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This City Is Ours: Sean Bean's Epic Gangster Saga Returns
When the BBC billed This City Is Ours as an "epic eight-part gangster saga," I, like many, was skeptical. Gangster dramas are a dime a dozen these days, and the term "epic" often overpromises. But this series, starring the legendary Sean Bean, surprised me. While it leans heavily on familiar gangster tropes, This City Is Ours delivers compelling characters, sharp writing, and moments of genuine tension that keep you hooked.
The Phelan Family and the Fall of an Empire
The story centers around the Phelan family, a Liverpool-based crime family. We meet Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean), the aging kingpin, his ambitious but somewhat inept son Jamie (Jack McMullen), and Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), Ronnie's loyal right-hand man. The initial episodes establish the power dynamics within the gang.
- A shocking twist: A trip to Spain ends in unexpected violence, resulting in Ronnie's death at the hands of Michael—a move born of loyalty, ambition, and simmering resentment.
- A battle for supremacy: Following Ronnie's demise, a gripping power struggle ensues between Jamie and Michael, representing "brawn versus brains," "impulse versus precision."
The series borrows heavily from classics like The Godfather and Scorsese's films, incorporating haunting musical scores and stark juxtapositions of violence and celebration. While it doesn't quite reach the cinematic heights of its influences, the slow-burn tension, particularly during the ferry scene back from Spain, is masterfully executed.
The Women of This City Is Ours
Beyond the male-dominated world of organized crime, the women of This City Is Ours offer a refreshingly complex perspective.
- Elaine Phelan (Julie Graham): Ronnie's shrewd and observant wife, quietly pulling strings from the background.
- Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow): Michael's strategic partner, navigating a dangerous world with intelligence and resilience.
- Melissa (Darci Shaw): Jamie's wife, caught between personal trauma and fierce loyalty.
- Rachel (Laura Aikman): A dangerously ambitious woman with a compelling thirst for power.
These women are far from passive observers; they actively shape events and, in the end, hold significant influence over the outcome of the family feud.
A Second Season on the Horizon
The phenomenal success of This City Is Ours, with over six million viewers and a viral line-dancing craze sparked by the Phelan family's signature song, "House of Bamboo," has led to a well-deserved second season. While details are scarce, it's confirmed that the series will continue to explore the ongoing conflict between Michael and Jamie, potentially with flashbacks involving Sean Bean's Ronnie Phelan. The show's impact has also extended beyond the screen, boosting Liverpool's economy by a significant £9,000,000 through investment and local job creation.
Conclusion
This City Is Ours isn't perfect; it occasionally succumbs to cliché. However, its strong characters, compelling performances (especially James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Onslow), and gripping narrative make it a highly watchable drama. The confirmation of a second season is excellent news, promising even more tension, twists, and betrayals in the continuing saga of the Phelan family. So, if you're a fan of crime dramas with complex characters and thrilling plots, be sure to stream This City Is Ours on BBC iPlayer and eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.
