To craft a character such as Combo, someone so irredeemably despicable and then take him and all these years later actually give him a redemption arc that has you feel for him and even sort of root for him.. that not only speaks volumes on Stephen Graham's skill as an actor but on Shane Meadows ability as a storyteller. He's proven to be a true force to be reckoned with on not only the UK film scene but on TV as well.
And that skill translates to this entire series as a whole because the themes of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, the fine line between hate and forgiveness... it's all wrapped up beautifully.
But most of all being there to witness the journeys of all of these characters has been, at times hard to stomach in a real true to life fashion, but overall a pleasure to see them grow into the people they become. It really does feel like saying goodbye to a group of old friends who I will miss dearly but I'm just feeling blessed to have been along for the ride.
To craft a character such as Combo, someone so irredeemably despicable and then take him and all these years later actually give him a redemption arc that has you feel for him and even sort of root for him.. that not only speaks volumes on Stephen Graham's skill as an actor but on Shane Meadows ability as a storyteller. He's proven to be a true force to be reckoned with on not only the UK film scene but on TV as well.
And that skill translates to this entire series as a whole because the themes of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, the fine line between hate and forgiveness... it's all wrapped up beautifully.
But most of all being there to witness the journeys of all of these characters has been, at times hard to stomach in a real true to life fashion, but overall a pleasure to see them grow into the people they become. It really does feel like saying goodbye to a group of old friends who I will miss dearly but I'm just feeling blessed to have been along for the ride.
