Very rarely during its six episode run has this BBC drama focused on what we might normally call an "ordinary" lie; far from it in fact. That aside, what it has offered is a fantastically powerful, charming, witty, and emotive story in spades. As new drama concepts go this has been one of the best I have seen in a long while, on the Beeb or otherwise. To me, Ordinary Lies is superb storytelling at its very best.
Based on a Manchester second hand car showroom, Ordinary Lies takes each cast member; each character you find working there in turn and examines what happens when one person tells a lie. What often happens is things start to unravel and ramp up rather dramatically, and the rippling effect is executed brilliantly week on week, each layer of casting and plot building as time goes on. Whilst not that ordinary, the story lines are stunning. Beautifully written, envisioned in a wonderfully raw and clear cut fashion - allowing the actors to bring real gravitas to each scene (in a very northern fashion no less!).
On face value, you could be forgiven for trying to pick out some lead cast members out of the wonderful line up (likely candidates including Jo Joyner, Max Beesley or Sally Lindsay perhaps). Yet never has the term "ensemble cast" been so apt. Each character slots into place brilliantly and effortlessly. Yes I found some to be better than others, but that is my personal taste; I shall never deny that each component and cast member just worked, in their individual role and as a whole ensemble as the series unfolded.
Shazad Latif as Rick the lecherous and immoral mechanic, George Bukhari as struggling and abused Jason, and Ellie Haddington as the obtuse, coarse and entirely two dimensional mother-in-law were disappointments for me, as they seemed to give performances that (whilst probably good in any other show) fell tragically short in this ensemble and were nowhere near believable enough. Also, without wishing to inflict spoilers, considering Shaun Dooley's Dave Corbin character had such a big build up arc throughout the series, his eventual reckoning in the finale was a bit lackluster and predictable to my mind. But for negatives that is it - every other cast member and character almost always blew me away.
Max Beesley, who previously I admit I didn't rate, was deep and humane. Michelle Keegan was sassy, sexy and somberly soulful. Sally Lindsay was brilliant in her dowdy, nosy, abrupt yet sensual portrayal of Kathy. Jason Manford was the biggest surprise as his character Marty was watchable, grounded and profound. Mackenzie Crook was the most powerful influx of gravitas of them all, closely followed by the divine, delicious and deeply dramatic Jo Joyner.
I could go on...so I shall. Rebecca Callard adds a wonderful sense of fragility and humanity, Holly Earl is incredibly raw and youthful, and Tony Maudsley as Ralf is stunningly powerful.
Really and truly, the crop of characters is broadly superb in Ordinary Lies, and the acting talent behind them surprises and delights again and again.
Rarely have I also seen a fledgling show, BBC or otherwise, that deserves another run so much. Great writing, great acting, all played out in a beautifully unique way - what's not to like? I know Ordinary Lies has received greatly positive response and I am not surprised. I for one loved it, and cannot wait to return to the lies and lives of those at JS motors.
