TV Review: Toxic Town
A superb four-part series that leaves you angry and proud at the same time
You can watch this series on Netflix
Toxic Town explores a local council’s negligence and greed, as well as the hard-charging efforts of the affected mothers for justice and their eventually successful lawsuit.
The fantastic cast is led by Jodie Whittaker, who plays real-life Corby mother Susan McIntyre. Already a mother to a son, Susan discovers she is pregnant, which cheers her and her husband Peter (Michael Socha).
Their joy fizzles when their son, Connor, is born without fingers on his left hand.
At the maternity ward, alongside Susan, there is Tracey Taylor (played by Aimee Lou Wood). This character is inspired by a real-life resident. Tracey gives birth to Shelby Ann, who is born with a deformed ear, no kidneys, and a heart with only two chambers instead of four.
One of the series’ most heartbreaking moments occurs when Shelby passes away, portrayed through the poignant image of Tracey wiping rust-colored dust off her newborn daughter's gravestone.
Maggie Mahon (played by Claudia Jessie) is married to Derek (portrayed by Joe Dempsie, who is consistently excellent). Derek works as part of a reckless lorry-driving team that transports sludge multiple times a day across town to a disposal site. The faster he drives, the more loads he delivers, which means more money for him. Their son, Samuel, is born with a clubfoot.
You'll have to watch the series to discover the connection between these heroic and determined mothers. We'd give the series 9 out of 10.
What's so good about Toxic Town?
First of all, the structure and production of the show is fantastic. There's no filler here. There's also no rushed ending. It's perfectly set up for a four binge or staggered over several viewings.
One reviewer on Google commented: "In terms of the portrayal of the characters, it is a masterclass of acting that at times, creates a roller coaster ride of emotions. Empathy, anger, hate, hope and pure delight pull viewers in all directions. The casting is brilliant, and there isn't a single weak link. Highly recommended."
READ MORE: TV news and stories from Super News Affiliate
Another added: Like most people, I was gripped by this - drama at its best."
So many of the reviews maintained this positivity. This reviewer said: "Acting was spot on. Production was great. The story is engaging and moving. It keeps you interested, and you learn about the corruption and suffering parents and their kids went through in this real town. Watch it."
Comments
Post a Comment