Banished

Banished, a gripping seven-part drama series from BBC Two, premiered in 2015 to a captivated audience. The brainchild of the celebrated writer Jimmy McGovern, the show explores the raw, challenging, and convoluted lives of the British convicts shipped to Australia in the 18th century as part of one of history's greatest penal experiments.

Set in the year 1788, the intriguing historical narrative unearths a tale of survival, defiance, bigotry, and the fervent will to live against all odds. With the lush but inimical Australian wilderness serving as a backdrop, the series delves into the lives of a diverse group of characters wrested from their homeland, stripped of their rights, and banished to an unknown land across the seas, in what was their government’s drastic solution to overcrowded prisons. The series balances its focus between the convicts and their military overseers, creating a dynamic tension that underscores the inherent power struggles and layered relationships of the penal colony.

Banished presents an ensemble cast of memorable characters drawn from real-life history, each with their own unique storylines that intertwine and evolve over the course of the series. These characters are confidently brought to life by an array of talented actors known to the British stage and screen, among them Russell Tovey, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and MyAnna Buring.

Tovey plays the character of James Freeman, a charismatic yet haunted convict who is struggling to survive amidst the starvation, disease, and harsh living conditions of the penal colony. Buring portrays the spirited Elizabeth Quinn, who shares an intense, forbidden relationship with Freeman. Elizabeth’s character offers an enthralling glimpse into the lives of the women convicts, who are often overlooked in historical narratives, showcasing their struggles, resilience, and survival tactics in the male-dominated and dangerous new world.

The series established its notoriety not only through its engrossing storytelling but also through its vivid characters. The face of authority in the colony, Major Robert Ross – a role finely essayed by Joseph Millson – is an egotistical tyrant riddled with insecurities and repressed desires, who rules the convicts and soldiers with an iron fist.

Banished is also a showcase of stunning cinematography, with panoramic visuals capturing the untamed beauty of the Australian wilderness. Through contrasting images of stark prison cells and the boundless, rugged open spaces, the series visually manifests the convicts' feelings of confinement and alienation even in a land so vast and free. The series' gritty set pieces, costume design, and overall art direction help achieve a deep sense of authenticity, perfectly mirroring the punishing conditions of the era.

Beyond the aesthetics, the narrative takes a profound and introspective look at human nature, examining the thin veneer of civility that separates man from savagery when pushed to their limits. Themes of power dynamics, morality in the face of survival, the ambiguity of justice, and the psychology of punishment are expertly woven into the storyline. In an unforgiving environment where survival is the primary concern, these characters reveal unexpected alliances, betrayals, and divisions, challenging notions of good and evil.

It is worth noting that while Banished crafts drama laden with adversity and despair, it nevertheless dares to explore glimmers of hope, community, and the forging of an unlikely family among the convicts. The series also reflects the characters' complex relationships, touching upon themes of forbidden love, rivalry, camaraderie, and sacrifice.

The musical score deserves a commendation. The subtle melodies brilliantly heighten the emotional beats and historical atmosphere of the narrative. Composed by Roger Goula, the music grafts an additional layer of texture to the engrossing plot.

In conclusion, Banished is a multifaceted exploration of human endurance, adaptation, and resilience under the harshest conditions. It is more than a drama—it's a survival story that gives us intriguing historical insights into a significant chapter of British-Australian history. Through immersive storytelling, powerful performances, and evocative visuals, Banished is a historical drama that takes viewers on a roller coaster of emotions, leaving an enduring impact long after the credits roll.