Stylish Television: A Town Called Malice

Last week Sky Max launched a new series, the much anticipated 1980s Crime drama, ‘A Town Called Malice‘. Set sometime in the early 1980s, it is the story of a London Crime Family, the Lord’s, who were formally top dogs in their area, but who now are threatened by newcomers. The youngest member of the family is Gene isn’t really involved in the family business, and is loved up, having met a beautiful bartender,  Cindy Carter, and fell hook, line and sinker for her. Unfortunately, the night he decides to introduce her to his family, and announce his engagement, is the night that the turf way again rears its head, and Gene is pulled into the battle, which ends when Cindy comes to his rescue in a car, mowing down a police officer, who later dies. Cindy and Gene head off to the Costa Del Sol, to the home of his Uncle Tony, a sleazy character with his own skeletons in the cupboard. By the end of the first episode a chain of events is set in motion that means Gene and Cindy may never be able to leave Malaga, neither one way, or another.

This is a gorgeous series with music and 80s styling to die for. Football Factory Director Nick Love is king of mockney crime (sorry Guy Ritchie) and knows that adding some 80s casuals styling to some brilliant music can make up for anything lacking in the script. The cast is pretty good, with Dougray Scott, Jason Flemyng and Martha Plimpton (yes, that Martha Plimpton from The Goonies) playing the older members of the Lord family, whilst Jack Rowan and Tahirah Sharif play the very photogenic Gene and Cindy, just born to wear Ellese and double denim.

Each episode is pretty gorgeous to look at, from the beautiful Spanish scenery, to the neon light signs that dominate, from the opening credits to the various nightclubs that make the backdrop to key scenes.  There is also a sort of ‘Wednesday’ feeling to some scenes, particularly the bizarre but hilarious group dance scene in episode two, when most of the family do a formation dance routine to Rebel Yell by Billy Idol. The clothing and background 80’s soundtrack also bring to mind The Business, with ‘Avalon’ by Roxy Music playing a pivotal part in both.

The music is absolutely a high point, The series is named after the most famous song from early 80’s superstars The Jam, with each episode is named after a song, for instance, ‘Daddy Cool’ and ‘I want to know what love is’. Each episode ends with a video of a famous 80’s hit, with episode two ending with ‘Shout’ by Tears for Fears. This makes it the perfect series for those who love their drama with a slice of 80’s musical nostalgia on the side.

You can currently binge the whole series on Sky, or watch each Thursday on Sky Max.

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