BBC's Dope Girls: A Captivating Period Drama for Call The Midwife Enthusiasts
Fans of the beloved BBC series Call The Midwife have been enthusiastically recommended to binge-watch another compelling period drama while awaiting new episodes. This recommendation comes as viewers seek engaging content to fill the gap, with Dope Girls emerging as a perfect alternative. The series, which first aired last year, has left audiences utterly hooked with its alluring and intricate storyline, set against the backdrop of post-World War One London.
A Gripping Tale of Post-War London
Dope Girls is a fictional six-part drama that delves into a forgotten chapter of history, vividly bringing to life the imagined streets of Soho in 1918. The plot follows a newly-widowed mother who becomes entangled in the drug-fuelled nightclub scene of London's underworld. As men return from the war expecting to resume their former lives, a newly empowered generation of women has different plans, exploring unimaginable opportunities in the expanding illicit clubland.
The BBC describes the series as depicting in visceral and delicious detail the birth of the modern nightlife industry, guided and gilded by hard-fought female endeavour. This unique perspective sets Dope Girls apart from typical period dramas, which often focus on aristocratic families and male veterans.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The cast features Julianne Nicholson as Kate Galloway, a single mother who establishes a nightclub in hedonistic London society, embracing criminal activities to provide for her daughter Evie, played by Eilidh Fisher. Fisher, who also starred in Call The Midwife in 2019, adds a familiar face for fans. Eliza Scanlen portrays Violet Davies, an undercover officer in the first wave of female policewomen, assigned to infiltrate Soho's underground nightclubs.
Additional cast members include Umi Myers, Michael Duke, Ian Bonar, Nabhaan Rizwan, Priya Kansara, Will Keen, and Sebastian Croft, contributing to the series' rich ensemble. Fans have hailed Dope Girls as a beautifully dark period piece, praising its interesting characters, great acting, and compelling story. One viewer described it as brilliant, dark, sparkling, and alluring, noting its fantastic dramatic and complex styling of smart, strong women in a deeply repressed environment.
Viewer Reactions and Cancellation Disappointment
Audiences have expressed overwhelming praise for the series, with many noting they were totally hooked from the first episode. Reviews highlight its stylish, thrilling, and dazzling qualities, as well as its ability to make existential stories from the past resonate with contemporary women's experiences. However, fans were left devastated when the BBC axed Dope Girls after just one season, voicing disappointment on platforms like Reddit. Comments ranged from expressing bummed feelings about the lack of a second season to outright disappointment over the cancellation.
Eilidh Fisher, speaking ahead of the series' airing last year, teased that Dope Girls is about embracing chaos and destruction to achieve empowerment at all costs. She emphasised that the show offers a fresh lens on a familiar time period, focusing on women in societal subtexts fighting to keep their place and bringing transgressive joy to a typically upper-class portrayal.
Availability and Final Thoughts
Dope Girls remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering Call The Midwife fans and period drama enthusiasts a chance to dive into its alluring narrative. With its dark themes, strong female leads, and historical intrigue, this series stands out as a must-watch for those seeking something beyond traditional period fare. Despite its cancellation, the show continues to captivate viewers with its hypnotic soundtrack and unnerving ability to connect past and present struggles.
