This Is England: Why Is the Greatest Episode of TV From A Show You've Never Heard Of?
A recent article by The Independent listed the 50 greatest TV episodes of all time and named Episode 4 of This Is England '86 the most powerful television episode ever. Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea what they're talking about, as hardly anyone in the US has seen the twelve-and-a-half hours (a film and three short seasons) that compose This Is England, which is incredibly disheartening.
As a New Critic, I write essays and books of analysis and appreciation about films, TV dramas, music, and literature that deeply move me.
In the summer of 2020, as my country grappled with human rights protests and the rise of American Fascism, I also faced the unexpected COVID-related death of my best friend, Paul, who was only two years older than me.
I learned of Paul's death just as I began writing about the final season of This Is England '90. The book's conclusion took on a manic, spiritual dimension I hadn't intended when I started the project, but it remains potent and raw for anyone who dares to explore this challenging art.
This Is England is not an easy show to watch or discuss with others.
Unlike popular shows such as The Last of Us, Succession, or Severance, and The Wire, and certainly not like the reality shows people tend to watch these days. So, what led The Independent to rank this obscure British show higher than The Sopranos or any other American show from any era?
In the book’s introduction, I write about how I first discovered This Is England during a lonely business trip to London in 2013. British Netflix had different selections from my country, and in the solitude of my hotel room, I was captivated by the show's unique storytelling, character development, and complex themes. These aspects warranted attention and analysis, even if the show wasn't accessible to everyone.
The book I eventually published, titled Ey Up! An American Engages with This Is England is available on Kindle in the UK and the US. It delves into the show's background, narrative structure, and societal issues. I wanted to share my passion for this incredible show and enable readers from similar yet distinct American and English cultures to appreciate and learn from its content. My ultimate goal is to encourage more inclusive and diverse media consumption, crucial for broadening our perspectives and fostering empathy in today's world.
