When The Boat Comes In Series 3 - The Memorable TV DVD Review

In the North East in the 1920’s working class Jack Ford determines to rise above his station and make his mark on the world. By this third season Jack is doing well for himself and is heavily involved with Sir Horatio Manners but still tied up with the Seaton family.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

By this third series (broadcast in 1977) When The Boat Comes In was one of the most popular shows on TV, James Bolam proving himself to be one of the best actors in the UK with his portrayal of the rough diamond Jack Ford, heavily concerned with the depressed days of the North East post world war one When The Boat Comes In paints a fascinating picture of a world going through tremendous change, a time when ordinary folk could for the first time rise above their apparent station in life. Key storylines in this season see Jack tangled up in the affairs of the scheming Horatio Manners becoming managing director of his engineering company (but still managing to look after his union men in the process); Jack setting up a divorce for himself and Dolly (who of course has moved in with Tom Seaton) and then getting friendly with the glamorous Lady Caroline (Lois Baxter) and mingling with the polite society of London.

Over the course of these fifteen episodes Jack pretty much achieved all he wanted to and there was a sense of closure with other characters such as old Bill getting his much needed operation and Billy getting his own medical practice (albeit one for people without any money). With Jack swanning off to America at the end of this series it looked like that was it and for four years it was when the show then returned with Jack older and not necessarily wiser. Season Four is coming soon from Acorn.

This is quality drama, very entertaining, very watchable and nicely packaged in a 6 disc box set (which is also available to buy in separate volumes). Well worth adding to your collection.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

Production notes, cast filmographies and a photo gallery.