Watch Ridley Road
- Not Rated
- 2021
- 1 Season
-
6.8 (2,946)
Ridley Road is a captivating thriller drama series from PBS, set in the 1960s East London. The series follows a young Jewish woman named Vivien Epstein, played by Agnes O'Casey, who is determined to fight fascism and racism in the United Kingdom. With the rise of neo-Nazism and the immigration of Jewish refugees, Vivien takes it upon herself to infiltrate a local neo-Nazi group, who operate in the Ridley Road area.
The show features an ensemble cast, with several renowned actors. Rory Kinnear portrays Supt. Bryne, the head of the Special Branch in London. Eddie Marsan plays Harry Nathan, a businessman and Vivien's boyfriend. Tom Varey portrays Jack Morris, a communist and fellow activist in the Anti-Fascist movement. Tracy-Ann Oberman plays Gloria, Vivien's sister-in-law, and Danny Sykes portrays her brother, who encourages Vivien to leave her activism behind.
Samantha Spiro plays Mrs. Michaels, a member of the 62 Group, an anti-fascist Jewish organization. Will Keen portrays Colin Jordan, the real-life leader of the white nationalist party who operated in the UK during the 1960s. Julia Krynke plays Jane Kennedy, Vivien's friend and coworker, who unwittingly becomes involved in Vivien's undercover mission. Tamzin Outhwaite portrays Millie, the leader of the neo-Nazi group, and Rita Tushingham plays Soly, a Holocaust survivor who befriends Vivien.
Gabriel Akuwudike and Allan Corduner play members of the 62 Group, while Nigel Betts portrays the detective tasked with investigating the neo-Nazi group. Newcomers Hannah Traylen and Danny-Boy Hatchard play members of the Holocaust survivor community, and Hannah Onslow portrays a young woman who becomes involved with the neo-Nazi group.
The series is expertly crafted, with fast-paced action, a thrilling plot, and multi-layered characters. The show explores themes of identity, oppression, and resistance, set against the backdrop of 1960s London. From the vibrant color palette to the authentic costumes and set design, every detail is expertly executed, transporting viewers back in time to a place where bigotry and violence were unfortunately all too common.
At its core, Ridley Road is a captivating and emotional journey, showcasing the very best of humanity in the face of hatred and intolerance. The show handles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, encouraging viewers to think critically about the world around them. With its superb acting, expert writing, and stunning visuals, Ridley Road is an essential addition to the PBS lineup, offering a timely reminder of the dangers of fascism and the power of inclusive communities to resist it.
Ridley Road is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 3, 2021 and on PBS