My Mother and Other Strangers

My Mother and Other Strangers is a compelling historical drama series aired on PBS Masterpiece in 2016. It is a unique blend of a family drama and a wartime period piece, set against the backdrop of World War II. Beautifully shot, the show is established within the confines of a small Northern Irish village, Moybeg, where the Coyne family lives peacefully. This show relates to the encompassment of the locale's tranquility upturned with the installation of an American military base nearby, and it primarily circles the life of Rose Coyne, played with sincerity and grace by Hattie Morahan, and her interactions and relationships with the villagers and the 'other strangers', the American servicemen.

The narrative of the series unfolds through the recollections of a now-adult Francis Coyne, Rose's son, thereby providing the audience with an effective narrative device. The narrator, Michael Coyne, is the backbone and the objective viewer of the curiosities of the past, reflecting on his parents' trials and tribulations and giving voice to the richly layered narrative.

At the core of the show is Rose Coyne, the English wife of Michael Coyne, and the mother to three children. Exuding a charming coolness, curiosity and unexpected courage, Rose is a school teacher who becomes entwined in unexpected relationships and circumstances due to the arrival of the American army. Her character is complex and lovable, and she captivates the audience with her dilemmas, her strengths, and her compelling interactions with a multitude of characters.

The drama is further enriched by the nuanced relationships. Michael, Rose's husband, is a pub owner and a well-respected member of the community. The couple shares a steady and sincere relationship, which is suddenly strained and tested when the Americans arrive. The evolving dynamics between the couple, amidst the societal pressures and personal dilemmas, make for a provocative and emotional viewing.

Other intriguing characters such as Captain Ronald Dreyfuss (portrayed by Mad Men's Aaron Staton), the US military liaison officer, further complicate matters. The subplots distinct to each episode feature interactions between the villagers and the servicemen, sparking a myriad of fascinating stories – covering themes of war, love, sacrifice, prejudice, and challenge. The experiences and the events faced by these characters resonate universally and across time, making it a timeless historical drama.

My Mother and Other Strangers is also exceptionally well-made, capturing the atmosphere of the wartime era impeccably. The series is wrapped with stunning cinematography and picturesque Irish locales. The visual narrative, along with pristine costumes and authentic set designs, captures the essence of the 1940s wartime, thereby rendering a convincing depiction of the time.

The script being well-knit, the plot delivers a convincing narrative highlighting the cultural differences between the Americans and the Northern Irish, and how they navigate through their unusual camaraderie and conflicts owing to the war. An array of emotions get portrayed while dealing with aspects of love, longing, cultural conflicts, divided loyalties, and everyday lives upheaved by the war – making it an intriguing watch.

The ensemble cast deserves a special mention as their performances bring the well-written characters to life. Spearheaded by Hattie Morahan as Rose Coyne, the cast delivers an absorbing and emotive performance – striking a perfect equilibrium between the personal and larger wartime themes.

The inspiring music complements the compelling visuals and the profound storyline beautifully. The score manages to capture the charm, the melancholy, and the spirit of the period – enhancing the total impact of this series.

In conclusion, My Mother and Other Strangers is an absorbing period drama that serves as an intriguing exploration of family dynamics, societal norms, and historical flux in the face of war. It brilliantly merges personal turmoils with historical context – thus making it appealing to a wider audience. If you're a fan of beautifully crafted character-driven stories set against pivotal historical periods, this show is an eminently watchable and an unforgettable journey.