The BBC has introduced a gripping new crime drama titled This City Is Ours, which airs on Sundays at 21:00 BST. The spectacle takes place against the backdrop of Liverpool. It explores the challenges of contemporary masculinity in an exciting battle of wits and will between its two main characters, Michael Kavanagh and Ronnie Phelan. James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh | Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan.
Critics have already likened the series to the iconic US television show The Sopranos. In fact, they have gone so far as to call it the “Scouse Sopranos” for its representation of criminal activity, loyalty and family ties. With the imaginative leadership of Stephen Butchard, the series begins with stunning visual storytelling that just grabs you. Directed by Saul Dibb, it tells a story filled with moral betrayals and allegiances to change.
This City Is Ours takes place in modern day Liverpool, an idyllic backdrop featuring the incredible skyline and UNESCO world heritage waterfront. The city is almost a character to the movie, offering a genuine setting for the fraught encounters that hold the plot on edge between the protagonists. At the heart of the show, however, is the fascinating and complicated relationship between Kavanagh and Phelan. Their relationship is tested further as they struggle with a developmentally challenged son, Jamie.
For my money, James Nelson-Joyce’s Michael Kavanagh has been the breakout performance of this series. He refers to his co-star Sean Bean as “a gift” and “the most kind human being,” singling out Bean’s spirit as a galvanizing force on set. Michael’s character provides a rare and nuanced exploration of vulnerability. This represents a huge shift away from the bad-ass hard man parts that Nelson-Joyce has often taken on in the past.
“It’s about Michael allowing himself to be vulnerable,” – James Nelson-Joyce
As one of Ronnie Phelan’s enforcers in This City Is Ours, Michael Kavanagh is a criminal mastermind. This portrayal deepens his identity and builds further dimensionality to his character.
“Because Michael’s identity throughout has been as Ronnie’s right-hand man, so he’s always been the one you don’t mess with,” – James Nelson-Joyce
This power struggle plays out on stage, as the tension builds to a near breaking point. Viewers experience the battle not only between Michael and Ronnie, but including Jamie. This conflict is the central impetus for the story, creating surprising partnerships and double-crosses.
Critics have lauded the series, praising its storytelling, characterization and depth. No wonder The Telegraph gave it a five-star review, praising how it gets audiences hooked while exploring deep themes.
Saul Dibb, the show’s director, acknowledged the challenges of casting in a role that requires portraying complex emotions while maintaining a strong presence. He lauded Nelson-Joyce for departing from established hard-man archetypes. He added that Nelson-Joyce possesses “all of the other qualities” to make for an engaging show stopping performance.
“Mad if there wasn’t,” – Saul Dibb
Dibb’s excitement implies the possibility of even more seasons to come if this first season proves as popular with viewers as it has so far. With such high stakes and deep character journeys, This City Is Ours is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Critics note that the series does an incredible job telling a different story in the crime drama space. Unexplained contentions notwithstanding, they agree that it fails to live up to the legacy left behind by The Sopranos. Anita Singh described it as a “superb crime thriller of betrayals and shifting loyalties,” underlining its merits while acknowledging its influences.
“Doesn’t quite live up to,” – Anita Singh
As viewers immerse themselves in this captivating drama, they can stream This City Is Ours on iPlayer, experiencing Liverpool’s modern world through the lens of crime and personal conflict.
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