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Run is a compelling and emotionally charged drama series from Channel 4 which aired in 2013. Set in the heartland of contemporary London’s forgotten underbelly, the series paints a raw, dark, and deeply atmospheric picture of life in modern Britain. Each episode focuses on one of the four lead characters, as their worlds collide in unexpected and visceral ways. Because each character’s narrative is self-contained, the four-part series retains the flavor of a short film anthology although it is unified by shared characters and settings.

The narrative structure of Run is distinctive as the focus shifts between the four principal characters, revealing them as complex, three-dimensional figures negotiating a maze of personal challenges and social issues. This format allows for a deep dive into the interconnected lives of these individuals who are on the run either from their past, their present or an uncertain future.

The series hinges on life's inevitable aspect, consequence, through a prism of seemingly minor everyday choices. What sets Run apart is its exploration of how these choices can trigger a ripple effect that not only dramatically shatters the course of the individual's life but also those around them.

Character one is Carol, played by Olivia Colman, a tough single mother striving to keep her family together, but when she discovers her teenage sons are involved in a terrible crime, she faces an impossible decision. The second character is Ying, portrayed by Katie Leung, an illegal immigrant from China, who sells illegal DVDs and stolen phones on the streets of Brixton. Faced with a desperate situation, she finds herself involved with a dangerous Chinese gang.

The third character is Richard, performed by Lennie James, a recovering heroin addict who spends every day struggling to stay clean. His life runs into turbulence when a face from the past reappears, threatening to shatter his new identity. Lastly, the viewers meet Kasia, played by Katharina Schüttler, a Polish cleaner, who's smart and determined to make a life for herself in London. When her employer makes her an offer, she can't refuse, her life spirals out of control.

Run deftly weaves the narratives of these four people, whose lives intersect in surprising and tragic ways. The show has a unique storytelling strategy that takes the viewer into the underbelly of London, immersing them in a world where making the right decision is always difficult, and the consequences of those decisions are always significant.

True-to-life performances, especially from Olivia Colman and Lennie James, add depth to their characters, drawing in the audience and emphasizing the gripping narratives. The harshly emotive scripts keep the viewers gripped from the start to the end of every scene, creating feelings of tension, exhilaration and empathy. Known for its gritty realism, Run has been highly praised for its portrayal of an unseen London that resides off the pages of tourist guides.

The production design of Run deserves a special mention, creating a grimy yet realistic image of a lesser-known London. The spit-and-sawdust pubs, dilapidated council estates, and murky alleyways are a far cry from the common representation of the city on screen, making Run a very distinctive British drama.

In addition to the hard-hitting script and powerful performances, the series brings to light controversial and relevant social issues, such as immigration, crime, drug abuse, and poverty. The fact that these issues remain relevant today underlines the series' ongoing significance.

The series is directed by newcomers Jonathan Pearson, Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan, and Marlon Smith, whose fresh perspective adds to the raw intensity of the drama. Meanwhile, the writing duo - Marlon Smith and Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan impart a perceptive and insightful drama with well-drawn character arcs and multi-layered plotlines.

In essence, Run is a show that depicts the hard truths of contemporary British society. It presents an uncompromisingly realistic portrayal of lives constantly on the edge, where a single decision can lead to a cascade of life-altering consequences. Blending masterful storytelling with a dose of stark realism, Run is a must-watch for viewers interested in gritty dramas. This critical darling is a bold exploration of life, choice, and consequence that is bound to leave an impact on its viewers.

Run is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between July 3, 2013 and on Channel 4