Sean Bean stars in 'This City Is Ours,' a gripping gangster saga about the Phelan family's rise and fall, sparking a power struggle and a successful second season.
Sean Bean's Gangster Saga: A Shocking Twist
So, the BBC hyped up This City Is Ours as some epic gangster saga, right? Eight whole parts! I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical. Gangster shows are a dime a dozen these days, and “epic” often means “kinda long and maybe a bit boring.” But this one, with Sean Bean? It actually surprised me. Yeah, it uses a lot of the usual gangster tropes, but the characters were compelling, the writing was sharp, and there were some genuinely nail-biting moments that kept me hooked.
The Phelan Family's Rise and Fall
The story follows the Phelans, a Liverpool crime family. We meet Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean), the aging boss; his son, Jamie (Jack McMullen), who’s ambitious but a bit of a mess; and Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), Ronnie’s loyal (at least, initially) right-hand man. The first few episodes set up the power dynamics—who's got the muscle, who's got the brains, who's got the grudges simmering just below the surface.
Then comes the twist. Honestly, who saw that coming? A trip to Spain ends with a shocking act of violence. Ronnie’s dead, killed by Michael! Apparently, a mix of loyalty, ambition, and a whole lot of resentment fueled that betrayal.
And then… the power struggle begins. It’s Jamie versus Michael – brawn versus brains, impulse versus precision. It’s a gripping watch, I’ll tell you.
A Familiar Story, But Done Well
The show borrows heavily from classics like The Godfather and Scorsese's films. The music is haunting, and there are some really stark contrasts between the violence and the lavish celebrations. It doesn't quite reach the cinematic heights of its inspirations, but the tension, especially during that ferry scene back from Spain…man, that was masterfully done. It kinda felt like watching a slow-motion trainwreck.
The Women Who Run This City
But it's not just a story about men in suits. The women in This City Is Ours are far from passive. They’re complex, interesting, and actively shape the story.
There's Elaine Phelan (Julie Graham), Ronnie’s wife. Sharp as a tack, quietly pulling strings from the shadows. Then there's Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow), Michael's strategic partner, navigating this dangerous world with brains and grit. We also have Melissa (Darci Shaw), Jamie's wife, caught between her own trauma and fierce loyalty, and Rachel (Laura Aikman), an ambitious woman with a dangerous hunger for power. These women aren’t just ornaments; they're key players.
A Second Season? Yes, Please!
The show was a huge hit – over six million viewers! And there was even a viral line-dancing craze sparked by the Phelans' signature song, “House of Bamboo.” Because of its success, a second season is on the way. Details are scarce, but it’ll probably focus on the ongoing feud between Michael and Jamie, maybe with some flashbacks involving Sean Bean's Ronnie. Plus, the show gave Liverpool’s economy a massive boost—a reported £9,000,000!
Final Verdict: Watch It!
This City Is Ours isn’t perfect. It stumbles into cliché at times. But the characters are strong, the acting is excellent (especially James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Onslow), and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The second season is great news. More tension, more twists, more betrayals…I'm already hooked. If you like crime dramas with complex characters and thrilling plots, you need to stream This City Is Ours on BBC iPlayer. And then, get ready for season two!
FAQ
The gripping crime drama stars the renowned actor Sean Bean in a leading role, portraying a key member of the powerful Phelan family.
It's a British gangster saga chronicling the Phelan family's rise and subsequent fall, fueled by power struggles and organized crime within their mafia-like organization.
It's a crime drama, a British crime series focusing on family, power, and the gritty world of gangster life. Think a family saga with a criminal twist.
Yes, a successful second season is currently streaming, continuing the intense power struggles and captivating storyline involving the Phelan family.
The series is available for streaming online. Check your preferred streaming platform for availability.
The core conflict revolves around the power struggle within the Phelan family as they navigate the treacherous world of organized crime and gangster activity.
Yes, it's a British TV series, adding to the unique atmosphere and storytelling of the gangster saga.
Besides Sean Bean's stellar performance, the show stands out due to its compelling family saga element within a gripping gangster film setting.
The Phelan family is at the heart of the story, their rise to power and ultimate downfall shaping the crime drama, showcasing the complexities of family and organized crime.
While sharing elements with other gangster sagas, "This City Is Ours" distinguishes itself with its strong emphasis on family dynamics and a unique British perspective on organized crime.
