Sunday 16 August 2009

Review: Grow Your Own (BBC2)

On Friday, I watched 'Grow Your Own', described (by its creators) as a "down-to-earth comedy drama inspired by true stories".

Watch on BBC iPlayer (until Friday 21st August),
Read the 'Radio Times' review,

It was predictable stuff: take a popular theme (allotments), add a quaint setting and mix in 21st century political correctness (race relations), dash with Liverpool schmaltz (You'll Never Fork Alone) - and the result is safe, vaguely watchable Friday night viewing.

The heavyweight cast was a surprise.

But in order to witness Omid Djalili working the soil in 2009, and to achieve the ideal of "garden-shed socialism" portrayed in the program (the sheds were painted red for a reason!), it is necessary to join the 505-strong waiting list for an allotment...

I would like to see more discussion of this issue in the mainstream media.

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