"The Lakes" (1997) TV series 1997-1999

Creator:

Jimmy McGovern

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

14 September 1997 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Danny Kavanagh leaves Liverpool for the Lake District, finding work at a hotel and love with a local girl named Emma...

Plot Keywords:

Community | Outsider | Lake District | Gambler | TV

Awards:

2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

John Simm	...	Danny Kavanagh (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Elizabeth Bennett	...	Mrs. Archer / ... (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Charles Dale	...	Chef (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Mary Jo Randle	...	Bernie Quinlan (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Kaye Wragg	...	Lucy Archer (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Robert Pugh	...	Father Matthew (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
James Thornton	...	Pete Quinlan (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Samantha Seager	...	Julie (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Robin Laing	...	Joey (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Kevin Doyle	...	John Fisher / ... (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Matt Bardock	...	Albie (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Elizabeth Rider	...	Sheila Thwaite (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Emma Cunniffe	...	Emma Kavanagh / ... (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Paul Copley	...	Peter Quinlan (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Tony Rohr	...	Grandad (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Nicholas Day	...	Mr. Archer / ... (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Clare Holman	...	Simone Fisher / ... (11 episodes, 1997-1999)
Lee Oakes	...	Tharmy (11 episodes, 1997-1999)
Elizabeth Berrington	...	Ruth (11 episodes, 1997-1999)
Jessica Perry	...	Annie Quinlan (11 episodes, 1997-1999)
Barbara Wilshere	...	Dr. Sarah Kilbride / ... (10 episodes, 1997-1999)
Bob Mason	...	Sergeant Slater / ... (10 episodes, 1997-1999)
Marshall Lancaster	...	Ged Hodgson (8 episodes, 1997-1999)
Annabelle Apsion	...	Beverly (8 episodes, 1999)
Amanda Mealing	...	Jo Jo Spiers (7 episodes, 1999)

Runtime:

237 min (4 parts) | 374 min (10 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo | Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M (some episodes) | Australia:MA (some episodes) | UK:18

Filming Locations:

Cumbria, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

References "Star Trek" (1966)

Astonishingly impactful television!!

This remarkable series has already been repeated on Australian television, and as far as I'm concerned it can be repeated each year, and nothing will come anywhere near it. The sharpness of Jimmy McGovern's script, the breathtaking performance by John Simm, the direction of David Blair, and the awesome landscape of the Lake District form the foundation of this 4-part series.

There are many layers and sub-texts to this story. My family were still discussing it for months after the first viewing. Not all the decisions made by the characters in this story will be popular with viewers, but they are realistic indeed. So realistic that one is likely to feel uncomfortable with the result.

As a rites of passage tale, "The Lakes" is almost mythological in its strength, gritty realism, and impact.

I look forward to the further work of this remarkable writer.