanks to Freddie. Freddie, though brutally honest and relentless in seeking the truth, sometimes rubs people the wrong way.
Hector, a charismatic ladies’ man, brings valuable societal and political connections, showing surprising journalistic talent despite his turbulent personal life. Lix, with her wisdom and experience, adds depth to the team. Her character becomes even more interesting as season two delves into her background.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The characters’ relationships are complex and often messy, with blurred lines between their professional and personal lives. Affairs and tangled romances abound. Bel, for instance, often finds herself involved with married men, while Hector deals with complicated issues in his marriage to Marnie (Oona Chaplin). Their personal choices are easy to judge but also understandable given the stress of their jobs.
A main flaw in The Hour is the portrayal of Bel and Freddie’s relationship. Their deep connection is evident—they seem to know each other’s thoughts and finish each other’s sentences. However, their backstory is never fully explored: How did they meet? What made them so loyal to each other? These unanswered questions hinder a complete understanding of their bond. They have great chemistry, but it feels more like a sibling relationship than a romantic one, despite the show’s narrative.
CONCLUSION
Unfortunately, The Hour was canceled after its second season, ending on a cliffhanger. Despite this, the series is worth watching for its compelling stories and characters. It also serves as a reminder that the intertwining of politics, government, and media is far from a recent development. Fans of slow-paced, intelligent dramas will likely find this show to be a hidden gem.
Content Note: This show is rated for mature audiences due to its adult themes, including prostitution, adultery, murder, corruption, and criminal behavior. There are also some sex scenes, as well as instances of strong language and violence, though it is not overly vulgar.
Where to Watch: You can stream The Hour on Amazon Prime, or purchase it on Vudu or DVD.
