Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
Cast: Rhianne Barreto, Darren Boyd, Gamba Cole, Charles Babalola, Jessica Gunning, Stephen Merchant, Clare Perkins, Eleanor Tomlinson, Christopher Walken, Grace Calder, Aiyana Goodfellow, Dolly Wells, Kojo Kamara, Tom Hanson, Ian McElhinney, Nina Wadia, Guillermo Bedward, Isla Gie, Gyuri Sarossy, Marcus Fraser, Lois Chimimba, Amanda Drew, Claes Bang, Joseph Passafaro, Chicho Tche, Jessica Boyde, Rufus Wright, Chloe Partridge, Rosa Robson, Julia Davis, Verity Blyth, Jonny Weldon, Gabrielle Sheppard.
The first series of the B.B.C.’s The Outlaws did more than catch the eye, it fought valiantly to prove that a British comedy drama could stand the scrutiny of the modern age and make viewer relatable characters that had found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Arguably, not since the days of the classic sitcom Porridge had a cast of characters found a way to have those watching them feel as though they were rooting for those who chose to buck the system, who felt the pain and struggle as they were each forced to repay society as they paid for the root of their own downfall.
If the first series was valiant, the series two, filmed at the same time as its predecessor, then the second series cemented its place in the memory of the genre; for to take the players one stage further, no longer victims of their own sense of punishment, but now forced to work for the face of true criminality, one that is a blight, a force of evil that ensnares the young, and brings misery to a community; and it is one that the group are ready to fight back against.
The sharp observation of all the characters makes the series one of brilliance, no one outshines their cast mates, no one is underplayed or left hanging on to the coat tails of those perceived to be the bigger name, the larger star; for each one the purpose is either redemption or embracing their crime, but not one of them falls, each finds their place in society and grows because of it.
The secret of the series success is not confined to its main crew, but in the joy of the supporting cast, for Christopher Walken and Eleanor Tomlinson, you have Dolly Wells and Grace Calder, for Darren Boyd you have the magnificent Ian McElhinney, and even in the so-called bit part players, there is a burning light that screams for unified attention, Jonny Weldon, the fierce grace in Charles Babalola and Lois Chimimba, all capturing the essence of the production in way that is heartfelt and discerning.
The Outlaws is a series that has its fingers on the pulse of all communities, one that strides out purposely to show that such a tale can be found on every estate, every walk of life wherever you may live; and one that is not to be missed.
Ian D. Hall