Coma series focuses on the protagonist Simon (Jason Watkins) and his family. While living in suburban England, Simon gets himself and his middle-class family into a living ordeal.
So, the weaknesses of ordinary people like Simon come to the fore in this British drama. Especially, when such simple folks like Simon are maliciously bullied by their tormentors.
‘Coma’ Mini-Series Depicts Middle-Class Nightmare; When Things Go Wrong, They Get From Bad To Worse
Trailer: Coma (2024) Limited Series
“It’s loosely based on something that happened to me, although nothing as dramatic as what happens in Coma (series)…”
Ben Edwards, Writer & Creator | radiotimes.com
Synopsis: Coma (2024) Limited Series
Simon’s (Jason Watkins) neighbourhood falls victim to the antics of a group of teenagers. Simon and his wife want to move their daughter to a safer area. He confronts the leader of the group, and a split-second decision changes everything.
Spoiler Free Review: Coma (2024) Limited Series
The basic storyline/plotline
In this four-part series, a middle-aged Simon (Jason Watkins) and his family are thrust into chaos when he confronts a youngster Jordan (Joe Barber), the notorious ringleader of the local gang. Simon’s split-second actions during this pivotal moment have far-reaching effects on his life, altering everything in its path with permanent consequences. Thus, it tells a contemporary story, wherein economic hardships have hit hard.
What did we like about this mini-series?
Last year, we reviewed the ‘Beef‘ series from the USA, which dealt with road rage issues. And this time, in the ‘Coma’ series from the UK, the lead character Simon could not keep his anger in check. We, as middle-class people, could easily identify with the kind of problems, that Simon faces in his life. With the slowing down of the economy in England, even a nuclear family with a double income is feeling the pinch.
Then quite subtly, this British drama also delves into serious issues like the current economic crisis, unemployment, lay-offs, rising cost of living, limited policing, healthcare, etc. Given such stressful scenarios, sometimes even mild-mannered people snap. Then they tend to lose their (mental and emotional) balance. And, they act in an unpredictably dangerous manner. Which in turn leads to devastating consequences.
We are sure that quite a few people have faced similar hardships in their lives. So, we liked its simple yet identifiable tale from the present era.
Besides, the seasoned and young actors, like, Jason Watkins (Simon), Jonas Armstrong (Paul), Claire Skinner (Beth), Joe Barber (Jordan), Kayla Meikle (DS Kelly Evans), David Bradley (Harry), and others have acted well.
Interestingly, this British drama was filmed in Budapest, Hungary.
What did we not like about this mini-series?
It did try very hard to keep the thrill and tension going for four episodes. But, the foreseeable storyline did not help. As we could easily guess the twists and turns in the plot. While watching it, we wished something unpredictable incidents to take place. We wanted more drama and thrills in it. But that did not happen. Maybe the show creator and writer Ben Edwards decided to play it safe. So, we did not like these aspects.
The conclusion
With only four episodes, this series does manage to hold our attention. Also, we loved its predictable ending. All in all, a good time pass show.
If you like watching British shows, then check out Happy Valley series article too.
Rating:
| FM Rating | 3.15/5 |
| FM Short Comments | In this British drama, most of the members of the ensemble cast have acted well enough to keep the thrills and tension going. But, it seems the predictable script, somehow, let them down. As viewers, we could guess the plotline of its simple story. However, despite the few flaws, we enjoyed it. This limited show with only four parts is worth a look. |
Key Details:
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Original language | English (UK) |
| Season | One (1) Season |
| Episodes | Four (4) Episodes |
| Writer/Creator | Ben Edwards |
| Director | Michael Samuels |
| Cast | Jason Watkins (Simon), Jonas Armstrong (Paul), Claire Skinner (Beth), Joe Barber (Jordan), Kayla Meikle (DS Kelly Evans), Matilda Firth (Sophie), Adrienn Réti (Anna), David Bradley (Harry), Darren Strange (PC Reynolds), David Mumeni (Jimmy), etc. |
| Network | Channel 5 |
Poster:
Spoilers Alert: Episode Summary – Coma (2024) Series
Summary [Official] of the Four Episodes of this limited mini-series
First Episode (S1, E1)
Stressed by financial woes and local thugs, Simon (Jason Watkins) loses control when teen Jordan (Joe Barber) threatens him and his family. Trapped in a web of lies, deceiving the police, his wife Beth (Claire Skinner), and Jordan’s threatening father (Jonas Armstrong), Simon’s life is turned upside down.
Second Episode (S1, E2)
Paul decides to hold a vigil for Jordan, Simon receives a fright when neighbour Harry explains that he saw what happened that night.
Third Episode (S1, E3)
Simon is anxiously waiting to hear news of Jordan’s recovery, he comes around but appears to not know what happened.
Fourth Episode (S1, E4)
Jordan makes it very clear to Simon what he wants, but a slip-up may cost his scheme dearly. Simon and his family hide away in a hotel, but trouble isn’t too far away.
Poster and Featured image of the Coma (2024) Limited Series are courtesy of Channel 5.