New Series Explores Societal Tensions Through Personal Tragedy
Russell T. Davies, known for his groundbreaking 1990s drama “Queer as Folk,” which depicted gay life on Manchester’s Canal Street as a “joyful celebration of newfound freedoms,” offers a starkly different perspective in his latest television offering, “Tip Toe.” The new Channel 4 series opens with a disturbing scene: Leo, the owner of a Canal Street bar, portrayed by Alan Cumming, is found dead, hanging from a lamppost outside his home. His neighbor, Clive, played by David Morrissey, stands below as the narrative flashes back ten days to unravel the events leading to this tragedy.
A Bold State-of-the-Nation Commentary
This series is being characterized as a bold, state-of-the-nation television event, eschewing subtlety at times. However, when Davies allows his characters room to breathe, his storytelling is described as visionary and emotionally devastating. Early episodes do not shy away from contemporary cultural debates, referencing issues such as transgender rights, pronouns, refugees, and Brexit. Clive, an electrician, is depicted as a bigoted character, identified as a workplace bully and a voter who supported Brexit. While the show directly addresses these contentious topics, some viewers and critics feel it leans towards “agitprop” rather than pure art.
Finding the Narrative Groove
Despite its initial directness, the series is noted for its writer’s innate storytelling ability. Davies is too skilled to remain solely on a platform of pronouncements, and the drama eventually finds its rhythm. “Tip Toe” is described as not holding back, reflecting its writer’s alarm at the perceived direction of the country. While the drama may take “wrong turns,” it is consistently recognized as being “deeply stirring.” The return of television polemics, delivered with conviction, is a defining characteristic of this new series.
