With a reputation like James Norton (Joyful Valley, Grantchester, McMafia) hooked up to a brand new UK drama, expectations have been excessive for Taking part in Good, a brand new 4 half sequence to display screen on SBS.
And whereas he steps up because the sympathetic hero of this drama primarily based on a novel by J.P. Delaney, you actually need to marvel, what was all people pondering?
It’s a windswept Cornish coast that’s the backdrop to this psychological thriller by which two {couples} uncover their toddler sons have been switched at delivery.
Pete (James Norton) gave up his journalism profession to be a stay-at-home dad and someday native labourer whereas spouse and expert chef Maddie (Niamh Algar) retains the kitchen operating at a neighborhood profitable restaurant.
However out of the blue rich architect Miles (James McArdle) comes knocking on their door to disclose that son Theo was swapped together with his boy David, whom he shares with spouse Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay). It’s a mind-blowing mix-up that the native hospital confirms, while enterprise an investigation.
When the 2 {couples} meet at Miles’ fancy cliff-top home, it’s just like the haves and the have-nots. Regardless of such alarming circumstances, the 2 {couples} comply with welcome the opposite little one, and oldsters, into their lives over a pleasant glass of wine.
At first these shared parenting conferences are completely chummy, nevertheless it doesn’t take lengthy earlier than issues flip and all bets are off… and we’re instantly in one other style than one which could have explored very trendy households, or the real trauma of coping with studying your little one isn’t your personal.
As an alternative, deception, mendacity, thoughts video games, threats, attorneys and fears get into the driving force’s seat, mixed with some spurious story strikes designed to convey our hero right down to zero.
Belief can also be a legal responsibility on this story as Pete and Maddie are dropped at the brink… as if coping with the true identification of your little one wasn’t sufficient. However like several good protagonist, from hitting all-time low the one method is up?
Norton can play the new daddy (it needed to be stated) standing on his head, however for a supposed journo he’s a bit of on the naive facet. He’s additionally deserving of significantly better materials than this.
James McArdle at the least will get a extra attention-grabbing function as the brand new greatest buddy bordering on sociopath. Niamh Algar can also be juggling some demons from the previous, which rear their ugly head… as if coping with the true identification of your little one wasn’t sufficient #2.
The twist and turns are there to prop up the operating time (I reckon it might have been instructed as a telemovie) however are we to imagine any of that is really credible?
There’s additionally inadequate accountability on the a part of the hospital within the larger image. Cornwall hospitals should get on the again foot and do some good PR after this.
This one actually wanted to be grounded in reality and details somewhat than being ramped up right into a macho powerplay the place the youngsters are chess items for a fairly common plot…. simply with a veneer of truly caring.
Taking part in Good screens Wednesday, 29 January at 9.25pm on SBS.
