Gritty television
is the new norm on television these days. The more hardcore the show
the better the ratings are supposed to be. The shows generally are
mediocre at best, but there are always exceptions. In the UK
television is much more daring and “Bad Girls” definitely proves that.
Initially you are
introduced to Larkhall, a medium security women’s prison in the
outskirts of London.
You are dropped right into the politics of the prison with the
introduction of Rachel a young drug pusher mother. Similar to the HBO
prison drama “OZ” the inmates wear normal clothes and each of the
episodes focus on each of the inmates daily troubles. The characters
are well acted and very well written. I do not want to give away any
of the plotlines because they just get juicier and more complex as the
season progresses.
This is the first
time “Bad Girls” has been released uncensored in the U.S.A. and it
makes sense why this is still one of the UK’s
highest rated drama series. The violence is surprising, the
characters are deep and sexual undertones are just short of graphic.
Living in a women’s prison is no cake walk especially when the staff
are as corrupt as those in Larkhall.
Disc One:
Them & Us / Drug
Wars / Love Rival / The Victim
Disc Two:
Tangled Web / A Big
Mistake / Playing with Fire / Falling Apart
Disc Three:
Payback Time / Love
Hurts
THE VIDEO
“Bad Girls” is
presented in anamorphic widescreen. No complaints on the video
quality.
THE AUDIO
Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo. English Subtitles only. (Although you may need them because
some of those ladies have thick accents.)
THE EXTRAS
Each DVD has the
same cast profile and biography. There is also commentary on selected
episodes. Each episode has a very detailed synopsis page that you can
read before watching.
FINAL THOUGHT
“Bad Girls” is a
fantastic show in the same league as “The Sopranos” and “OZ”. Each
episode is more gripping than the previous with drugs, violence and
sexual tension. The acting is superb and the writing is just as
good. If you don’t get to know these bad girls you will live to
regret it.
