The television adaptation of James Graham's hit play Dear England has arrived on screens, bringing with it a strong cast and impressive football sequences. However, Joseph Fiennes's portrayal of Gareth Southgate has drawn criticism for being overly caricatured, described as a cross between Harold Steptoe and Captain Darling from Blackadder Goes Forth.
The four-part series picks up the story 20 years after Southgate's infamous penalty miss in 1996, following his unexpected appointment as England manager. With the help of psychologist Pippa Grange, played by Jodie Whittaker, Southgate transforms the team's culture, leading to a memorable run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. The narrative continues through subsequent tournaments, exploring both triumph and adversity as the team's stance on inclusivity sparks backlash.
The production effectively uses archive footage to recreate football matches, while stage-originated scenes with actors against a black backdrop work reasonably well. The young ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Will Antenbring's Harry Kane standing out as a more empathetic figure than the real-life player often appears.
However, Fiennes's performance has been singled out as problematic. While he captures Southgate's physical likeness and mannerisms, such as extra blinks and chin strokes, he adds exaggerated tics including a bobbing head and a south London drawl. This creates a perpetually wounded, cringing figure that undermines the real Southgate's reflective and erudite qualities.
The series also glosses over some complexities, including Southgate's conservative tactical instincts, in an effort to remain accessible. While Dear England delivers an emotionally warm tale of redemption, it ultimately fails to fully capture the nuances of its central figure.
