Jimmy McGovern's drama series Accused, that tells the stories which lead up to the accused characters we see on trial, is back. And my goodness this is such high class T
V, though I hope Jimmy wouldn't mind me referring to it that way as someone who writes about those real, unprivileged people from lower classes, iin such challenging moral positions. Do we agree with the verdict both legally and morally? What would we do in their shoes? (Or in Sean Bean's case, would we wear those stilletos?!)
Sean Bean is exceptional both as the 'boring' English literature teacher Simon, and his transvestite alter-ego Tracie, in whose glittering frocks he/she comes alive. He is deliciously camp, smart and tough as Tracie, yet also so vulnerable, sensitive, understanding - counselling his bedfellows, emotionally intelligent and demands our empathy. This is the best I have ever seen Sean Bean. His Simon is nice and normal - un-colourful, and yet for me highly noticeable and compassion-inducing. The quotes he teaches from the classics fit so well with the story and drama!
Stephen Graham, as his lover, does an excellent job too.
The piece deals with homophobia and bigotry against transvestites, self-identity, sexual-identity, love of self and others, trying to be 'normal' when you are 'out of the ordinary', and really challenges us to think about all these issues in our own lives and perhaps contemplate our own sexualities.
Dealing with all that would be enough, but a murder occurs as a consequence of Sean's and Stephen's characters liason and it is that for which Simon finds himself in the dock.
As usual Jimmy's writing really delivers. The piece is crisp, sharp (no pun intended), real, natural and unafraid to take risks or shock. In a strange way, though, I think in the way Jimmy brings things out, even shocking things do not shock us. He helps us accept what is and challenge what is wrong in society and our lives.
Sean Bean is exceptional both as the 'boring' English literature teacher Simon, and his transvestite alter-ego Tracie, in whose glittering frocks he/she comes alive. He is deliciously camp, smart and tough as Tracie, yet also so vulnerable, sensitive, understanding - counselling his bedfellows, emotionally intelligent and demands our empathy. This is the best I have ever seen Sean Bean. His Simon is nice and normal - un-colourful, and yet for me highly noticeable and compassion-inducing. The quotes he teaches from the classics fit so well with the story and drama!
Stephen Graham, as his lover, does an excellent job too.
The piece deals with homophobia and bigotry against transvestites, self-identity, sexual-identity, love of self and others, trying to be 'normal' when you are 'out of the ordinary', and really challenges us to think about all these issues in our own lives and perhaps contemplate our own sexualities.
Dealing with all that would be enough, but a murder occurs as a consequence of Sean's and Stephen's characters liason and it is that for which Simon finds himself in the dock.
As usual Jimmy's writing really delivers. The piece is crisp, sharp (no pun intended), real, natural and unafraid to take risks or shock. In a strange way, though, I think in the way Jimmy brings things out, even shocking things do not shock us. He helps us accept what is and challenge what is wrong in society and our lives.
Accused: Tracie's Story – Review by TheRestrictedReviewer © 2012
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