Pete Price attended the press launch for the return of This City Is Ours and was left completely blown away by the opening episode, saying all the pre-release hype and publicity were well justified.
From the opening shock, the drama hooks you instantly, just as it did millions of viewers across the country. Price singled out the carwash scene as an unforgettable television moment, adding that he will never drive through a carwash again without thinking of it.
Compulsive storytelling and believable dialogue
What makes the storytelling so effective, Price writes, is how deeply invested you become in the characters after following them from the start. Even though they are deeply flawed and at times genuinely terrifying, that friction between empathy and unease makes for compulsive viewing.
The dialogue rings entirely true, which comes as no surprise given the sharp writing of Stephen Butchard. The ensemble cast knits together seamlessly, with every actor looking and feeling like they belong. Liverpool itself shines throughout, not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing character lending atmosphere, grit, and unmistakable charm.
Standout performances
While the entire cast deserves praise, a few individual performances stand out. Julie Graham, who plays Elaine Phelan, is described as an absolute powerhouse whose screen presence is a masterclass in acting. With a career spanning Benidorm, The Hardacres, Silent Witness, and Shetland, she brings immense depth to Elaine, the wife, confidante, and equal partner to crime boss Ronnie, as well as mother to their fiercely ambitious son, Jamie.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson, best known for Derry Girls, plays Cheryl with a razor-sharp, unpredictable edge that keeps you guessing about what she will do or say next. Price notes that Jackson fell so deeply in love with Liverpool during filming that she has now made it her home.
James Nelson-Joyce, who plays Michael Kavanagh, is described as destined for Hollywood and completely commands the screen whenever he appears. His portrayal of Michael is dark, volatile, and magnetic, leaving you constantly wondering what thoughts are ticking behind his eyes.
Series three already commissioned
Price concludes that This City Is Ours is gripping, top-tier television drama firing on all cylinders. With series three already commissioned, he says bring it on.
