I moved to the capital the year this series began, so it had a particular resonance for me. I'd also had some experience in the fire-fighting game so I was particularly interested to see how well it fared.
The first few episodes were quite decent with a good mix of mostly likable characters. The technical researchers also appeared to have done their homework.
But the trouble is; with all dramas that run for long enough; they just turn into soap-operas, with personal issues gradually eclipsing the raison d'etre. In the end, it doesn't matter what the characters do for a living. Firemen, coppers, soldiers, teachers; we seem to finish-up worrying about marital issues, debts, drink problems, etc. They're good for - say - a 10 or 20-week run and then that's it. Fires become just fires. Now, what's up with yer missus?
This series seemed to outlive the fire engines themselves. And it sure as hell outlived my interest. For the first 10 programmes I'd have given 8 or 9 stars, but by the time it was finally extinguished I couldn't give a damn.
The first few episodes were quite decent with a good mix of mostly likable characters. The technical researchers also appeared to have done their homework.
But the trouble is; with all dramas that run for long enough; they just turn into soap-operas, with personal issues gradually eclipsing the raison d'etre. In the end, it doesn't matter what the characters do for a living. Firemen, coppers, soldiers, teachers; we seem to finish-up worrying about marital issues, debts, drink problems, etc. They're good for - say - a 10 or 20-week run and then that's it. Fires become just fires. Now, what's up with yer missus?
This series seemed to outlive the fire engines themselves. And it sure as hell outlived my interest. For the first 10 programmes I'd have given 8 or 9 stars, but by the time it was finally extinguished I couldn't give a damn.