The BBC's new crime drama This City Is Ours premiered on March 23, 2025, introducing viewers to a gripping tale of ambition and love set against the backdrop of organized crime in Liverpool. Starring Sean Bean as the ruthless Ronnie Phelan and James Nelson-Joyce as the conflicted Michael Kavanagh, the eight-part series delves into the dark dynamics of a crime family that has dominated the Liverpool cocaine scene for two decades.
The story kicks off with a shocking twist when a drug shipment from Colombia mysteriously goes missing, signaling impending chaos within the gang. This sets the stage for a series of events that will put loyalty, love, and ambition to the ultimate test. Notably, episode one features a lighthearted moment where gang members perform a synchronized dance routine to Andy Williams’ 1950s hit, House of Bamboo, during a family christening, a surprising choice that helped introduce a touch of humor amid the show's darker tones.
Julie Graham, who plays the gang's formidable matriarch Elaine Phelan, described the dancing scene as "iconic," expressing her excitement about its inclusion in the script. In her remarks to HELLO!, she said, "It was a brilliant way to show how close [the family are] and have a bit of fun. I love House of Bamboo, what's not to love? I was really excited." This moment encapsulates the central theme of the show, a dynamic exploration of how familial love can become corrupted by greed and ambition.
The show follows Michael, who has spent his adult life entrenched in crime. When he falls in love with Diana (played by Hannah Onslow), he begins to envision a future beyond the lawless world he has known. However, this budding romance is complicated by the ambitions of Ronnie's son, Jamie (Jack McMullen), who is eager to take over the family business. The tension between Michael and Jamie represents a clash of ideals, with both characters believing they can redefine the gang's future.
Sean Bean's portrayal of Ronnie adds another layer to the narrative. Known for his work in iconic titles like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings, Bean plays a character torn between the loyalty to his friends and the brutal reality of the life they lead. In a recent interview, Bean reflected on his personal life, addressing the mockery he has faced regarding his multiple marriages: "When I look back myself I’m like, ‘F****** hell, that’s quite a few marriages there.’" Despite family jesting, he expressed a strong commitment to his fifth wife, Ashley Moore, who he married in 2017. Bean noted her understanding of the tumultuous life of an actor and asserted his dedication, saying, “She knows I love her and that’s why I will be with her for the rest of my life.”
The ensemble cast also brings a mix of experienced actors and rising stars, including Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role in Derry Girls, and Darcie Shaw, who played a young Judy Garland in the biopic Judy. Adding depth to the narrative, these actors embody various complexities of relationships within the crime world, highlighting the divergence between personal desires and criminal aspirations.
As the first episode aired, anticipation has built around how the story will unfold in the ensuing weeks. The BBC is poised to air new episodes on Sunday nights, giving audiences a weekly dose of drama as Michael struggles to reconcile his love for Diana with the collapsing empire he is a part of. Viewers are eager to see how the story evolves and whether Michael can escape the criminal life that has defined him.
This City Is Ours is not just a crime drama; it’s a narrative about the existential battles between love and ambition, loyalty and betrayal. While gang warfare escalates in Liverpool, at its heart lies the deeply human story of an individual who must confront his essential truths as the world around him crumbles. Tune in to BBC One at 9 PM every Sunday to witness the unfolding drama.
