Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role in Derry Girls, stars in the newly released BBC crime series This City Is Ours, which follows the tumultuous life of organized crime in Liverpool and is already receiving rave reviews. The series premiered on March 25, 2025, and features a star-studded cast, including the well-known Sean Bean.
The narrative centers on Michael (played by James Nelson-Joyce), a long-time participant in organized crime who works under gang leader Ronnie (Sean Bean). As Ronnie hints at retirement, Michael's life takes a turn when he falls in love with Diana (Hannah Onslow). The story unfolds against the backdrop of Michael's aspirations for a life away from crime, yet it becomes complicated when a cocaine shipment goes missing, endangering everything he loves.
The BBC described the show as one that explores themes of family, love, and power, stating, "For years, together with Ronnie, Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into the city and beyond, directly from Colombia; but when a shipment goes missing, he knows their kingdom is under attack." The tension mounts when Ronnie’s son, Jamie, expresses his desire to inherit the gang's operation, creating a new layer of conflict in Michael's already precarious situation.
With its intense storyline and emotionally charged performances, viewers are drawn into a world where loyalty and ambition collide. The drama has been dubbed the 'Scouse Sopranos' by fans in response to its gripping depiction of crime and family dynamics. Moreover, reactions to the show have been mixed, with impressive acting acknowledged alongside criticisms about sound quality in the first episode.
While episode one introduced viewers to the high-stakes environment, a shocking twist in episode two caught many off-guard: Sean Bean’s character, Ronnie, is killed off in a brutal scene. Many fans took to social media to express their disbelief, lamenting the quick demise of the character. One viewer posted, "I can't keep watching Sean Bean DIE!" while another commented, "Good series but Sean Bean overhype killed off in ep2 of 8." Despite the uproar over his departure, this moment likely added another layer of intensity to the narrative, setting the stage for Michael's further descent into chaos.
Besides its violent and gripping storylines, the series is favorably noted for its cinematic quality. Some viewers pointed out on social media that the series is visually impressive, with one fan mentioning, "Bit slow. Soundtrack is fantastic. Cinematically looks brilliant." The combination of raw emotion, tension, and high production values suggests This City Is Ours could be a significant player in contemporary drama.
James Nelson-Joyce, who plays Michael, has expressed his admiration for Sean Bean. He recalls moments of mentorship from Bean while on set, where the seasoned actor supported him in navigating the pressures of leading a show. Nelson-Joyce said, "Sean pulled me aside one day and said, ‘James, I know what it’s like to lead a show and the pressures that come with it. If you ever feel overwhelmed or if there’s anything you need to ask me about, or if you just need five minutes to vent, I’m here.’" Such words reflect the collaborative spirit and camaraderie evident within the cast.
As the series progresses, viewers can expect more twists, character development, and the constant struggle for power. This drama is unique in its authentic portrayal of Liverpool’s criminal underbelly, with Bean himself echoing this sentiment by stating that the show captures the hard reality of life in such an environment. He remarked, "A gangster film without violence – it’s not going to run, is it? But I think it’s done very authentically, which can be more distressing, more powerful. If it’s glamorised, it’s not so shocking."
Set against picturesque scenes of Liverpool and a beautifully scaping journey to Spain, This City Is Ours showcases the complexities of the characters involved and the moral quandaries they face in their pursuit of wealth and survival.
The series airs every Sunday on BBC One at 9 PM, with all eight episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. Critics and fans alike are eager to see how Michael will navigate his fractured world post-Ronnie's death and what new challenges await him with Jamie vying for control. As it stands, the initial reception to This City Is Ours indicates that it has struck a chord with audiences and possesses potential as a lasting fixture in the landscape of British television drama.
