SILK IS A WINNER

How is it that the BBC can produce so much utter rubbish and, at the same time, programmes that are in an entirely different league ?

So much that is on the radio (wireless, to older viewers), is anodyne drivel; much of the output hasn't really changed in decades but the audience is so dim, or even comatose, that they haven't noticed. Programmes continue, year after year, decade after decade, and, with very few exceptions, are truly dreadful. Occasionally, a decent programme comes along and all is forgiven; sadly, this happens rarely these days.

On television, things are even worse. The hours of broadcasting get ever longer and the content gets ever worse - with rare exceptions. Recently, the Beeb put out yet another dire offering with 'Outcasts', one to rank with 'The Deep' and the updated 'Survivors', as one for the dustbin, but has followed it with 'South Riding' and 'Silk'.

While 'South Riding' was enjoyable, well directed and well acted, it simply does not compare with the brilliant 'Silk'. So far, at least, the writers have managed to mesh the intrigues in chambers, the goings-on in court and the personal lives of the leading characters in such a way as to make this an utterly unmissable series. While some of the characters remain a little vague, the principals are well drawn and those on the periphery are gradually becoming more defined as the story lines develop. This is television drama at its best and the creators should be congratulated, as well as the cast who are delivering a truly high quality programme.

Here's hoping that I'm not alone in finding this series 'top drawer' and that this will not be a 'one series wonder'.