The Street (Season 1)
The Streetis simply one of the best television dramas from either side of the Atlantic. Set among six neighboring families in an unidentified town in northern England, this BBC series builds a story around each household: A woman's illicit affair gets torn apart by a harrowing accident; forced retirement drives a man to attempt suicide; a dedicated teacher is accused of indecent exposure; a taxi driver finds himself stuck with a passenger who speaks no English and has no place to live; and more. The skillful, compassionate writing makes every character vivid and drives each story forward with muscular turns of plot. The outstanding cast--including Timothy Spall (Secrets & Lies), Jim Broadbent (Topsy-Turvy,Iris), Jane Horrocks (Little Voice), and dozens of less recognizable but equally superb actors--vanishes into their characters, their performances spilling over with complex details without a hint of actorly ego. Even the most unsavory characters are recognizable human beings whose problems have to be grappled with. There are a few missteps, but these few false notes only stick out because 99% of this show is so completely absorbing. These six hour-long episodes pack in more emotion than a dozen movies. When they're over, you'll be eager for another series ofThe Street.--Bret Fetzer