Watch My Mother and Other Strangers

My Mother and Other Strangers is a PBS Masterpiece television series that first premiered in 2016. Set in a small rural town in Northern Ireland during World War II, the show follows the Coyne family, who live in a close-knit community that is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of American soldiers. The series explores themes of love, family, war, and community, as well as the tensions that arise between locals and outsiders.

The show's main protagonist is Rose Coyne (Hattie Morahan), a schoolteacher and mother of three who is married to Michael Coyne (Owen McDonnell), a farmer and local hero of sorts. The show's narrative revolves around Rose's struggles to reconcile her love for her family and sense of duty with her desire for something more. This is complicated by the arrival of the charismatic and enigmatic Captain Dreyfuss (Aaron Staton), a pilot with the US Army Air Corps who is stationed in the town to assist with the war effort.

The show is notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Northern Irish landscape and the bustling, crowded nature of the small town. The direction and production are also impressive, with a keen attention to detail that immerses the viewer in the period setting. The music, too, adds to the show's overall tone and mood, with an understated score that enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.

One of the unique aspects of My Mother and Other Strangers is its exploration of the relationships between the characters. Rose's love for her family, particularly Michael and her children, is a running theme throughout the show, and the complex nature of their relationship is explored in detail. Michael, too, is shown to be a nuanced character, caught between his love for his family and his sense of duty to his country.

Captain Dreyfuss, meanwhile, adds an element of intrigue to the show. His arrival causes a stir in the town, due both to his status as an American soldier and his apparent interest in Rose. Through his interactions with characters like Rose, Michael, and Father Daly (Ian McElhinney), the show explores the tensions that arise between outsiders and locals and the ways in which perceptions of outsiders can change over time.

Overall, My Mother and Other Strangers is a compelling and emotionally resonant series that masterfully captures the complexities of life during wartime. Its strong performances, stunning visuals, and nuanced storytelling make it a must-see for fans of historical and character-driven dramas.

My Mother and Other Strangers is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between June 18, 2017 and on PBS Masterpiece