The new alternative to TV drama was broadcast this week with Isolation Stories by award-winning producer Jeff Pope.
As we are all in lockdown, filming has come to a halt and new episodes of some our favourite programmes are starting to run out. As an alternative, Jeff Pope produced four 15-minute dramas that were broadcast on ITV this week starring Sheridan Smith, Robert Glenister, Angela Griffin, Darren Boyd and Eddie Marsan.
All the stars have had to work with the settings they have as they are all stuck in lockdown just like us. Each episode takes a look inside the lives of each character that is created and what is done well is that we can all relate to them in some way.
In episode one, we see single expectant mother Mel (Sheridan Smith) in her home, alone. Mel hides her struggles as she finds it hard being alone, especially during times like this and to fight her demons, she films herself commenting on her life during isolation including talking to her future daughter and having a go at her father for not wanting her at home.
In episode two we see father and son duo Ron (Robert Glenister) and Russel. Ron is ill and his son has the duty to take care of him. However, it is apparent both of them would rather be anywhere else but there.
Episode three sees a video call between hypochondriac Mike (Darren Boyd) and his good friend/therapist Rochelle (Angela Griffin). Mike seems to be going crazy with not knowing what to do and questions how he can survive lockdown. However, he has Rochelle to calm him down.
The final episode sees divorced father (Eddie Marsan) of two who continues to be interrupted in his back garden by the boy’s grandfather (David Threlfall). Marsan is determined to keep his children away from their mother who left him for another man, however their grandfather is determined to reunite them once again.
What this series does well is in each episode it highlights different issues that we are all experiencing in isolation. It shows us that we are united as a nation in these unprecedented times.
Whether that’s caring for someone vulnerable, experiencing loneliness, being torn apart from family or even suffering with your mental health during lockdown, they are all covered by this series. It makes it relatable to all of us and even though we may not all be experiencing these problems, each of us in one way can relate to them in one way or another.
Each episode also enlightens a beacon of hope for us as they highlight some positivity from the uncertain times we live in at the moment. This makes the viewing not entirely depressing for us to watch and shows us there is light at the end of tunnel and that we will all come out of this.
The only pitfall to the series (one that cannot be helped) is the quality of filming compared to the series we have seen pre-isolation. For instance, when the characters are walking around their houses we can see slight shaking on camera.
However, the idea of this series is new and something that has never been done before, so it was not going to be to the high quality we had before because of the restrictions in place. So, for what Isolation Stories has produced we cannot complain as the actors took the initiative to still entertain viewers and work with what they had.
Ultimately, Isolation Stories not only provided us with the viewing that presents some sort of normality back to us but it promotes the hope we all need at the moment that even though times may be tough, we will all come out of this ordeal united and stronger than before.
By Katie Green
Feature image: ITV Hub