Boys from the Blackstuff- BBC 4
Discussion
Noticed some re-runs of Boys from the Blackstuff last night on BBC 4 as a tribute to Bernard Hill, (Yosser Hughes).
I remember it was a big thing back in the day, but interesting to see how powerful many episodes still are, (in a world where violence and crime is common on TV), but also how things have changed regarding the way people lived in areas like that back in the early 80s compared to now. It really was a different world then, when benefits didnt even cove rthe basics, vs now how the welfare state has become an often luctrative life choice for some in society.
One has to wonder if is is better now or not? BFTBS shows how desperate some were to have "proper jobs" and how they had to do foreigner jobs for cash to make basic ends meet, but how they all hankered after the pride of having an actual genuine job. And the teams of "sniffers" out to catch them breaking the law.....by grafting for cash..
I know it now goes on, but maybe a society based on a desire to work and work hard, and take pride in that work, is better in some ways to one that protects the vulnerable, but also allows people to use not working, and not having a desire to contribute to become a life choice, and one that earns them more than they ever could working?
I watched about 3 or 4 back to back and it was pretty good stuff. Also great to see the transits and marina vans sliding about racing through building sites. But quite harrowing at times too.
For many who have not seen it, worth a watch. And yes, life was properly like that for some (many) back then.
I remember it was a big thing back in the day, but interesting to see how powerful many episodes still are, (in a world where violence and crime is common on TV), but also how things have changed regarding the way people lived in areas like that back in the early 80s compared to now. It really was a different world then, when benefits didnt even cove rthe basics, vs now how the welfare state has become an often luctrative life choice for some in society.
One has to wonder if is is better now or not? BFTBS shows how desperate some were to have "proper jobs" and how they had to do foreigner jobs for cash to make basic ends meet, but how they all hankered after the pride of having an actual genuine job. And the teams of "sniffers" out to catch them breaking the law.....by grafting for cash..
I know it now goes on, but maybe a society based on a desire to work and work hard, and take pride in that work, is better in some ways to one that protects the vulnerable, but also allows people to use not working, and not having a desire to contribute to become a life choice, and one that earns them more than they ever could working?
I watched about 3 or 4 back to back and it was pretty good stuff. Also great to see the transits and marina vans sliding about racing through building sites. But quite harrowing at times too.
For many who have not seen it, worth a watch. And yes, life was properly like that for some (many) back then.
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