Reviews

Marnie Dickens, the writer, explained in various interviews that she wanted to focus on the victim and aftermath of a kidnapping, rather than what most stories concentrate on: the perpetrator and the act itself. This show succeeds wonderfully.

Thirteen is a gripping tale that has you wanting more at the end of each episode. Jodie Comer is nothing less than astonishing in her portrayal of victim, Ivy Moxam. All of the other characters are complex, with mysterious motives and back stories. Richard Rankin is a stand out as the passionate and emotionally conflicted DI Elliott Carne, which is clearly his forté as an actor.

Are the detectives omniscient paragons of their line of work? No. If so, you probably wouldn't have such a compelling story. It seems to me that issues in our culture are highlighted by using the two opposing views of the detectives, such as problems in making stereotypical and sexist judgments, believing victims, and also, believing all women who are abused. Thirteen is a remarkable achievement that really made me think about these issues, and more, as well as being a terrifically entertaining show.

Sarah Phelps has written a new perspective on WWI that is intelligent, humorous, compassionate and poignant. While it is from the point of view of nurses and VAD's in WWI, the experiences of the soldiers who are their patients, and that of the other men on staff, are given equal attention.

Each major character has a depth of storyline that still has not been fully revealed (writing this review after viewing S1Ep5). I've been counting the days until the next episode airs, eager to learn more about what past events has shaped each of these very well drawn, fully realized people. Above all, this is where the uncommon strength of this series lies. I hope that we get to see these wonderful characters proceed through to 1918.

All of the actors are very talented and a joy to watch, but most especially newcomer Richard Rankin. His character, the Scottish surgeon Capt. Thomas Gillan, is explosive, passionate and conflicted.

I completely agree with previous reviewers that favored director Richard Clark's episodes, his vision is truly beautiful.